THE ALL-NEW LEXUS NX PLUG- IN TEST DRIVE
I really love my SUV’s so when I was invited to test drive the Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid I was more than happy to accept. With the price of fuel sky rocketing there has never been a better time to embrace this new technology.
Many drivers talk about range anxiety with their fully electric vehicles, this model I felt could offer the best of both worlds. The new NX 350h Self-Charging Hybrid and NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid replace a model that has been very successful for Lexus in the UK. Lexus has carried out a total reinvention of the NX range. Its ambition and commitment are demonstrated by the major advances in performance, handling and efficiency and in no less than 95 per cent of the vehicle’s parts being new.
Lexus is renowned for its striking designs, and the NX definitely doesn’t buck that trend with its predator-like front grille and sharp bodywork lines. The new rear light bar is reminiscent of a sci-fi spaceship and looks particularly smart. The sporty looks continue with the sloping coupe style roof line, but despite this there is impressive headroom in the back for three passengers. There’s decent leg room in the second row too, and plenty of storage spots make it easy to store all of your bits and pieces. Compared to the smaller UX and larger RX, the new NX sits right in the middle of the SUV line-up – and for me they have got it just right - not too big and not too small.
My test car was the F SPORT model which has F SPORT 20-inch alloys and dedicated exterior design features including a piano black grille, black roof rails and F SPORT badging. The cabin features an F SPORT steering wheel, aluminium pedals and sports front seats. The package also equips the car with Adaptive Variable Suspension.
WHAT'S THE INSIDE LIKE? Inside the NX is just as unique as it is on the outside, wherever you look and touch, the materials feel premium. You get a choice of both leather and vegan leather upholstery and the seats are by far the comfiest in its class. The leather seats of my F SPORT test car were very supportive, and you sit high up, which adds to the feeling of invincibility you get in the NX's cabin, the level of seat adjustment in the F SPORT trim features eight-way power adjustment. The F SPORT gets two-way power-adjustable lumbar support, and heated and cooled seat options.
The cabin is very driver-focused, with controls clustered tightly around the driver’s chair and the touchscreen angled towards it too - 9.8 inches across on the base model, and a massive 14 inches on the higher-spec cars, very easy to use which is all important to me. The physical switches make sense - there’s physical A/C controls, and a volume dial.
Rear seat and boot space is good, quality is top-notch and it's nice that Lexus offers a wide variety of colourful upholstery choices, my test car a funky sporty black and red combination. Much nicer than the boring black.
There are lots of extras available. My car had quite a list including heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, Apple car play, wireless phone charging, electric seats with favourite position
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM memories, and head up display.
The new Lexus NX is the first model to be fitted with the e-latch electronic door release system. This electronic system replaces the familiar internal door handle with a push-button switch positioned next to the arm rest in the door panel (apparently inspired by the traditional fusuma sliding paper screen room dividers in Japanese homes.)
HOW IS IT TO DRIVE? The comfort extends to how smooth the NX is on the road. The ride is extremely comfortable and there isn’t much body roll in the corners either. Whilst in electric mode it's silent, perky enough and feels up for an undemanding commute or school run. Once the battery is depleted it switches seamlessly to the engine.
The 360-degree panoramic camera comes as standard on the F-SPORT model, view for parking is superb offering a birds-eye view of the car, making it easier to park and great for keeping the wheels in good condition.
CHARGING The plug-in hybrid Lexus NX 450h+ has an electric range of up to 47 miles. My test car comfortably returned around 39 miles each day. This meant I could comfortably complete the school run without the petrol engine kicking in at all, enjoying the silence of electric running.
To get the best from the plug-in hybrid model, you'll need to charge it regularly. This is best done via a 7kW home wallbox charger, which will top up the battery in around 2.5 hours, I used my outdoor 3 pin plug socket which returned a full charge overnight using my Economy Seven Tariff.
The new Lexus NX is a comfortable family SUV, stylish and efficient and I was sad to hand the keys back to the dealer when the time was up.
By Tina Thomas-Bassett
To book your own test drive contact LEXUS COVENTRY, London Road, Coventry, West Midlands CV3 4LP
www.lexus.co.uk/coventry
T: 02476 518100
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MOTORING L EXUS NX PLUG- IN
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