Lexus expands hybrid line-up for Australia with RX 450h+ PHEV

Lexus has confirmed the arrival of the first RX plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for Australia.

Due out later this year, the RX 450h+ will be the most electrified version of the newly-released fifth-generation large luxury SUV range, sitting alongside the RX 500h F Sport Performance turbo-hybrid as a technological flagship.

While pricing and spec will be confirmed later in the year, it will not come cheap.

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Looking at the circa-$30,000 price differences between some RX grades and corresponding versions of the related smaller NX – such as the 350h AWD Sport Luxury from $111,900 and $80,500 respectively (both before on-road costs) – do not be surprised if the RX 450h+ AWD plug-in kicks off from around $125,000, since the NX 450h+ AWD F Sport plug-in currently retails from $90,923 BOC.

Interestingly, the RX 450h+ plug-in’s announcement comes just as Mercedes-Benz has moved away from PHEVs in Australia, as seen in the discontinuation of the imminent next-generation GLC 300e for this market, electing instead to concentrate on mild-hybrid and full battery EVs moving forward.

There is also no PHEV grade in the larger Mercedes-Benz GLE range, which is the RX’s closest competitor. That said, the RX 450h+ will have to contend with other European plug-ins, including the BMW X5 45e from $139,900, Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Plug-In from $125,990, Land Rover Range Rover Velar PHEV R-Dynamic from $138,800 and the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid from $150,900 – all BOC.

So, why the delay at launch while the rest of the latest RX range is now on sale in Australia?

The RX 450h+’s absence is entirely down to limited supply and regional legislation, with Lexus globally prioritising markets adhering to more stringent emissions standards than ours, such as most parts of Europe.

“We will be getting the RX PHEV in Australia,” according to Lexus Australia chief executive, John Pappas.

The RX 450h+ can provide an EV-only range of up to 65km.

“For us at the moment it’s about timing… globally, we’re looking at where those cars are going based on carbon standards and policies.”

With hybrid versions of the NX attracting waiting lists of at least 12 months in some instances, it is natural that Lexus Australia would maximise its electrification options, particularly as the NX and RX 450h+ plug-ins remain the only ones within the wider Toyota network offered in this country for now.

It’s also worth noting that, given that the NX 450h+ is only represented in racy F Sport guise, the RX 450h+ may take a slightly different tack as a full-blown Sport Luxury proposition, though this is only conjecture at this point.

Pricing and spec will be confirmed later this year.

Like the NX PHEV equivalent, the RX 450h+ employs a variation of the series/parallel hybrid system as found in the 350h models (as well as scores of other Toyota and Lexus models using the GA-K branch of the TNGA Toyota New Global Architecture), based on a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle atmo petrol engine.

Combined with a single synchronous permanent magnet 134kW/270Nm electric motor up front, a 40kW/121Nm generator on the rear axle for all-wheel drive and an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the RX 450h+ can provide an EV-only range of up to about 65km as based on the WLTP methodology.

In overseas markets, the RX 450h+ can also scoot to 100km/h from standstill in around 7.0 seconds, or return as little as 1.2 litres per 100km for carbon dioxide emissions rating of just 24 grams per kilometre. Kerb weight is about 2240kg.