EVsmart Blog Comfortable Electric Vehicles and Quick Chargers Lexus PHEV "NX450h + F SPORT" Test Drive Report [Yumi Yoshida] Popular Articles Recent Posts Category
Expectations for EV shift of luxury brands
At the "Battery EV Strategy Briefing Session" held by Toyota on December 14, 2021, the Lexus brand "realized a full lineup of battery EVs (BEVs) in all categories by 2030. In Europe, North America and China. We aim to sell 100% battery EV and 1 million units. Furthermore, we aim to achieve 100% BEV globally by 2035, "said President Akio Toyoda.
In other words, Lexus aims to become a brand that sells only EV cars by 2035. So to speak, it means becoming a brand in charge of electric vehicles within the Toyota Group.
But this may be natural.
As a manufacturer that has already been announced, "Volvo" will make an "EV maker declaration" to make all new cars in the world EV in 2030, and while "Honda" has implications for domestic cars, by 2040 Announced that it will switch the world's new cars to EV and FCV (fuel cell vehicles) only. Other automakers are announcing their goals one after another, but be aware that there is a slight difference in nuance between asserting "become" and "aiming".
Certainly, considering the energy situation, housing, and car life situation in Japan, it can be used like the last one mile in rural areas, but there are various conditions such as whether a charger can be installed in the home garage to own a BEV in the city. It is a fact that it is better to clear. For now, in a sense, EV is a wealthy car. With that in mind, I think it makes sense to move from luxury brands to EV shifts.
However, at the moment, the only Lexus BEV was the "UX300e". In October 2021, the new NX was equipped with the first Lexus brand plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. After this, Lexus has indicated that it will also release the BEV "RZ", so it seems that electrification will progress at once from this year.
Firmly supports external power supply
And the story of the new "NX" plug-in hybrid.
There are plenty of topics only for the first PHEV.
Of course, the introduction of PHEV must be the number one topic for the "new NX," but the platform has been revamped and a newly developed 4-cylinder turbo engine. Renewal of infotainment with new electronic platforms, etc.
The "new NX" has six powertrains. There are eight grades as follows.
● "NX250" and "NX250 version L" of 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine. ● 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine + turbo with intercooler “NX350 F SPORT” ● 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine + motors “NX350 h” and “NX350h F SPORT”, “NX350h version L” ● 2.5-liter gasoline engine + Plug-in hybrid system "NX450h + F SPORT" and "NX450h + version L"
The cheapest "NX250" starts at 4.82 million yen. And the "NX450h + F SPORT" that I tried this time is the highest grade and starts from 7.38 million yen.
This is a PHEV equipped with a large-capacity battery based on the power train of the four-wheel drive system "E-FOUR" in a hybrid of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine of the "NX350h". The "+" in the name "NX450h +" means "plug-in vehicle", and a battery for charging from the outside has been added.
The maximum cruising range of one charge is announced as 88km in WLTC mode. It is about 4.9km / kWh of electricity cost when calculated. Practically, I had the impression that "I can run about 70km like an EV." * 37 miles (about 60km) according to EPA standards
By the way, this engine is a slightly enhanced version of the same engine as the new "RAV4", and the lithium-ion battery is also equipped with the same 18.1kWh as the "RAV4 PHV". Charging is only 100V and 200V normal charging, not compatible with quick charging "CHAdeMO". When charging with a general 200V 15A (3kW), it takes about 6 hours from the state where the remaining amount is 0 to the full charge.
The NX450h + can be supplied with power to the outside using the standard accessory outlet or the "Vehicle Power Connector" that is attached to the normal charging plug. In the case of PHEV, it can be used together with the engine, so even if it is used as a power source for outdoor leisure, there is an advantage that you do not have to worry about the remaining battery power.
Full of luxury in running and equipment
All cars are 4WD and the maximum output is 309PS. The maximum output of the engine is 185ps and the maximum torque is 228Nm. The maximum output of the front motor is 182ps and the maximum torque is 270Nm. The maximum output of the rear motor is 54ps and the maximum torque is 121Nm. 0-100km / h is as fast as 6 seconds.
Impressive on the exterior is the large spindle grill, which is a symbol of Lexus with a three-dimensional effect. That said, it looks rather modest compared to other Lexus models. And the design inside the grill ... Recently, I feel more particular about this part and playfulness, but the F sports have a tight impression with piano black. And although it is difficult to see in the photos, the lower part of the front is complicatedly molded and the unevenness is amazing! L-shaped LED lights are also elaborate in the thin and crisp lights.
And the rear "LEXUS" logo has a new design. This is a'connoisseur'point that anyone who understands can understand (laughs).
In addition, the opening and closing of the door is electrified! The outside is called "e-touch outside door handle", and the moment you insert your hand into the doorknob, there is no stroke and the switch suddenly. Furthermore, the switch on the indoor side is called "e-touch inside door handle", but be careful because it is easy to make a mistake in pressing the switch. Or rather, I want this part to be a little easier to understand (laughs). Of course, if you cannot use electricity due to some trouble, you can take all possible measures.
The interior is impressive with a large 14-inch screen laid out on the driver's side. By the way, the size varies depending on the grade, and "F Sport" and "Version L" are 14 inches. Others are 9.8 inches.
The meter display is a speedometer in the center. Energy flow, cruising range, etc. are displayed in it, the remaining battery level is displayed symmetrically on the left side, and the remaining amount of gasoline is displayed symmetrically on the right side. There is also a head-up display, which makes it easy to understand as if the meter had just moved.
By the way, in addition to F sports exclusive use, silver-painted trinocular full LED, TFTS liquid crystal meter, color performance damper, bumper lower spoiler, front garnish, run-flat tire, 20-inch exclusive aluminum wheel. Inside the room, there are newly developed dedicated steering wheels, front seats, aluminum pedals, shift levers, etc.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a "trail mode" that controls the driving force and brakes on slippery roads in an integrated manner.
There are four driving modes, "EV mode", "auto EV / HV mode", "HV mode", and "self-charge mode", but the focus is on "auto EV / HV mode". This is Lexus's first look-ahead drive, but it is a mode that automatically switches between EV and HV according to the remaining battery level and driving conditions to achieve more efficient driving. I tried all the modes, but when the battery is left, I feel that there is no doubt if I select "EV mode" and otherwise "auto EV / HV mode".
There are five drive modes: "eco", "normal", "sports S", "sports S +", and "custom". It is strange that there is no such thing as just "sports" for some reason.
The drive feel is solid and stable as a whole, probably because the battery is mounted under the floor. Basically, I often ride in "eco" mode, but this is enough because there is no slack or sluggishness in "eco" mode. Of course, other modes will step up sharper as you change modes. Switching between the motor and engine is smooth, so you won't have to worry about it in any situation.
The paddle equipped on the steering wheel can change the amount of regeneration of the brake in 5 stages, and when you press the "-" on the left side, the regeneration power is stronger in the order of "D4" → "D3" → "D2" → "D1". It is possible to generate more electricity, but I feel that the "D1" is not so strong compared to cars using similar systems from other companies. This may mean "without any discomfort." Moreover, if you go to "D1" and the car stops completely due to waiting for a traffic light, etc., it will automatically return to "D", so there is no need to make shift changes or shift mistakes.
What I was interested in around the driver's seat was the rear-view mirror. The test drive is also a "digital rearview mirror", but the range of movement of the rearview mirror is small, and it may be difficult to see the rearview mirror depending on the seat and body shape. Oh, for those people, this digital mirror is rather good.
By the way, the new NX is equipped with advanced safety and comfort equipment such as active cornering assist and auto light system as standard equipment. Among them, the highest-end model NX450h + is fully equipped. Of course, safe driving support equipment such as lane tracing assist and radar cruise control also adopts the latest & strongest "Lexus Safety System +".
Of course, I couldn't run that much with a 30-minute normal charge (laughs).
This time, the mileage was 286km in the test drive for 7 days. I charged it twice.
For the first time, the EV mileage display is 0 km and it takes about 4 and a half hours to start charging. The cruising range of the EV is now 53km. When combined with the HV, the display was 346 km.
By the way, I rented an Audi charger in the underground parking lot installed for Audi's electric car in the building where "Audi Japan" is located. "Time to complete charging" was displayed on the instrument panel.
And then again, another day with another charger for 30 minutes normal charging. I can only charge for 6km, which is disappointing. Moreover, it disappears in a blink of an eye. I wish I could use a quick charger ...
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the future Lexus.
(Interview / text / Yumi Yoshida)