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By Jonathan Crouch

Lexus has at last brought us a plug-in hybrid, in the form of this NX 450h+. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 53

The NX 450+ may be the first plug-in hybrid Lexus, but it's been created with a greater wealth of engineering experience than has been devoted to any other mid-sized premium brand SUV segment rival. There's up to 47 miles of all-electric driving range, sharp looks and a sumptuous cabin. It's a strong contender.

Backgroundword count: 122

It's rather confusing that Lexus has never bought us a plug-in hybrid before the NX 450+ plug-in model we look at here. After all, the brand has championed hybrid engines for the last decade and in 2020, even bought us a full-EV, the UX 300e. But never a petrol plug-in, until this car, despite all the relevant tech being on offer to the company through parent conglomerate Toyota. Given that kind of build-up, you'd hope for something pretty special from this petrol/electric plug-in NX and, on paper, the signs seem quite promising. This is the second generation NX design, it's 95% completely new and there's a completely different level of interior quality on offer. The Germans need to take this one seriously.

Driving Experienceword count: 261

As with any other NX (including the previous one), there's a 2.5-litre four cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine under the bonnet paired up to an electric motor on the front axle, while another separate motor powers the rear. What's different here is that there's a much bigger battery powering those motors - it's 18.1 kWh in size - which Lexus claims can give you up to 47 miles of all-electric range. Top speed in EV mode is 83mph. Total output is 305bhp. And there's the usual Lexus Shiftmatic auto gearbox. You can expect refinement to be exemplary. And performance to be more than ample - 62mph takes 6.3s, providing you avoid the drive mode system's 'Normal' and 'Eco' modes and select 'Sport'. This MK2 NX will handle the turns better thanks to a stiffer body shell, a 20mm lower centre of gravity, better weight balance and increased track width at each end. All of this, along with this MK2 NX model's 30% stuffer GA-K chassis, has enabled the engineers here to deliver what the brand calls its 'Lexus Driving Signature', a supposedly ideal combination of comfort and handling dynamics apparently honed by professional racing drivers. With so much power on tap, you don't need to work the four-cylinder engine as hard as you would in the lesser NX 350h self charging hybrid version of this car, so there's less 'moo-ing' from the CVT auto gearbox when you flex your right foot. Don't expect a whole of the steering feedback but there's exemplary refinement - just as you'd expect from a Lexus.

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