Rugged new Lexus NX PHEV Offroad idea introduced at Tokyo
Lexus went a bit off-brand for this year’s Tokyo auto Salon, introducing the ROV off-road buggy as well as this – an off-road version of its famously tarmac-biased NX crossover. It’s called the NX PHEV Offroad Concept, as well as it was designed to show exactly how Lexus can balance driving fun with its climate ambitions.
Advertisement – article continues below
It’s based on NX 450h+ as well as is powered by the brand’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, the combustion part of which creates 180bhp as well as 270Nm of torque. The petrol engine is supported by an 18.1kWh battery pack as well as a 53bhp electric motor mounted on the rear wheels, providing the vehicle four-wheel drive.
• new Lexus RZ 450e electric SUV teased ahead of 2022 launch
To turn the basic NX into the Offroad Concept, Lexus started by swapping its basic wheels as well as tyres for tougher 17-inch off-road alloys, shod in BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres. The firm likewise bolted on some new matt-black roof rails as well as a provider basket.
Other cosmetic tweaks include a new Iron Oxide paint finish, a Lexus-branded sunstrip across the windscreen, gloss black window surrounds as well as matt-black replacements for the car’s radiator grille, door handles as well as badges.
The car’s ride-height has likewise been increased slightly, to provide some additional clearance for the knobbly off-road tyres. The lifted platform likewise enables the Offroad idea to crest challenges that would likely strand the road-going SUV.
Although it’s not a specific concern for this concept, the electric part of the NX 450h+’s powertrain should likewise enable the Offroad idea to cover at least 30 miles on EV power alone – albeit only driving the rear wheels.
Lexus hasn’t verified the SUV’s pure-electric capabilities, however we expect the heavier alloys as well as off-road tyres will reduce the powertrain’s efficiency. For comparison, the basic NX can cover 40 miles on electric power alone, at speeds of as much as 84mph.
Now read all the latest on the new Lexus ROV concept…