Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid review finds a serene and thrifty luxe SUV
Remember when the Toyota Prius was blazing its own trail and even Hollywood A-listers were making a green statement by having one in the driveway?
Hybrid popularity has exploded in recent years, especially post-Covid. More than 70 per cent of Lexus vehicles sold here have hybrid technology beneath the skin, and by 2030 the brand forecasts its entire Australian fleet will be full electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrids.
Which explains the arrival of a new iteration of the RX, the large Lexus SUV, which has been pivotal over the past 20 years in luring luxury buyers away from the big German brands.
The RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid, which can run on pure electric power for about 65km but then also has the backup of a petrol engine with a 55L tank.
Priced from about $135k in your driveway, the new offering sits between two hybrid siblings – the base 350h at $105,300 and the turbocharged 500h F Performance that remains atop the RX heap at $142,670.
The plug-in hybrid realm is rapidly moving, while the nation's top three overall vehicles sellers last month were the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max, coming in fourth was the BYD Shark 6, which is indeed a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 80km.
Having recently driven the Haval H6 GT PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the RX 450h+ is more likely to be shopped against the BMW X5 xDrive50e that has a range of about 100km ($170,500 drive-away) or the Volvo XC90 Recharge which is good for 77km ($148,320 drive-away).
What do you get?
Lexus typically excels in the standard features realm and the RX is no exception.
Riding on 21-inch alloys, the cabin feels and looks high-end with curved surfaces and leather trim.
The plug-in hybrid is only available in Sports Luxury specification, which includes an electric boot door with kick sensor, 14-inch central touchscreen, wireless phone charger, 21-speaker stereo system, panoramic sunroof, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ample room is available in the back for adults, with other luxuries including three-zone aircon, heated and ventilated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, sunshades in rear doors, along with power reclining and folding back seats. The seats can also be dropped via buttons in the boot – brilliant when loading sporting equipment or awkward-size items.
Colour options include white, black, titanium, grey, silver, red, copper, khaki and blue.
Six interior combinations to choose from, with browns combining with bamboo and black shades, plus white with bamboo or black.
Charging takes about 7.5 hours to completely replenish using a standard home power point and a 10-amp charger that comes with the car, or 2.5 hours using a 32 amp public charging system.
Capped price servicing is available for the first five, costing $695 each.
Lexus buyers are also given access to the Encore program, which entitles members to a variety of special events, as well as free loan cars during servicing and when travelling interstate.
How was the drive?
Shifting between electric and petrol power is done seamlessly, similar to what we've experienced with all Lexus hybrids.
The key differential with the plug-in version is the ability to lock the RX into pure electric drive and our test saw it travel 55km before the engine needed to supplement the power.
Typically Lexus-silent in operation, there is a gentle hum when the four-cylinder engine kicks into gear yet remains serene in just about all circumstances.
Despite its electric power the SUV isn't remarkably quick, with a respectable 0-100kmh time of 6.5 seconds.
Cornering is best undertaken with conservatism to avoid body roll, but the RX has always been a vehicle of luxury and comfort – and the plug-in version doesn't deviate from the remit. Those wanting extra punch and cornering ability would need to look at the F Performance derivative.
Buyers of the plug-in are no doubt chasing efficiency and that is best achieved by replenishing the battery. Many people aren't travelling more than 60km a day in their commute so using electric power primarily is conceivable.
The petrol engine does push power back into the battery while the electric motors can also chime in for extra acceleration prowess.
With a full battery you could get close to achieving the official fuel consumption figure of 1.3L/100km, but after depleting its reserves we saw 6.1L/100km on one highway journey. That's still pretty thrifty for a big SUV.
The plug-in does have the smallest fuel tank of the RX range at 55L, but the battery ensures it's the heaviest of the four-model line-up at 2200kg.
Would you buy one?
Kel: While I loved the quiet and serene ride, I felt like it was an old man's car. That's being stereotypical, but it was sensible and luxurious without much excitement factor. The luxury plug-in hybrid space isn't super-popular yet, and I would probably side with a full electric model for some extra pizzazz.
Grant: The RX 450h+ does what it says on the tin. Buyers wanting an efficient SUV and don't undertake long daily travels will love the thrifty operating costs. Lexus has an excellent reputation for longevity and reliability so it's a safe option for those shopping for a luxurious plug-in.
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