2018 Lexus NX

Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid launches in SA: here’s how much it costs

Lexus is introducing its second plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model in South Africa with the launch this week of the NX 450h+ PHEV F Sport.

As a more compact alternative to the Lexus RX 450+ that was introduced in April, the mid-size NX 450h+ is priced at R1,336,200, a R110,500 premium over the less powerful NX 350h, which is a conventional self-charging hybrid.

Pairing a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine to two electric motors, with one on each axle, the NX 450h+ PHEV boasts a system output of 227kW. This makes it theoretically capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds.

The e-motors allow for all-electric driving at speeds of up to 135km/h, while the 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery allows a WLTP claimed range of up to 76km on electric power alone on the combined cycle.

Not only does Lexus claim a higher EV range than its rivals, but as the system defaults to a self-charging hybrid system when the battery is depleted, the company claims 30% better fuel consumption in that scenario.

 
Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV (2024) Price & Specs

The Lexus NX range in South Africa has launched a new plug-in hybrid derivative, named the NX 450h+ F Sport. Here’s how much this fresh plug-in flagship costs…

The Lexus NX line-up in South Africa now includes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) derivative, with the freshly added NX 450h+ F Sport slotting in at the summit of the range.

Priced from R1 336 200, the NX 450h+ F Sport combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a pair of electric motors (one front and one rear) and an 18.1 kWh battery pack. This PHEV set-up generates total system power of 227 kW, while Lexus opts not to list a combined peak torque figure (though it’s worth noting the 4-cylinder engine alone offers 227 Nm).

How much does the Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV cost in SA?

Lexus NX 250 EX R986 800
Lexus NX 350h EX R1 029 400
Lexus NX 350h SE R1 197 300
Lexus NX 350 F Sport R1 224 800
Lexus NX 350 F Sport R1 225 700
Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport PHEV R1 336 200

The prices above include a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and a 7-service/105 000 km maintenance plan. Hybrid models furthermore benefit from an 8-year/195 000 km warranty on the battery pack.

 
DRIVEN: Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV is a luxurious SUV that offers the best of both worlds

It seems when it comes to cars and methods of propulsion, the world is still struggling to decide if it really wants to go all-electric.

Companies that previously promised to screech down electric avenue at full throttle are now easing back on their investments as demand is proving to be slower than expected.

In the midst of all this chaotic indecision that puts many automotive livelihoods at stake, plug-in hybrid vehicles, otherwise known as PHEVs, are starting to make more sense as a bridge between the two worlds that could potentially offer the best of both.

Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus were early pioneers in the hybrid space, so it’s no surprise that the carmaker is now upping its game in the plug-in hybrid segment too.

Following the introduction of the Lexus RX 450h PHEV late last year, the luxury brand has introduced a second plug-in hybrid to its range.

 
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