The 2027 Lexus NX 450h+ moves to a bigger battery for more than 100km of electric range, and it adds DC fast charging, a first for any Lexus plug-in hybrid. The figures come from European and US specifications, and final numbers may vary by market.
What has changed under the floor?
The biggest update sits beneath the cabin. The NX plug-in hybrid now uses a 23kWh battery, which Lexus says raises electric range by almost 40 per cent. As a result, projected WLTP range climbs to more than 100km, though that figure remains provisional and is a manufacturer estimate.
For drivers who can charge at home or at work, that change should make electric-only commuting more realistic. Meanwhile the petrol engine stays available for longer trips, so the car keeps its flexibility.
Why does DC fast charging matter here?
Another first for the NX 450h+ is DC fast charging, making it the first Lexus plug-in hybrid to offer the feature. According to Lexus, charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes, again a manufacturer estimate at this stage.
Furthermore, DC fast charging is still uncommon among plug-in hybrids, since most rely mainly on AC charging. Therefore access to faster public chargers could give the NX more flexibility on longer journeys.
What are the European specifications?
Lexus lists three European variants. Firstly, the NX 350h front-wheel-drive pairs a 2.5-litre hybrid with an e-CVT, produces 199hp and reaches 100km/h in 7.7 seconds. Secondly, the NX 350h all-wheel-drive keeps the same 199hp but cuts the sprint to 7.3 seconds.
The NX 450h+ all-wheel-drive sits at the top. It uses a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid, produces 307 DIN hp and reaches 100km/h in 6.1 seconds. In addition, all three share a 1,500kg towing capacity. Lexus notes that European figures are provisional and may change after final homologation, and that specifications can vary by market.
How is the range split into grades?
For the United States, Lexus has confirmed four grades across the NX 350h and NX 450h+. These are Premium, Premium+, F SPORT and Luxury.
Premium and Premium+ versions of the NX 350h will be offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Meanwhile the F SPORT and Luxury models get all-wheel drive as standard. The NX 450h+ will be all-wheel drive across the range. However, Lexus points out that trim names and equipment can vary between markets.
Which markets will get it?
For now, the answer is unclear beyond Europe and the US. Lexus notes that availability and specifications can vary by market.
Price will be the bigger question. The NX 450h+ would need to make sense alongside the existing NX 350h. In addition, local charging infrastructure and market specifications will be important. So, for the moment, the European and US figures serve as a preview rather than confirmed global specifications.
What does this signal for Lexus?
Taken together, the changes show Lexus leaning further into electrified powertrains across the wider NX range. The larger battery and DC fast charging address two common complaints about plug-in hybrids, namely short electric range and slow charging.
Consequently, the NX plug-in hybrid should suit buyers who want an electric daily drive without giving up a petrol engine for longer journeys. As the figures firm up after homologation, the case for the car will become clearer, especially for markets still weighing up charging infrastructure.
