WHEN it comes to hybrid vehicles Lexus and parent company Toyota have been making them longer than most – so it is no surprise then that their latest offering is up there with the very best.
The 2023 Lexus NX450h has comfort, luxury and performance with a great kit list on the range topping F Sport plug-in hybrid Takumi version we got to try out recently.
Dealing with performance first the figures are impressive for a substantial SUV… 0 to 60 in just 6.3 seconds, a top speed of 124 yet a possible mpg figure of over 300 miles thanks to a 227kW motor that can also provide a claimed 43 miles of electric only range from a full charge.
Together with the 2.5 petrol four cylinder engine in sport mode the NX has 305bhp on tap which makes it brisk to say the least, but go into eco and it then stretches out fuel consumption… in a week of driving I only managed to use half a tank despite several long-ish motorway journeys and lots of around town trips.
The e-CVT auto transmission is also smooth and seamless although it does allow the engine noise to rise somewhat if you boot it.
However, luxury and comfort are arguably more what a Lexus is all about so again no surprise that you are wafted along on heated and cooled leather electric seats with memory function at the front (including steering wheel adjustment).
The interior is a very nice place to be with quality materials used throughout and on the equipment list are must haves like a heads up display, adaptive cruise control, power tailgate, 360 degree camera system and an easy to use 14” central infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument binnacle.
I also like the way the cruise control display is included in heads up information and lane assist on the NX is not the ‘ping pong’ type on some cars where you can find yourself weaving from side to side in a motorway lane.
Supple and not too harsh sports suspension gives a smooth ride and unlike some SUVs the NX does not feel wallowy in corners inspiring confidence in the car’s ability on the more twisty roads. Also the twin motor set up means you have the added advantage of permanent four wheel drive.
Then there is the third generation Lexus Safety System plus which includes front and rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist, blind spot monitors plus Safe Exit Assist.
And there is the way the NX looks with real street presence from that corporate Lexus front design and its overall sporty appearance enhanced by an F-Sport styling kit and badging.
So all this comfort, equipment, performance and style must come with a cost and our test car comes in at £63,550 – a lot of cash but good value against similarly equipped competitors and the NX range does start at £44,500 for the non-plug in 350 version.
More info at www.lexus.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth