New Lexus NX gets a bigger battery and the brand’s first plug-in hybrid to support DC charging

Bigger battery expands the plug-in hybrid’s capabilities

According to a Lexus press release, the new NX will make its European debut at the Nitto ATP Finals tennis tournament in Turin. The most significant change lies beneath the bodywork: the NX 450h+ battery capacity rises from 18 kWh to 23 kWh, an increase of approximately 28 per cent.

The plug-in hybrid’s provisional total system output reaches 218 kW, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h taking approximately 6.1 seconds. The manufacturer forecasts a WLTP electric range of more than 96 km, although final type-approval figures are not yet available.

The NX 450h+ is the first Lexus plug-in hybrid to support DC fast charging. Charging the battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 28 minutes, according to the manufacturer. The press material does not disclose peak charging power.

The car starts in electric mode by default and continues as a petrol-electric hybrid once the battery’s usable charge is depleted. The larger battery and the ability to charge it more quickly en route offer greater scope for electric driving, although actual results depend on driving and charging conditions.

• NX 450h+: provisional total system output of 218 kW, 23 kWh battery, all-wheel drive and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.1 seconds.

• The plug-in hybrid’s provisional WLTP electric range exceeds 96 km; DC charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 28 minutes.

• NX 350h: provisional total system output of 140 kW, front- or all-wheel drive; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.8 or 7.7 seconds respectively.

• Dimensions: length 4690 mm, width 1865 mm, height 1660 mm and wheelbase 2690 mm. According to the manufacturer, all versions have a permitted towing capacity of up to 1500 kg.

• The European debut takes place at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin; the new NX arrives in showrooms in spring 2027.

Full hybrid stays in the range as towing capacity increases

The NX 350h continues as a full hybrid without external charging capability. Lexus is reducing its battery weight and cell count, and modifying the cooling system. Provisional total system output is 140 kW. The front-wheel-drive version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.8 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive version takes 7.7 seconds.

Both powertrains combine a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric drive and use an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on the NX 450h+ and optional on the NX 350h. Lexus has revised the all-wheel-drive control system to broaden the range of situations in which it engages.

According to the manufacturer, the permitted towing capacity of all versions rises to 1500 kg, an increase of 500 kg. This is also a practical addition for European buyers who need their SUV to tow a trailer as well as handle everyday journeys.

New cabin conceals controls and adds fragrance

A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14-inch multimedia screen take centre stage in the cabin. The horizontal dashboard follows the Clean x Tech design approach, with some controls becoming visible only as a hand approaches. They provide physical feedback when touched.

According to the manufacturer, the new generation of LexusConnect offers four times faster data processing, eight times the storage capacity and 256 GB of memory. The navigation map also appears in the driver’s instrument cluster. A dedicated EV menu in the plug-in hybrid brings together charging information, battery status and settings.

Sensory Concierge comes to the European NX for the first time, bringing together cabin lighting, music, climate settings, seat temperature and fragrance. The system uses three interchangeable fragrance cartridges and connects to the ventilation system. The car offers three main modes and 50 lighting colours to set the mood.

Smart Digital Key+, which can be integrated into a smartphone or smartwatch, allows access for up to seven users. Depending on the equipment level, additional features include a panoramic roof, a Mark Levinson sound system and electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation.

European roads influence chassis tuning

Lexus is increasing body rigidity through structural changes, laser welding and high-strength adhesive joints. Heavier components are positioned lower and closer to the centre of the car. The manufacturer links these changes to improved ride comfort, less road noise and more composed behaviour on uneven roads.

Engineers tested and tuned the NX at the Shimoyama test centre in Japan, as well as at the Nürburgring and on surrounding roads, to adapt the car to European conditions and buyer preferences. Changes also cover steering feel, driving position, steering wheel size and pedal placement. To reduce noise, Lexus is modifying the shape of the engine block and adding sound-absorbing materials, among other measures.

Externally, the new NX can be recognised by its frameless spindle-shaped grille, new headlights and rear lights with a repeating L motif. F Sport adds gloss-black details, 20-inch wheels and red brake callipers. Length increases by 30 mm to 4690 mm, while the wheelbase remains at 2690 mm.

Final consumption figures and prices are not yet available

All versions receive the latest Lexus Safety System+ driver assistance package. Updates cover collision prevention, adaptive cruise control and lane assistance systems. If it detects that the driver is incapacitated, the emergency stopping system can bring the car to a halt in its lane and switch on the hazard warning lights.

For European buyers, the most substantial changes are the longer electric range, DC charging and increased towing capacity. Alongside these, price and running costs remain unresolved: the press material does not disclose final fuel consumption or CO₂ emissions. Lexus says it will announce prices and specifications later. Power and acceleration figures are also provisional for now.