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- Lexus has confirmed the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid will arrive in Australia in April.
- The luxury SUV has a starting price of AUD$123,500, excluding on-road costs.
- It is powered by a 2.5-litre series-parallel plug-in hybrid paired with front and rear electric motors.
- The Lexus 450h+ has a combined system output of 227kW, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in a claimed 6.5 seconds.
Japanese automaker Lexus has confirmed the long-awaited RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid will arrive in Australian dealerships in April. The luxury SUV, which is essentially a hybrid version of its large RX model, is priced at $123,500 excluding on-road costs, a price tag that is $9,900 dearer than the standard version, but it’s hardly a surprise.
The plug-in hybrid version has proven to be one of Lexus‘ most important models, serving as a mainstay of the global RX line-up since its launch in 2022. Here, in Australia, fans haven’t been so lucky. The vehicle was not made available down under, and in recent times, dealerships have seen high demand for smaller NX450h+ PHEVs. Now, Lexus is planning a shake-up, and the first actions are already on their way.
Lexus RX 450h+ Australia Launch
While the late arrival of the PHEV RX can largely be chalked up to Lexus’ prioritisation of markets with stricter emissions, the new Aussie models won’t miss out on new market technology. The PHEV version of the RX packs in a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with front/rear electric motors along with an 18.1kWh battery pack. Compared to the regular hybrid version, the fuel tank is smaller at 55 litres, and it has a claimed 68km electric-only range as per WLTP figures.
Fuel consumption is a frugal 1.3 litres per 100km as per Australian Design Rule (ADR) since the battery pack does the heavy lifting here as the main power source. That being said, performance does appear to be more than ample, with Lexus claiming a combined system output of 227kW and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds.
Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas said having a plug-in hybrid option for its two top-selling luxury SUVs supports the brand’s electrification expansion and multi-pathway approach to reducing CO2 tailpipe emissions.
“Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are a key step in the customer journey from standalone internal combustion engines to full-electric mobility,” Pappas said. “For many Lexus customers, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are the right powertrain for the moment, offering the best of both worlds as we continue to develop infrastructure to support a greater uptake of battery electric vehicles.”
Enhancement Packs
Positioned below the flagship RX 500h F Sport Performance, the RX 450h+ has the enhancement pack 2 which adds in features like auto park assist, a digital mirror and a full-length panoramic sunroof. Standard features also include semi-aniline leather-accented seat trim, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, heated and ventilated front and outboard rear seats, a woodgrain-look instrument panel and steering wheel, along with power reclining and folding rear seats.
Across the RX range, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now offered, as is a larger 12.3-inch digital driver display. Compared to the standard hybrid, the PHEV version has some key advantages, namely fuel efficiency and greater electric-only range, which will attract some buyers.
Lexus RX 450h+ Pricing and Availability
The Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid luxury SUV will be available from Australian dealerships in April. The automaker has also confirmed that it will come with a starting price of AUD$123,500, excluding on-road costs. This makes it AUD$9,900 dearer than the RX 350h Sports Luxury AWD and just shy of the top-of-the-line RX 500h F Sport Performance mode at AUD$127,700. For more information on the Lexus RX 450h+ Australian launch, visit the official Lexus website.
2025 Lexus RX Pricing
| Model | Price (AUD$) |
|---|---|
| RX 350h Luxury 2WD | $90,350 |
| RX 350h Luxury AWD | $93,700 |
| RX 350 F Sport AWD | $100,950 |
| RX 350 Sports Luxury AWD | $106,950 |
| RX 350h Sports Luxury AWD | $113,600 |
| RX 450h+ Sports Luxury AWD | $123,500 |
| RX 500h F Sport Performance | $127,700 |
Lexus RX 450h+ Key Specifications
Mechanical
- Series parallel hybrid 2.5-litre aspirated petrol engine / permanent synchronous motor generator
- Peak power output of 184kW
- Electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT)
- Front-wheel drive
- Rear permanent synchronous motor generator with E-Four all-wheel drive (AWD only)
- Three-mode Drive Mode Select (Normal, Eco, Sport) plus Custom
- 65-litre fuel tank
Exterior
- 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R19 tyres
- Bi-LED headlamps with auto-levelling and headlamp washers
- LED daytime running lights, taillights, reversing lights and side mirror indicators
- Heated and driver’s side auto-dimming exterior mirrors
- Roof rails
- Rear spoiler
Interior
- 14-inch touchscreen display with “Hey Lexus” natural voice recognition
- Satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- 12.3-inch multi-information display
- 12-speaker Panasonic audio system
- 5 USB-C ports (2x instrument panel, 1x console box, 2x second row)
- 2x 12V sockets (1x front, 1x cargo area)
- 1x USB-A input (console box)
- Lexus Connected Services with Inbuilt Data Communication Module
