Lexus will carry a plug-in hybrid model of its new RX SUV to Australia… however precisely when is not clear.
The RX450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was revealed with the remainder of the vary in June 2022, and is at present provided in abroad markets such because the USA. It is not a part of the launch vary for Australia, nevertheless.
“We can be getting the PHEV RX in Australia. For us for the time being it is nearly timing,” Lexus Australia chief govt John Pappas instructed the media.
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Mr Pappas stated manufacturing of the PHEV is being prioritized for markets with strict carbon rules, the place sturdy PHEV and EV gross sales can drag down a producer’s common emissions and probably assist them dodge steep fines.
Lexus is not the one model being pressured to attend for the most recent plug-in hybrid and electrical autos because of Australia’s relaxed emissions requirements.
Volkswagen Group electrical autos have been off limits for our market as manufacturing is shipped to markets similar to Europe and the USA, for instance, and Kia Australia has battled to get its arms on provide of the EV6 and Niro electrical autos.
Mr Pappas confirmed Lexus will know extra about when the RX PHEV will hit Australia later in 2023, suggesting it will not be right here till late this yr or early in 2024 at finest.
The plug-in RX affords a claimed 65km of electrical vary from its 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electrical motor mounted on the entrance axle, and one on the rear axle for all-wheel drive.
Peak energy is 237kW, and Lexus does not quote a peak torque output. The identical powertrain options within the smaller NX450h+ plug-in hybrid.
When it does arrive, the RX PHEV will tackle plug-in hybrid variations of the BMW X5 and X3together with the Audi Q5.
Together with plug-in hybrids, Lexus is getting ready to increase its vary of electrical autos Down Underneath. An up to date model of the UX300e SUV is on monitor to reach mid-year, and the larger RZ SUV will contact down regionally in Might.
It is a part of a plan to have 80 per cent of Lexus gross sales characteristic some type of electrical energy – be it hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or a pure-electric drivetrain – by 2025. Simply shy of 50 per cent of Lexus Australia gross sales have electrified in 2023.
MORE: Everything Lexus RX
