New Lexus NX 350 Hybrid and 450 plug in hybrid

[Zippee]

Does anyone own or have experience in either of the above?
We're test driving both the self-charge hybrid 350 and the plug in 450 on Sunday and are after thoughts on what they are like to own?
What are the real world mpg figures like?
Ideally we like the 450 - means my wife could do her 12 mile each way commute on electric only and we then have the petrol to back us up for long journeys but I know this is where they can fall foul of the 'wonderful' MPGs stated.
What is the self charge like on the 350? Do you get any electric only?

I'm assuming being Lexus, that reliability and customer service are 2nd to none?
We've looked at the Merc GLC and Volvo XC60 so far - wife doesn't like either.

[BlueJ]

Not tried the NX but I've had the self-charging RX450h. Yes you get electric only, but only for a short distance - I think they quote a couple of miles at best, it never seemed like that in practice.

The drivetrain moved seamlessly between electric, hybrid and engine drive, but I wasn't a fan of the CVT gearbox (didn't like the way revs flared up for a sustained period when you put your foot down).

As you say Lexus customer service etc. is the best I've experienced (and I've had several BMs, a Merc and an Audi). They now come with 10 year warranty if you keep servicing within the dealer network.

As an ownership proposition they can't be beaten (reliability, longevity, customer service etc.), so if you enjoy the test drive, go for it!

[Zippee]

Thank you for that. Guess I'll have to wait and see on the gearbox. As you had the self charge what sort of mpg did you see both around town and on long journeys?
Didn't know about the 10 year warranty- that's a massive bonus

[Jag_NE]

The plug in version carries a 10k premium. Do you get any extra features because it sounds like a lot of money for a fuel saving.

[CABC]

so her commute would use 3 galls per week? £20-ish £1k per year.
urban stop start is good for hybrids, less so long motorway trips.

do come back with test drive views. these look great cars now the ride is greatly improved.

[BlueJ]

Zippee said:

Thank you for that. Guess I'll have to wait and see on the gearbox. As you had the self charge what sort of mpg did you see both around town and on long journeys?
Didn't know about the 10 year warranty- that's a massive bonus

I averaged 35 MPG over 10,500 miles, probably 75% - 80% motorway, average speed over that period was 42 MPH (I am a geek and note such things!). I didn't measure the difference between town and motorway driving, but one thing I do remember as it amused me - the "since refill" MPG always improved once I came off the motorway into town, as it was much more in electric or hybrid mode at slower speeds.

[Tabs]

No experience of the two Lexus mentioned, but I do have many years of driving a Prius as a taxi, and a Lexus RC300h hybrid coupe.
You really do have to learn how to drive a hybrid, and a quick test drive may well put you off. If you can, try to get an extended test drive of 24 hours, even better if you can swing it for a weekend!
You really do have to get into wafting mode to appreciate how good they can be.
Doing a Top Gear drive, as most people do, just doesn't work out well.

[lol64]

I just bought a newish IS300h, as far as I can see that has the same drivetrain. I think the NX is based on the RAV platform, so similar size/ weight to the IS. On a longish motorway run I got low 50s to the gallon. On my regular commute I’m getting just under 50. For reference my MY 2018 530d averaged mid 30s on the same commute. I was stuck for blooming ages in the traffic in and out of Cheltenham today and it ran on electric the whole time. Pretty impressed so far. It’s probably the quietest car I’ve ever had, very relaxing, but completely zero sporty appeal if that’s your thing. Very confusing car controls (ie Nav, audio, etc) compared to idrive, but when you figure it out, it all works flawlessly, unlike BMW! Completely zero DAB drop outs for example.

[ooid]

I had this beautiful UX for a day while my IS was on service. Absolutely beautiful machine, and I used to have a Merc GLC coupe. They are a bit “meh” comparing to Lexus build quality. Here is a snap, next to my hound-mobile shed