Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid

2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid Finally on Sale, But Not Cheap

by Guillaume Rivard
Photo: Lexus

One year after completely redesigning its best-selling RX, Lexus is finally launching the plug-in hybrid variant we were promised. The 2024 RX 450h+ is certainly not cheap, however.

As the most expensive RX, it starts at $86,950. Including all fees, you’re looking at $90,276. Now that’s quite a step from the smaller NX 450h+, which retails from $59,900. Unlike the latter, no EV incentive from the government is available.

Lexus made the choice to offer a single, fully equipped model with the Executive Package. Consider this: even the Lexus badge on the grille is heated to ensure the RX 450h+’s identity remains clear in all weather.

Photo: Lexus

Content includes 21-inch wheels, a digital key, head-up display, 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, perforated semi-aniline leather seats (heated and ventilated), panoramic glass roof and advanced parking assist. Oh, and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, the most sophisticated and comprehensive yet.

The 14-inch HD touchscreen comes with a three-year trial of Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and intelligent assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also part of the mix as standard.

How Much EV Range?

With an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ can travel up to a manufacturer-estimated 60 km without burning any fuel. That’s better than the Volvo XC90 Recharge (53 km), but not the BMW X5 xDrive50e (63 km) and Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4MATIC (77 km)—or the lighter NX 450h+ (61 km), for that matter.

Photo: Lexus

Using the maximum charging current of 240V and under ideal conditions, the battery can be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours using the standard 6.6 kW onboard charger.

The hybrid system is based on a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine shared with the NX 450h+. It delivers strong acceleration off the line with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. 

Remember, Lexus also has a fully electric SUV now. The RZ 450e starts at $64,950, which sounds good, but the 354 km of range are disappointing when compared with some other luxury EVs.

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