The sharing of technologies between Toyota and its luxury division Lexus is widespread, particularly in the area of hybrid vehicles. As the former prepares to launch its very first rechargeable hybrid model, the RAV4 Prime 2021, when will the latter follow suit?
Impossible to have a clear answer for the moment, but we learn that Lexus has just registered new names for its compact NX crossover in Europe, including NX 450h+.
It is the first time that the brand has used such a name (with the “+”) and everything indicates that it designates a rechargeable hybrid engine. Obviously, it would be the same system as the RAV4 Prime, a four-cylinder 2.5-liter paired with two electric motors.
In case of Toyota, the power jumps to 302 horsepower and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 5.8 seconds – faster than all the other models in the range except the coupe sport GR Supra. The 17.8 kWh battery provides a range of 60 km in electric only mode, which is also really interesting.
Since the Lexus NX is about the same size and weight as the RAV4, the numbers should be similar. Of course, a NX 450h + would be loaded with luxury amenities and materials, so the price could go up to around $60,000 (the current NX 300h costs just over $51,000).
If the name registration was done in Europe, it is almost certain that this model will make the leap in North America. By the way, the names NX 250 and NX 350 are currently the subject of an application for registration in the United States. What other surprise do we have in store? The Camry V6, perhaps?
