Lexus NX 450h: Multiplier | STERN.de

Lexus NX 450h
multiplier

The all-wheel drive ensures traction

© press-inform – the press office

Toyota is packing the plug-in hybrid powertrain of the RAV4 into the second generation of the Lexus NX. The transplant succeeds, but there is a catch.

There are great expectations for the second generation of the Lexus NX. The middle class crossover should help to significantly increase the market share in Europe. The hybrid veterans from the Far East have of course understood that this only works with consistent electrification and will be offering a plug-in hybrid version in Germany from the turn of the year. This comes from the sister model Toyota RAV4 with which the Lexus NX shares the GA-K platform. That means an 18.1 kilowatt hour battery that promises a WLTP range of up to 76 kilometers. The system reported a purely electric range of 68 kilometers and a total distance of 679 kilometers. Japanese engineers proudly announce that 95 percent of the parts on the NX are new. This is visually noticeable: the second generation of the SUV is sturdier and has a significantly stiffer body.

The drive train consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 136 kW / 185 hp, a 136 kW / 185 hp electric motor at the front and another electric motor with 40 kW at the rear, resulting in a system output of 227 kW / 309 hp leads. That is 2 kW / 2.7 PS more than its brother and results in quite reasonable driving performance: 100 km / h are reached in 6.3 seconds and the electronics drop anchor at 200 km / h. As long as you don’t line up one intermediate spurt after the other, the CVT transmission does a very well-mannered course. The Lexus NX 450h + is purely electric at speeds of up to 135 km / h, which is sufficient for many driving situations and, given the battery capacity, quite helpful. However, this cannot be said of the charging speed, which is a maximum of 6.6 kW and thus fills the batteries in 2.5 hours. When asked why they didn’t install a faster option, the Lexus managers replied that they charge the car during the night anyway.

The spread of the driving modes Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport plus is clearly noticeable. In the two dynamic driving programs, the 2,050-kilogram crossover reacts enthusiastically to the commands of the accelerator and moves effortlessly between 70 km / h and 100 m / h. This impression changes, however, if you take a more sporty approach. Because from around 4,000 rpm the internal combustion engine whines hard and clearly audible. Toyota states a WLTP consumption of 1.1 l / 100 km. During our test drive, we let the system take control at the push of a button. As long as the batteries have energy, we came to 1.4 l / 100 km – even though it was several kilometers uphill. If you use the paddle shifters, you can use the electric motor brake and shovel energy into the cells by downshifting. Alternatively, the Lexus NX 450h + offers the option of using the combustion engine to shovel energy into the cells while driving. The all-wheel drive ensures traction, the chassis does not leave the occupants in the dark about the nature of the uneven floors and the thigh support of the seats could be a little longer and the lateral support a little more pronounced.

The infotainment, with the 14-inch touchscreen at its center, has been significantly improved. The smartphone can be integrated via Android Auto or wirelessly via Apple CarPlay. The navigation graphics are much more attractive and modern than was previously the case. The impression that the interior has been significantly detoxified is not misleading. The Japanese engineers have reduced the number of controls from 78 to 45. The operation is still intuitive. A good idea is that the function of the two large control elements on the left and right in the valance is shown in the head-up display. It is also practical that the technicians have also thought of the users who still use a USB A port and have one installed at the front. The remaining three connectivity sockets are USB-C.

The 4.66-meter-long Japanese does not do any miracles on the square. The front is comfortable, the back is a bit narrower. The trunk with a volume of 545 liters is properly sized, if you fold the back seat backs, it becomes 1,436 liters. All that remains is the price. The Lexus 450h + costs at least 60,300 euros. For comparison: An Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro is available from 56,500 euros.

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