The one PHEV to rule them all? 2024 Lexus RX plugs in, but when is this Mazda CX-90 and Audi Q8 rival coming to Australia?

Lexus Australia is no closer to confirming timing for its RX plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), but remains committed to the powertrain as it launches in overseas markets like the US.

From the onset of the new-generation Lexus RX that launched in February, the premium Japanese brand has been adamant it will bring in a PHEV version of its large SUV to Australia, though it remains unclear exactly when it will arrive.

At the time, Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said “it’s about timing… globally, we’re looking at where those cars are going based on carbon standards and policies”.

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This means the RX PHEV is being prioritised for markets like Europe and the US, where it has only recently gone on sale.

Like its smaller NX sibling, the RX 450h+ pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with dual-electric motors for a combined system output of 227kW.

And with an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery in tow, the RX can travel up to 65km from a single charge before the petrol engine takes over.

The RX PHEV can also return a fuel economy figure of just 1.2 litres per 100km, while also able to sprint from 0-100km/h in around 7.0 seconds.

And given the NX 450h+ PHEV has been so popular in Australia that Lexus has had to stop taking orders for the mid-size SUV, the RX version is also expected to be a big hit here – if, that is, the price is right.

In the UK, the RX 450h+ powertrain is offered across three grades, Premium Pack, Premium Plus Pack and Takumi, and starts under the top-spec RX 500h that retails for $124,675 before on-road costs here in Australia.

There’s clearly plenty of free air between the current flagship RX 500h F Sport performance and the RX 350h series-parallel hybrids that tops out with the $110,575 Sports Luxury for the PHEV to plug in.

Regardless of where it sits in the RX line-up, expect the plug-in version to feature a wide array of standard equipment like many Lexus models.

With international-spec cars, the RX 450h+ is available with 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, powered front seats with heating and cooling, wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 21-speaker Mark Levison sound system, and a 14.0-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Expect a wide assortment of active safety equipment when the RX 450h+ arrives Down Under too, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.