Does Hybrid Technology Work? Living With The Lexus NX 350h

The world is divided on whether one should go for electric or hybrid. Electric, personally, isn't a solution for the kind of driving that I do but hybrid is something which is interesting, especially if it's in SUV form. In the luxury space, Lexus deals with strong hybrids and that's what we are talking about instead of a mild hybrid. A strong hybrid lets you drive the car in EV mode and the efficiency gains are huge. But, no one buys a luxury SUV based on efficiency, however, the NX does give a better range when compared to other petrol only SUVs. (Image Credit: Somanth Chatterjee)

The few days that we had it, the smooth powertrain and the relaxed nature helped but the hybrid part with the electrical system jumping in made the driving experience better. The EV only range isn't high but at low speeds you drive in silence while you barely get the idea that the petrol engine has kicked in. Compared to the previous NX, the new hybrid system has more power now at 244bhp via the twin electric motors and a sizable petrol engine. (Image Credit: Somanth Chatterjee)

A hybrid shines in the city the most and here, the smooth driving nature came in India. Living with a hybrid SUV, that too a luxury one, meant you cover the benefits of an EV but do not need to charge it. The light steering also came in handy while the low-speed ride is compliant with having a slight amount of firmness thanks to those massive 20-inch wheels. (Image Credit: Somanth Chatterjee)

In the city, you do a lot of coasting and that is where the hybrid power comes in handy with more electric intervention. As a result, the mileage on offer is way better than rivals. We did a regular 12-13 kmpl while the official figure is 16kmpl plus- something not seen on any other SUV of its class. That said, a hybrid SUV has to also work as a long distance cruiser on road trips. Hence, a short trip and plenty of highway time made us drive the NX a bit harder and that's where the engine becomes audible which means you need to drive the car at a relaxed pace and enjoy it better. It cruises well though and tyre noise is low. (Image Credit: Somanth Chatterjee)

Driving for long distances, the massive HUD or the heads up display is one of the best that I have used in terms of clarity while the audio system was a nice companion as well. The huge 14-inch screen is Lexus clearly wanting to stand out- quite literally and that is much better to use than the previous NX. It is similar to a laptop but there are physical buttons as well with touch screens not taking up all of the precious real estate on the dashboard. Space is decent but could be better while taller folks might find the headroom a bit cramped. Where the NX scores is on the feel good factor with its e-latch system with a button to lock/unlock the doors to the 17-speaker audio system or even the quality of materials. (Image Credit: Somanth Chatterjee)

With a strong hybrid, the mileage gains and the convenience of an EV are the main highlights with electric power surprisingly coming in more during my drive than what I had originally expected to be. WIth charging infrastructure still catching up, the hybrid NX seems like a piece of technology which is right for our usage these days. What we like- refinement, efficiency, quality, looks, features What we do not- expensive, rear seat space (Image Credit: Somanth Chatterjee)