Lexus confirms plug-in RX 450h+ for Australia

A plug-in hybrid version of the new Lexus RX will soon join the fifth-generation large luxury SUV range being launched now in Australia.

Lexus Australia couldn’t include the RX 450h+ PHEV as part of its launch range because supply preference was given to markets with mandated emissions limits.

Chief executive John Pappas said much was still to be sorted out when it came to the RX PHEV, including arrival timing, number of models and pricing.

However, he suggested it would slot in as second most expensive model in the range below the $126,000 RX 500h F Sport Performance flagship and above the most expensive RX 350h, the $111,900 Sports Luxury AWD.

“We haven’t confirmed timing as yet so I would be lying if I said yes [the RX PHEV was coming in 2023],” he said.

“We are definitely getting it, we want to get it as soon as possible. But we want to make sure we can satisfy actual volume as well.

“We haven’t clarified whether we are getting multiple grades because we know we are not getting it at launch.

“There is still some discussion to happen in terms of what grades we are going to get.”

The RX PHEV uses the same set-up as the NX 450h+ PHEV that went on-sale in Australia in February 2022 and now has a waiting list stretching out toward two years.

It employs a 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine and front and rear e-motors for a combined output of 227kW. An 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack supports an electric-only range of up to 65km.

Confirmation of the RX PHEV follows on from the recent Audi announcement that it would be launching a plug-in version of the Q5.

However, not all luxury brands are embracing PHEVs, with Mercedes-Benz making it clear it prefers BEVs.

The new generation RX launch range comprises five models, four of which are petrol-electric hybrid. In May Lexus will launch its first ground-up EV in Australia, the RZ 450e.