NX 450h+ Trademark Might Hint at Future Plug-In Hybrid
Lexus adds a "plus" onto the NX hybrid, which could mean some interesting changes are coming in the near future.
Intriguing Find
In the automotive world, trademarks are filed just about every day. Sometimes, these filings turn into reality, and we're presented with a new vehicle model or feature. More often, absolutely nothing comes of them. But in a rash of recent Lexus European trademark filings, we spotted one that seems quite intriguing, and rather feasible - a trademark for the model name NX 450h+.
Photos: Lexus
Reading the Tea Leaves
So what, exactly, does this plus mean? Well, we already know that "h" is what Lexus uses to differentiate its hybrid models from gasoline-powered ones across the brand's existing lineup. The plus, however, is something entirely new that we haven't seen before. So we have to assume that it's going to symbolize the addition of a plug-in hybrid model to Lexus' lineup.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this possible upcoming NX model right here in Club Lexus.
Sharing is Caring
Given Lexus' current focus on expanding its electrified lineup, the addition of a plug-in NX makes a ton of sense. Especially when you consider the fact that Toyota already builds the RAV4 Prime, which itself is a plug-in hybrid. The NX and RAV4 were once twins, so it shouldn't be terribly hard to adopt Toyota's existing drivetrain into the NX and make it a reality.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this possible upcoming NX model right here in Club Lexus.
Surprisingly Power
If that's the case, Lexus fans have a lot to look forward to. The RAV4 Prime packs a 176 hp 2.5-liter inline-four like the "regular" models, but also two additional electric motors that bring combined output up to a respectable 302 hp. Driving all four wheels, that's good enough to propel the Prime from 0-60 in just 5.8-seconds, which hilariously makes it the second-quickest vehicle in Toyota's lineup behind only the Supra.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this possible upcoming NX model right here in Club Lexus.
Fuel Sipper
Of course, unlike most hybrids, the Prime can also go 39 miles on electric power alone. The plug-in Toyota doesn't yet have an EPA rating, so we aren't quite sure what sort of fuel economy it'll return. But Toyota estimates that the Prime will return 90 mpg equivalent. And the existing RAV4 Hybrid is rated at a very respectable 41 mpg city, 38 on the highway, and 40 combined.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this possible upcoming NX model right here in Club Lexus.
More In Common
If Toyota was to simply transplant all of these goodies from the RAV4 Prime into the NX 450h+, we could certainly expect similar numbers. But we may not see it happen until a new NX bows, which is expected to happen soon. Since the next NX also figures to ride on Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA), sharing a drivetrain will be incredibly simple as well.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this possible upcoming NX model right here in Club Lexus.
Predicting the Future
Of course, this is all speculation and the NX 450h+ nameplate might just fall by the wayside and never become reality. But we bet that it will, given Lexus' current strategy and direction. Now, we'll just have to play the waiting game and see if these predictions actually come true!
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about this possible upcoming NX model right here in Club Lexus.
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