Lexus NX 450h+ Review: Grace, Girth, and Hidden Flaws

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It has reached the ears of this author that the ton is currently abuzz with the arrival of the Lexus NX 450h+ with the Enhancement Pack 2. One would expect a house of such repute to offer a vessel beyond reproach, but as we know, the brighter a jewel shines, the more likely one is to find a flaw upon closer inspection.

While the House of Lexus promises a carriage capable of ninety kilometres of pure electric grace, the reality is rather more… modest. Upon a crisp morning’s test, our carriage displayed a mere sixty; and with an 18kWh battery that charges with the glacial haste of a dowager crossing a ballroom, one is left quite wanting.

The Unseemly Habits of the Gentry

One simply cannot expect a lady to pause her progress at every turn for a “fast charge.” No, on a grand seasonal tour, one allows the vessel to operate in its hybrid mode—and why not indeed? However, be forewarned: when the battery’s spirit is spent, the consumption of petrol rises most indecorously.

Lexus claims a droll figure of 1.3L/100km, a result surely achieved only in the most sheltered of laboratories. It is a delightful fiction, much like the promises of a fortune-hunting suitor. Our own exploits with the Omoda 9 and the Sorento yielded a stunning 0.6L, a feat of thriftiness that would see one visiting the pump but once every two years. Truly, if one uses a PHEV as intended, the results are nothing short of scandalous.

The Weighty Scandal

While one must acknowledge the sheer girth of the situation, the experience within remains quite sublime for those of us accustomed to the finer things. In an effort to maintain its poise, the House of Lexus has omitted the full glass roof and the celebrated Mark Levinson arrangement—a trimming of the wick, perhaps, but the “Premium Sound” remains entirely adequate as one is whisked along.

Though the 510kg allowance suggests a certain restraint with one’s monogrammed luggage, the carriage itself is a handsome thing that makes one let out the gentlest of sighs upon entering. There is a profound comfort in its reputation for longevity; it is a vessel built to endure with more grace than any fleeting trend, ensuring my driver and I reach our destination in impeccable order.

ABOVE: Lexus NX range including 2026 NX450h+

#Omoda9 #LexusNX450h #CarReview #Australia #LuxurySUV #PHEV

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The Verdict: Tiers and Sighs

The NX 450h+ is a handsome thing, make no mistake. However, 227kW of power is a trifle “light-on” compared to the Omoda’s 395kW gallop, which reaches 100km/h in a mere four and nine-tenths seconds. Lastly, we must address the Encore programme. While the perks are indeed fabulous, the constant reminder of one’s “tier” is a most exhausting social hierarchy. I find I have no patience for tiers. Tiers are quite dreadful.

It is a firm favourite for now, but one must truly desire the Lexus badge above all else. For there are other carriages in the village that are larger, swifter, and far less concerned with the etiquette of the cable.

I find I have no further patience for these social hierarchies, yet I depart with a genuine fondness for this carriage’s impeccable manners. My belongings are being settled into the first-class cabin, but the memory of such a lovely, reliable journey remains. The Lexus NX 450h+ possesses the breeding of a true noble; it is a delight to be conveyed in, even if its electric spirit is more modest than I initially desired.

Do come back for the full review and the moving picture; I shall share more of this charming experience and show you how we navigate the peculiar “Tier 3” etiquette from the comfort of the rear seat. Until then, I shall be seeking a spark that matches such undeniable pedigree.

Yours in perpetual judgement,

Dame Tuesday Knight

PHEV Spec Comparison: The Luxury Benchmark vs The Disruptors

Feature	Lexus NX 450h+ (F Sport + EP2)	Omoda 9 Virtue SHS	Kia Sorento PHEV (GT-Line)
Drive Away Price	$107,498	$63,466 (after bonus)	$93,860
Warranty (Vehicle)	5 Years / Unltd km	8 Years / Unltd km	7 Years / Unltd km
Hybrid Battery Warranty	10 Years (with health checks)	8 Years / Unltd km	7 Years / 150k km
Encore Benefits	Platinum (3 Years)	N/A	N/A
Total System Power	227kW	395kW	195kW
0-100km/h Sprint	6.3s	4.9s	8.2s
Fuel Tank Capacity	55 Litres	70 Litres	47 Litres
EV Range (NEDC)	87km	169km	68km
DC Fast Charging	No	Yes (70kW)	No
Max Theoretical Range*	9,167km	11,667km	7,833km

*Theoretical range assumes 0.6L/100km based on daily charging habits.

2026 Lexus NX Range & Drive Away Pricing (Indicative)

Model Badge	Powertrain	Drive	Drive Away Price
NX 350h Luxury	Hybrid	2WD	$79,842
NX 350h Luxury	Hybrid	AWD	$84,882
NX 350h F Sport	Hybrid	2WD	$87,717
NX 350h Sports Luxury	Hybrid	2WD	$87,717
NX 350 F Sport	Turbo Petrol	AWD	$87,980
NX 350h F Sport	Hybrid	AWD	$93,807
NX 350h Sports Luxury	Hybrid	AWD	$93,807
NX 450h+ Luxury (EP1)	Plug-in Hybrid	AWD	$93,282
NX 450h+ F Sport (EP2)	Plug-in Hybrid	AWD	$107,498

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Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.