Lexus NX plug-in order books reopened

WITH its outstanding orders now fulfilled, Lexus Australia says it is again ready to take orders for its popular NX 450h plug-in hybrid SUV, with supplies of the model now secured “well into 2025 and beyond”.

Citing unprecedented demand, the Japanese luxury importer made the decision to pause NX 450h PHEV orders in March 2023, now taking the opportunity to thank prospective buyers for the patience.

“We thank the many hundreds of customers who placed an order for their outstanding loyalty and patience, and extend our thanks to those who showed interest in NX plug-in hybrid in the interim,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.

“The pause was to assist dealers in managing expectations and focus on providing a premium customer experience. We also worked extremely closely with our production teams in Japan to ensure we would have sufficient volume moving forward.

Mr Pappas said Lexus dealers have already accepted fresh orders for the NX flagship, which is offered exclusively in F Sport grade with Enhancement Pack 2, priced at $95,900 excluding on-road costs.

It is expected the importer will announce soon its intention on when the plug-in hybrid version of its family-sized RX luxury SUV will be introduced. Visit GoAuto again soon for further updates.

Lexus Australia has also announced that its ES sedan range will become all-hybrid this year, noting that 90 per cent of the model’s buyers prefer the ES 300h (hybrid) grade.

The removal of the ES 250 (petrol) variant from the line-up means ES buyers can now expect to pay $65,540 plus on-road costs to get behind the ‘wheel – or $3400 more than the previous entry point to the range.

“Lexus has always said our customers will inform us when they are ready to make the switch from petrol to either hybrid or fully electric,” added Mr Pappas.

“Our Lexus ES customers are now telling us they are ready, and we’re listening, as nine out of every 10 deliveries of ES so far this year feature an intelligent hybrid powertrain.”

Mr Pappas said deliveries of Lexus vehicles year-to-date with either HEV (hybrid), PHEV (plug-in hybrid) or BEV (battery electric) powertrains sits at 74.5 per cent, keeping the luxury brand on track to transition to 100 per cent electrified by 2030.