Lexus has announced a second plug-in hybrid in its line-up.
To be released in April 2025, the Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV costs $123,500, before on-road costs, and uses the same set-up as the smaller NX 450h+, which proved so popular Lexus stopped taking orders due to demand outstripping supply. It is now available to order.
The RX 450h+’s 2.5-litre petrol engine is combined with a pair of electric motors to develop a combined 227kW, enabling the large SUV to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds (claimed).
An 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack endows the RX 450h+ with around 60km of electric-only range, according to the US’s stricter EPA standards. Combined fuel efficiency is rated at 1.3L/100km in the ADR cycle and the battery can be charged at 7kW.
The Lexus RX 450h+ is available only in ritzy Sports Luxury trim in Australia, which puts it just below the flagship turbo hybrid RX 500h F Sport Performance ($127,700, see full price list at bottom).
Equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, semi-aniline leather-accented upholstery, 10-way power adjust front sheets and heating and ventilation for front and rear outboard seats, woodgrain trim and power-reclining rear seats, the RX 450h+ is fully loaded.
In the premium large SUV space, only Volkswagen with its Touareg R and BMW with the BMW X5 50e offer plug-in hybrid power, but both are more performance-oriented — and expensive — than the Lexus RX450h+. Mercedes-Benz and Audi currently don’t have an answer.
“For many Lexus customers, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are the right powertrain for the moment, offering the best of both worlds as we continue to develop infrastructure to support a greater uptake of battery electric vehicles,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas.
Parent company Toyota is also starting to come around to the idea of plug-in hybrids in Australia as Australia enters the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) era, but is yet to add a PHEV to its portfolio.
Lexus RX 450h+ customer deliveries will begin in April.
2025 Lexus RX pricing
Prices listed are before on-road costs
| Variant | Price |
| RX 250h Luxury 2WD | $90,350 |
| RX 350h Luxury AWD | $93,700 |
| RX 350 F Sport AWD | $100,950 |
| RX 350 Sports Luxury AWD | $106,950 |
| RX 350h Sports Luxury AWD | $113,600 |
| RX 450h+ Sports Luxury AWD | $123,500 |
| RX 500h F Sport Performance | $127,700 |
_0.jpg)
.jpg)
