With the increase in plug-in hybrid sales in Australia, Lexus has reintroduced the NX450h+ PHEV to the market for the first time since March 2023, when a stop sale was imposed on the SUV.

The pause was due to supply shortages and a two-year waiting list extending into 2025. The reintroduced NX450h+ is now available exclusively in the F-Sport grade, with the Enhancement Pack 2 fitted.

Sales of plug-in hybrids have risen by 100% in 2024, although from a small base. The model returns just before a significant Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for plug-in vehicles is removed.

The starting price for the NX450h+ is AUD 95,000 (US$ 58,830) plus on-road costs, which is AUD 5,910 higher than the price in March 2023. The NX450h+ shares a platform and powertrain with the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, which is not available in Australia.

The NX450h+ features a 136 kW/227 Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, paired with a 134 kW/270 Nm front e-motor and a second electric motor producing 40 kW and 121 Nm, driving the rear wheels. The combined output enables the NX450h+ to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

A notable feature of the NX450h+ is its 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is claimed to provide up to 87 km of pure electric driving under ADR 81/02 (NEDC) lab testing.

This range surpasses that of the Mazda CX-60 (76 km), Volvo XC60 (81 km), and Mitsubishi Outlander (84 km). The official fuel economy is 1.3 L/100 km, based on PHEV lab testing, although this figure is often seen as unrealistic.

NX versions sold between January and November 2024, reflect a 11.8% decline in sales compared to the same period in 2023. Despite the limited stock, the NX450h+ and the NX350h accounted for 74.4% of all NX deliveries in 2024, while the base NX250 made up 25.6% of sales.

Despite a downturn in the medium SUV segment priced above AUD 60,000, the NX remains the second best-selling model in this category, following the Tesla Model Y.

Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas acknowledged the patience of customers, stating that efforts were underway to ensure a steady supply by working closely with production teams in Japan.

Additionally, Lexus has confirmed that the petrol ES 250 mid-size sedan will be discontinued from the 2025 line-up, leaving only the ES 300h+ hybrid model, which accounts for 90% of deliveries.

As of November 2024, 74.5% of Lexus vehicle deliveries involved hybrid, PHEV, or battery electric powertrains, positioning the brand towards its goal of achieving a 100% electrified line-up by 2030.