DRIVEN: Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV is a luxurious SUV that offers the best of both worlds

It seems when it comes to cars and methods of propulsion, the world is still struggling to decide if it really wants to go all-electric.

Companies that previously promised to screech down electric avenue at full throttle are now easing back on their investments as demand is proving to be slower than expected.

In the midst of all this chaotic indecision that puts many automotive livelihoods at stake, plug-in hybrid vehicles, otherwise known as PHEVs, are starting to make more sense as a bridge between the two worlds that could potentially offer the best of both.

Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus were early pioneers in the hybrid space, so it’s no surprise that the carmaker is now upping its game in the plug-in hybrid segment too.

Following the introduction of the Lexus RX 450h PHEV late last year, the luxury brand has introduced a second plug-in hybrid to its range.

And for that occasion we recently found ourselves landing in Cape Town on a surprisingly sunny Thursday morning to be greeted by array of NX 450h+ PHEVs all charged up and waiting to hit the road.

Lexus claims that under ideal conditions the new NX model will cover around 66km on electric power alone, measured in accordance with the WLTP combined cycle.

However on the open road, where there’s little opportunity for regenerative braking, you can expect a figure closer to 50km as we found out after pointing our shiny new press cars in the direction of Riebeek-Kasteel. Granted, that still falls within the average South African round trip commute of 44km.

Being an all-wheel drive PHEV, there is a lot going on beneath the sleek sheet metal of the NX 450h+