The Japanese giant Toyota may be taking giant steps in 100% electric through its BZ (“Below Zero”) range, but it is not a question of abandoning the technology in which it has excelled for years, and of which it was architect. .main, the hybrid. But as time progresses and anti-contamination standards evolve towards more and more stringency, simple hybridization has gone from being an innovative and virtuous technology to a simple market standard. To the point where Toyota has now even left it in the public domain.
Profitable enough and above all efficient enough with respect to the new CO2 ceilings, especially in Europe. As a result, many hybrid models and especially SUVs are now penalized with fines. Nonsense, especially in Lexus, whose range consists mainly of SUVs and large sedans.
Goal: further refine PHEV technology
This is why the luxury brand has been forced and forced to move faster in electrification. First it went through the UX300e, the first 100% electric in the Toyota galaxy, which guarantees Lexus its first zero-emission model. A success, but not enough on its own. And rather than “PHEVising” its large models a bit hastily, as many German premium manufacturers have done, Toyota has preferred to integrate its plug-in hybrid powertrain into the best-selling Lexus range to make it a model of efficiency.
The goal is ambitious, as the market segment is now competitive. But to put all its chances on your side, Lexus has chosen its intermediate SUV model, the NX. A true solid SUV with high legs (almost 1.70 meters), with suggestive and sharp lines, but with the typical trunk of the format (Lexus has not given in to the fashion for SUV Coupés…), the machine imposes without ceasing to be relatively compact at 4.60 meters. And this Executive trim equipped with the Innovation Pack is equipped with an interior that has made the Lexus reputation, very elegant while remaining understated, with black and cream leather upholstery of the most beautiful effect, highlighted with orange stitching.
The strong point: a rather dynamic SUV
At the wheel, a little surprise. We’re not going to talk about spectacular automotive sensations, but this Lexus SUV is interestingly distinguished by its dynamism, steering and road feel that are quite lively, unlike the usual models that tend to completely isolate themselves from the road until everything is erased. sensation. There, the damping is supple but not rubbery, the steering informative enough, we’re far from the mushy pachyderm. And it’s a nice and rather unexpected feeling, especially since the NX’s quiet operation is absolutely amazing, both from a mechanical noise and road noise standpoint. It is undoubtedly the most impressive Lexus model in this area, and therefore of the entire segment.
As for the plug-in hybrid powertrain, it’s pretty substantial. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder heat engine (185 horsepower), associated with a 182-horsepower electric motor also at the front… and even a second 44-horsepower motor at the rear. All this is combined with an 18 kWh rechargeable battery.
A whole artillery of more than 400 horses, but which drives the NX 450h+ with great smoothness and ease, with its 4-wheel drive. In addition, the mass of the machine justifies it (2.5 tons).
But with that said, speeds, whether in full electric or hybrid mode, are very correct, with a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds when all electric and thermal units work together. But all with a lot of engine noise, due to the use of the traditional continuously variable transmission.
exemplary sobriety
But the NX 450h+ was especially expected for its performance in terms of consumption. And already, excellent surprise: a full charge (2h30 on charger with type 2 cable, quite fast) allows first of all to drive 70 kilometers in fully electric mode, or even push almost 100 (WLTP manufacturer figures) in strictly urban driving, by maximizing energy recovery during braking thanks to the paddles on the steering wheel.
If yours did not manage to reach these last figures, instead we are widely between 70 and 80 under normal conditions of use, which places this entry-level model among the best in the segment for this year (only the Volvo XC90, much larger and with a more solid battery, it manages to cover 80 to 100 kilometers). Which serenely contemplates two days of daily urban commutes without recharging. A real very good surprise.
In hybrid mode, properly charged, it’s hard to do more than 4 liters on 100 as the electric units often take over from the motor, all very smooth and quiet. But the real touchstone for this type of engine is the flat battery test. These heavy machines usually see their consumption skyrocket when this is the case, and especially on the road.
But there, surprise again, the NX 450h+ manages to remain very sober, rarely exceeding 7 liters per 100 kilometers, where the old Mitsubishi PHEV or Volvo XC references see their consumption sometimes exceed 8 or 10 liters. Quite a performance for a machine that weighs more than 2 tons, but which has a relatively simple explanation in Toyota/Lexus: the battery never discharges 100%, maintaining an adequate minimum capacity to continue helping the thermal unit and reducing consumption . A true tour de force that is clearly paying off.
The black point: a very salty addition
Still, this real technological progress comes at a cost. The note is copious, at a base price of 74,490 euros, and 76,990 if we add the Innovation Pack. A very expensive machine, more so than the premium German equivalents, admittedly less efficient in terms of consumption (BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC plug-in hybrids). We can even add to the list the new Mazda CX-60 plug-in hybrid, which will undoubtedly pick it up from the point of view of autonomy (60-70 kilometers also in electric). Only the Volvo XC60 beats it in terms of price with the same finish.
But the value for money seems justified in terms of perceived quality, irreproachable, brand image, high technicality and above all in terms of economy and long-term consumption, without any penalty. In addition, the absence of TVS will make it a very interesting option for professional clients.
And in a world of motoring that is racing to be 100% electric first and foremost, Toyota and Lexus are making a splash with this NX 450h+, which is therefore, with evidence to back it up, the most efficient machine in its segment and, without a doubt, the ideal SUV. in this era in which electrification is necessary, but where current events show that we are also far from having finished with thermal technology. The best of both worlds.
Source: BFM TV
