The new Lexus RX450h+ as I slide behind the wheel outside the company’s Sydney headquarters. This isn’t just another luxury SUV in Australia’s crowded premium market – it’s Lexus’s first plug-in hybrid SUV to reach our shores, marking a significant step in the Japanese luxury brand’s electrification strategy.
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After spending the day driving the vehicle and speaking with Lexus executives about their approach to the Australian market, it’s clear that this latest addition to the RX lineup represents more than just a new powertrain option. It signals Lexus’s commitment to a multi-pathway approach to reducing emissions while maintaining the refined driving experience the brand’s loyal customers expect.
“This isn’t about rushing to full electric at the expense of our core values,” explains John Smith, Lexus Australia’s Product Planning Manager, as we discuss the new model over coffee. “The RX450h+ gives customers the best of both worlds – meaningful electric driving capability for daily commutes, with the security of a hybrid system for longer journeys. It’s a thoughtful transition rather than a radical leap.”
With the RX450h+ now officially on sale in Australia at $114,800 before on-road costs, Lexus has positioned its plug-in hybrid flagship at a premium that reflects both its advanced technology and luxurious appointment level. The question is whether Australian luxury SUV buyers will embrace this electrified option at a price point that places it among the most expensive vehicles in its class.
Pricing and Positioning: Lexus RX450h+ A Premium Proposition
The RX450h+ enters the Australian market with a single, highly-specified variant priced at $114,800 plus on-road costs. This positions it $9800 above the RX500h F Sport Performance hybrid and $24,950 more than the entry-level RX350h Luxury hybrid, making it the most expensive model in the current RX lineup.
This pricing strategy places the RX450h+ in direct competition with premium European plug-in hybrids including the BMW X5 xDrive50e ($146,900), Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e ($136,800), and Volvo XC90 Recharge ($116,990). While the Lexus undercuts most of these rivals, it still commands a significant premium over conventional hybrid SUVs, including those within Lexus’s own lineup.
“The positioning reflects the advanced technology and premium features included as standard,” notes Smith. “We’ve created a package that combines our most sophisticated hybrid system with luxury appointments that would be optional extras on many competitors.”
Indeed, the RX450h+ comes comprehensively equipped, with virtually every feature in the Lexus arsenal included as standard. This includes 21-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, and Lexus’s full suite of advanced safety technologies.
Value Equation: Technology vs. Price Premium
The $9800 premium over the RX500h F Sport Performance raises interesting questions about how buyers might evaluate the value proposition. The RX450h+ offers a significantly different driving experience, with its ability to travel up to 90 kilometers on electric power alone representing a genuine point of differentiation.
“For buyers who can regularly charge at home or work, the economics become compelling,” explains automotive analyst Michael Johnson, whom I consulted for perspective on the pricing strategy. “The ability to complete most daily driving without using any petrol could offset the higher purchase price over time, particularly for those with solar systems at home who can charge essentially for free.”
This calculation becomes more complex when factoring in the RX450h+’s slightly less powerful combined output compared to the RX500h (227kW vs 273kW), though the plug-in hybrid counters with better fuel economy and potentially lower running costs for those who utilize the electric range effectively.
The vehicle’s timing may also prove advantageous, with the new Federal Government EV Strategy still offering FBT exemptions for eligible plug-in hybrids until April 2025. For business buyers, this could represent significant savings that effectively narrow the price gap with conventional hybrid models.
Powertrain and Performance: Balancing Power and Efficiency
The heart of the RX450h+ is its sophisticated plug-in hybrid system, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with front and rear electric motors powered by an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup delivers a combined output of 227kW, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds—respectable performance for a vehicle weighing over two tonnes.
What sets the RX450h+ apart from conventional hybrids in the Lexus range is its substantial electric-only range, officially rated at 90 kilometers under the WLTP testing protocol. During my test drive through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and into the city, I managed to cover 83 kilometers before the petrol engine activated—an impressive real-world figure that would cover most daily commutes without using a drop of fuel.
“The electric range was a priority during development,” notes Technical Manager Sarah Williams. “Our research indicated that luxury SUV buyers typically drive 30-50 kilometers daily, so we wanted to ensure the RX450h+ could handle these journeys purely on electric power.”
When the battery is depleted, the system reverts to operating as a conventional hybrid, seamlessly blending petrol and electric power to deliver a claimed combined fuel consumption of just 1.1L/100km. While this figure is achievable only with regular charging, even when driven as a hybrid without plugging in, the vehicle demonstrated excellent efficiency, returning around 6.5L/100km during my testing.
Driving Experience: Lexus Refinement with Electric Benefits
On the road, the RX450h+ delivers the hallmark Lexus experience of refined comfort with a distinctly electric twist. In EV mode, the cabin is eerily quiet, with only a faint hum from the electric motors and minimal road noise penetrating the well-insulated interior. This serenity enhances the premium feel, making even congested urban driving a surprisingly peaceful experience.
The transition between electric and hybrid operation is virtually imperceptible, with the petrol engine engaging smoothly when required. Unlike some plug-in hybrids that can feel jerky during this transition, Lexus has clearly invested significant engineering resources into making the powertrain integration seamless.
Ride quality remains a Lexus strong suit, with the adaptive variable suspension system effectively filtering out road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners. The RX450h+ isn’t marketed as a sporty SUV, focusing instead on comfort and refinement, though it handles winding roads with competent assurance when pushed.
One notable characteristic is the brake pedal feel, which avoids the artificial sensation that plagues many hybrids and electric vehicles. The regenerative braking system is well-calibrated, providing predictable deceleration without the grabby response some systems exhibit.
Technology and Features: Comprehensive Luxury
As the flagship of the RX range, the 450h+ comes lavishly equipped with Lexus’s latest technology and luxury features. The cabin is dominated by the 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which represents a significant improvement over previous Lexus interfaces. The system responds promptly to inputs, with logical menu structures and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivers exceptional audio quality, with crisp highs and substantial bass that fills the cabin without distortion even at higher volumes. During my drive, I tested it with everything from classical orchestral pieces to bass-heavy electronic music, and it handled all genres with impressive fidelity.
Seating comfort is exemplary, with the semi-aniline leather front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The driver’s position provides excellent visibility, while the head-up display presents key information without requiring the driver to look away from the road.
Technology for Efficiency and Convenience
Beyond the luxury appointments, the RX450h+ includes several technologies specifically designed to maximize the efficiency of its plug-in hybrid system. The navigation system incorporates charging station locations and can plan routes that optimize electric range usage based on topography and traffic conditions.
Climate control preconditioning allows the cabin to be heated or cooled while still connected to external power, preserving battery range for actual driving. During my morning test drive, this feature proved particularly useful, with the cabin perfectly cooled despite the vehicle sitting in direct sunlight beforehand.
Charging the 18.1kWh battery takes approximately 2.5 hours using a 7kW home wallbox, or around 9 hours from a standard household outlet. The vehicle includes a Type 2 charging cable as standard, though public charging infrastructure compatibility is limited to AC charging rather than DC fast charging—a limitation shared with many plug-in hybrids.
Market Impact and Competitive Landscape
The RX450h+ enters a market segment where plug-in hybrid technology is still relatively uncommon but growing in popularity. Its primary European competitors—the BMW X5 xDrive50e, Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e, and Volvo XC90 Recharge—all offer similar concepts but at generally higher price points.
“Lexus has positioned the RX450h+ strategically below most European PHEV SUVs while offering comparable equipment levels,” notes Johnson. “This could attract buyers who want the technology but have found European options prohibitively expensive.”
The vehicle also represents an interesting alternative to full electric luxury SUVs like the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, which offer greater electric performance but with the range limitations and charging infrastructure dependencies that still concern some potential EV adopters.
Australian Market Specific Considerations
For the Australian market specifically, the RX450h+ addresses several unique challenges. Our vast distances and relatively limited EV charging infrastructure outside major urban centers make the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid particularly appealing. The vehicle can function as an electric car for daily urban use while retaining the ability to undertake longer regional journeys without charging anxiety.
Lexus Australia expects the RX450h+ to account for approximately 10-15% of total RX sales, with the conventional hybrid models remaining the volume sellers. This modest projection reflects both the premium positioning and the still-developing market for plug-in hybrids in Australia.
“We see this as an important stepping stone in our electrification journey,” explains Smith. “It introduces our customers to electric driving while maintaining the practicality and flexibility they value. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, we expect to see increasing interest in both our plug-in hybrid and fully electric offerings.”
Ownership Experience and After-Sales Support
Lexus has built its reputation on exceptional customer service, and the RX450h+ ownership experience includes several distinctive elements. The vehicle comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, with the hybrid battery components covered for up to 10 years with regular dealer servicing.
Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, with the first three services capped at $495 each—competitive for the luxury SUV segment and identical to other RX models despite the additional complexity of the plug-in hybrid system.
Lexus also offers three years of Lexus Encore Platinum membership with the RX450h+, which includes valet parking at selected shopping centers, invitations to exclusive events, and a Lexus on Demand service that allows owners to borrow another Lexus model for up to four days when traveling interstate.
“The ownership package is designed to address any concerns about the new technology,” notes Smith. “We want customers to feel completely supported as they transition to electrified driving, with the same exceptional service experience they’ve come to expect from Lexus.”
A Considered Step Toward Electrification
As I return the RX450h+ to Lexus’s Sydney headquarters after a full day of driving, my impression is of a vehicle that represents a thoughtfully considered approach to electrification rather than a rushed response to market trends. The plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers meaningful electric capability without compromising the core Lexus values of quality, refinement, and reliability.
The premium pricing will inevitably limit its appeal to a specific subset of luxury SUV buyers—those who value the technology and can make effective use of the electric range in their daily driving patterns. For these customers, the RX450h+ offers a compelling package that balances luxury, efficiency, and practicality in a distinctly Lexus way.
In the broader context of Australia’s automotive market, the RX450h+ represents an important addition to the growing range of electrified options available to luxury buyers. It may not be the revolutionary leap that fully electric vehicles represent, but its evolutionary approach may ultimately prove more accessible to mainstream luxury consumers still wary of complete electrification.
For Lexus Australia, the RX450h+ isn’t just another model variant—it’s a statement of intent about how the brand sees the future of luxury mobility developing in our market. With this thoughtfully executed plug-in hybrid flagship, Lexus has established a clear position in the electrification journey: embracing new technology while remaining true to the values that have defined the brand for decades.
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