2027 Lexus NX 450h+ F SPORT Gets a Serious Upgrade

The 2027 Lexus NX 450h+ F SPORT brings a sharper personality to Lexus’ plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle, combining more electric capability with meaningful chassis improvements and a much more modern cabin. Finished in Titanium Grey with a striking Red leather interior, this particular configuration makes the F SPORT treatment stand out without becoming overly flashy.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine working with Lexus’ latest generation plug-in hybrid technology and an electric all-wheel drive system. The big change is the new lithium-ion battery, which grows from 18 kilowatt-hours to 23 kilowatt-hours. That represents a 30% increase in capacity and helps push total system output to 303 brake horsepower, or 307 DIN horsepower.

Performance improves as a result. Lexus estimates the NX 450h+ can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds. More importantly for everyday use, the larger battery increases the anticipated electric driving range by almost 40%, with Lexus targeting more than 60 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure. That figure is provisional and applies to European testing, so United States Environmental Protection Agency range figures will be different.

Charging is another major step forward. The NX 450h+ becomes the first Lexus plug-in hybrid to support direct current fast charging. Lexus says charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 30 minutes. That gives owners considerably more flexibility on longer trips and makes it easier to use the NX as an electric vehicle for everyday driving while keeping the gasoline engine available for longer journeys.

The F SPORT model is about more than power. Lexus has worked extensively on the chassis to make the new NX feel more connected and controlled. Floor rigidity has increased by around 25%, while rigidity around the front suspension tower has improved by approximately 30%. Engineers also lowered the battery and repositioned other components to bring weight closer to the vehicle’s center of gravity.

Development took place at Lexus’ Shimoyama facility before the vehicle was further tuned at Germany’s Nürburgring. Steering response has been revised, the suspension uses new shock absorbers, and the all-wheel drive system can operate across a wider range of driving situations. Lexus also says engine and road noise have been reduced by around 20%.

Visually, the Titanium Grey finish works especially well with the F SPORT exterior treatment. Piano Black trim is used for the roof rails, roof spoiler, lower bumper and side sills. New lightweight 20-inch twin-spoke wheels give the NX a more technical appearance, while red brake calipers provide a small but noticeable performance detail. Rear aerodynamic corners also help improve stability at higher speeds.

Inside, the Red leather upholstery creates a dramatic contrast against the Titanium Grey exterior. F SPORT models also receive a dedicated technical trim treatment. The redesigned dashboard places a 12.3-inch digital instrument display alongside a new 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, creating a cleaner and more horizontal layout.

The 2027 NX 450h+ F SPORT feels like a much broader update than a typical mid-cycle refresh. With its larger battery, longer electric range, direct current fast charging, improved performance and Nürburgring-developed chassis, Lexus has given its plug-in hybrid NX considerably more substance. In Titanium Grey with the Red interior, it also happens to be one of the most distinctive configurations in the new lineup.