The NX 450h+ PHEV is the first Lexus (or Toyota) to offer a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in Australia, and is the flagship of the second-generation Lexus NX range.

Beginning from $89,900 before on-road costs, it is powered by an economical 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 136kW of power and 227Nm of torque.

It is paired to an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery and a permanent synchronous motor on each axle – making 134kW/270Nm and 40kW/121Nm respectively – to offer AWD, as well as an electric-only range of about 70km (using WLTP). Result? With 227kW, standstill to 100km/h takes 6.3 seconds. A 10A charging current will see a full charge take around 7.5 hours.

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Explore the 2022 Lexus NX Range

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Finally, there’s the NX 450h+ F Sport AWD plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (450h F Sport variant pictured)

Starting from $89,900. This undercuts all of its European rivals. (450h F Sport variant pictured)

Standard equipment includes a 14.0-inch touchscreen, ‘Hey, Lexus!' always-on voice command, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, digital radio, a power-adjustable steering column, electrically-actuated front seats with heating, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, tri-beam LED adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, 20-inch alloys, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, surround-view cameras, adaptive dampers, sports suspension, extra configurable driving modes, a unique body kit and alloy wheel design, sports seats and blacked-out cabin trim.

ANCAP has yet to award a rating to the second-generation NX, but expect a five-star result. You'll find eight airbags (providing coverage to all outboard occupants, also taking in dual-front occupant knees and centre item to stop lateral head strikes), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist and pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, auto high beams, road sign recognition, front/rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking cameras, all-round parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors and Safe Exit Assist – which won't allow doors to open if passing cyclists or pedestrians are in danger of being struck.