Hybrid cars combine a petrol engine and an electric motor while having the ability to go on EV mode also without using the petrol engine at all. The SUV that you see here isn't a mild hybrid but a strong one with two motors along with a larger battery. Hence, the engine and the motor can switch but the transition is seamless. This is called a self charging hybrid which means this is not a plug-in hybrid. So, what does all of this mean on a road trip?
We took the Lexus NX for a short trip to Jaipur and back on the same day to find out more. The NX is the only hybrid in its class and that means total combined power is around 240hp. The best way to drive the NX is cruise and that's where the EV mode comes on as it silently munches on the kms. When pushed hard, the CVT does get noisy and it reminds you to take it slow and cruise around.
Plus, the ride quality on this NX is much better and pliant over the bad roads. However, lets talk efficiency and that's where the NX or a hybrid scores. Compared to any other luxury SUV, the NX hybrid was much more efficient at around 15kmpl while the figure can improve further under careful driving. The key is to be light on the throttle and cruise around which is what the NX is all about.
Hence, while it misses out on the turbo punch, we never had to stop for fuel at all with its efficiency. With hybrids, that's the big USP in terms of the refinement and the better efficiency. The NX is priced decently and in the same ballpark as the German luxury SUVs but with a different buyer base focussing on comfort and refinement.
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