Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid pulled off-sale after two-year-plus wait time

The 2023 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid is off-sale in Australia, as wait times stretch "into 2025."

Lexus Australia has taken order for 1000 examples of the range-topping NX450h+ F Sport, but just 230 units were delivered in 2022.

"While arrivals this year are expected to increase by approximately 50 per cent, the PHEV's popularity has resulted in delivery dates that now stretch into 2025," said Lexus Australia chief executive officer, John Pappas.

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"In order to ensure each customer's experience with Lexus is always delivered in the best possible way, our dealers will now accept expressions of interest for the NX450h+ so we can achieve a markedly better balance between supply and demand.

"Importantly, this action does not apply to other NX variants."

Pappas added that improved supply of the non-PHEV NX – including hybrid and petrol-only variants – should allow for more deliveries in the coming months, along with the broader Lexus lineup.

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Priced from $90,923 before on-road costs, the NX450h+ – with the standard-fit F Sport package – pairs the hybrid's 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a larger battery and a more-powerful electric motor.

It has a 227kW total system output, while its 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery allows for an 87-kilometre all-electric driving range.

First launched in early 2022, the new-generation NX – now riding on the same GA-K platform as the top-selling Toyota RAV4 – contributed toward record electrified sales for Lexus in Australia in 2022, with 46.3 per cent of its sales being hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicles.

With the delay attributed to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage affecting the wider automotive industry, Lexus said its working to secure additional vehicles for Australia.

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"Lexus dealers are playing a remarkable role in communicating openly and transparently with customers about their individual orders and ensuring vehicles are delivered as quickly as possible," added Pappas.

The move to pause sales for the NX450h+ follows a similar step within the Toyota Australia family, with the LandCruiser 70 workhorse still off-sale locally following similar extraordinary wait times.

Toyota's popular RAV4 mid-size SUV also faces a 12- to 24-month wait time for the most-popular hybrid variants; however, it remains available to order – at least for now.

2023 Lexus NX pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

* not available to order.