Lexus has revealed its heavily updated NX medium SUV, with the plug-in hybrid version gaining a larger battery, more than 100km of claimed electric driving range and DC fast-charging capability ahead of its Australian arrival in 2027.
The refreshed NX will also mark another step in Lexus Australia’s move away from conventional petrol power, with the local range confirmed to consist exclusively of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
Most significant for EV buyers is the updated NX 450h+ PHEV, which adopts a newly developed lithium-ion battery with around 30 per cent greater capacity than the current model.
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Lexus says the larger battery lifts the NX 450h+’s electric driving range to more than 100km on the WLTP test cycle, although final Australian specifications have yet to be announced.
The current Australian NX 450h+ uses an 18.1kWh battery and claims up to 87km of electric range on the less stringent NEDC standard.
The new model also introduces DC fast charging to the NX 450h+ for the first time, with Lexus claiming a 10-80 per cent charge can be completed in about 30 minutes.
That addresses one of the shortcomings of the existing NX PHEV, which relies on AC charging.
The 450h+ continues to combine a 2.5-litre petrol engine with front and rear electric motors for all-wheel drive, but the electrified hardware has been extensively revised.
Depending on market specification, total system output is rated between 215kW and 240kW. The existing Australian NX 450h+ produces 227kW.
The new hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems are also about 10kg lighter through more compact integration of the power control unit, electric motor and transaxle.
Lexus has not yet detailed which versions or outputs Australia will receive, with local pricing and specifications to be announced closer to the 2027 launch.
The conventional NX 350h hybrid also continues, combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with the latest generation of Lexus hybrid technology.
Front- and all-wheel drive versions will be offered globally, while revisions to the rear electric motor control of AWD models allow it to operate continuously rather than primarily engaging when additional traction or performance is required.
An NX 300h with a smaller 2.0-litre hybrid system has also been announced for some markets, but has not been confirmed for Australia.
Beyond the powertrain changes, Lexus says the NX has undergone extensive chassis development aimed at improving body rigidity, steering response, ride comfort and refinement.
Changes include additional structural reinforcement, revised suspension and steering, and a lower mounting position for the PHEV battery, helping lower the centre of gravity.
Exterior styling has also been revised, although this remains an extensive update of the second-generation NX introduced globally in 2021 rather than an all-new model.
The familiar Lexus spindle treatment has evolved into a flatter and more integrated grille, accompanied by slimmer lighting and revised front and rear styling.
Inside is a substantially redesigned dashboard with a simpler horizontal layout and a 14-inch central touchscreen.
Higher-grade versions also introduce a new “Sensory Concierge” system that combines selectable cabin illumination and fragrances to alter the interior ambience.
The updated NX also gains the latest Lexus Safety System+ driver assistance package.
The current turbo-petrol NX 350 will disappear from the local line-up, following the earlier withdrawal of the naturally aspirated NX 250 from the Australian range.
Lexus is making similar changes elsewhere in its local line-up, confirming the RX 350 and LS 500 petrol models will also be discontinued, leaving the RX and LS ranges exclusively electrified.
The NX is particularly important to Lexus in Australia. It has been the brand’s best-selling model locally every year since its 2014 introduction and passed 50,000 Australian sales in August 2026.
The second-generation NX also introduced Lexus’ first PHEV to Australia when the NX 450h+ arrived in 2022.
