2027 Lexus NX Debuts: Gas-Only Models Dropped, All-New 22.7 kWh NX 450h+ PHEV with DC Fast Charging

Lexus has pulled the sheet off the extensively reimagined 2027 Lexus NX, ushering in a pivotal turning point for the brand's best-selling luxury compact crossover.

In a bold move signaling the automaker's accelerated path toward carbon neutrality, Lexus has officially discontinued pure gas-only engines from the NX lineup. The previously available naturally aspirated 2.5-liter (NX 250) and 2.4-liter turbo (NX 350) have been retired. For 2027, the NX family is 100% electrified, offered exclusively in traditional Hybrid (NX 350h) and Plug-in Hybrid (NX 450h+) configurations.

Most notably, the flagship 2027 Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid gains a massive technical leap: a high-capacity 22.7 kWh battery pack, an expanded 45-mile EPA electric range (~88–95 km WLTP), total system output increased to 324 horsepower, and the debut of standard 50 kW DC Fast Charging.

The all-new 2027 Lexus NX lineup: Left in new Shaded Ivy pearl is the NX 450h+ Luxury; right in Incognito grey is the NX 450h+ F SPORT.

1. Dropping Gas-Only Engines: An All-Electrified Portfolio

Lexus is simplifying and elevating the NX portfolio by eliminating pure internal combustion models. Going forward, every 2027 Lexus NX rolling off the assembly line features electrified power:

1. Lexus NX 350h (HEV): Powered by Lexus's 6th-generation hybrid powertrain matching a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a newly refined e-Axle for smoother transitions and a robust 244 hp.
2. Lexus NX 450h+ (PHEV): The technological benchmark of the compact luxury PHEV segment, pairing an enlarged battery pack with dual electric traction motors and standard E-Four electronic all-wheel drive for 324 hp.

The updated NX 350h AWD tailgate badging, representing the 6th-generation e-Axle hybrid powertrain producing 244 hp as the new entry standard.

2. The NX 450h+ PHEV Leap: 22.7 kWh Battery & 50 kW DC Charging

One of the most persistent criticisms of the previous-generation NX 450h+ was its reliance on 6.6 kW AC charging alone, with no DC fast-charging port for quick road-trip top-ups. The 2027 redesign resolves this conclusively:

Core Powertrain Upgrades:

• 22.7 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery: Battery capacity grows by +25.4% (up from 18.1 kWh), significantly improving energy density and usable cell capacity.
• 45-Mile EPA Range (~88–95 km WLTP): Drivers can complete daily commutes and suburban errands purely on electrons, seldom needing the gas engine during workweeks.
• Standard 50 kW DC Fast Charging: Making its debut on Lexus's compact PHEV platform, DC rapid charging replenishes the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes at public charging hubs.
• 11 kW Onboard AC Charger: Home and destination AC charging speeds nearly double, cutting a full Level 2 charge cycle down to roughly 2.2 hours.
• 324 Total System Horsepower: The Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter engine collaborates with upgraded front and rear electric motors to propel the NX 450h+ from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.
• Power Charge Port Door: A motorized charge port flap opens and closes at the touch of a button.

2025 vs. 2027 Lexus NX 450h+ Specification Comparison:

3. Exterior Styling: 'Double L' Blade Taillight & Cleaner Spindle Body

The 2027 NX refines the signature Lexus design language with sharper, sportier execution:

• Evolved Spindle Body: The front fascia seamlessly integrates the spindle graphic directly into the bodywork, framed by ultra-slim dual-line LED daytime running lights.
• Double L Blade Lightbar: For the first time on a production Lexus, the full-width rear lightbar adopts a striking "Double L" illumination motif anchored by an illuminated LEXUS wordmark badge.
• De-Chromed Exterior Trim: Shiny chrome moldings have been banished in favor of high-gloss piano black window surrounds and black mirror caps, creating a sportier, more contemporary profile.
• New Exterior Hues: An earthy, sophisticated Shaded Ivy green joins the standard color palette, while the aggressive Incognito cement grey is offered exclusively on F SPORT grades.

The 2027 Lexus NX F SPORT finished in the exclusive Incognito grey hue, showcasing its aggressive mesh grille, revised two-tier DRL light signature, and gloss-black front lip spoiler.

Lexus's debut 'Double L' full-width blade LED lightbar treatment, anchored by the illuminated LEXUS wordmark badge and gloss-black aero rear diffuser.

4. Luxurious Cabin: Standard 14-Inch Screen & Sensory Concierge

Inside, Lexus has addressed driver feedback by making previously optional premium tech standard across all four simplified trims (Premium, Premium+, F SPORT, Luxury):

• Standard 14.0-inch Lexus Interface: The smaller 9.8-inch display is retired. Every 2027 NX now comes equipped with the widescreen 14-inch display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and cloud-based navigation.
• Standard 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit: A customizable digital instrument display replaces the old analog-digital hybrid cluster.
• Return of Physical Steering Wheel Controls: In response to customer frustration with the previous capacitive touch-tracer pads—which required looking at the Head-Up Display and were difficult to see while wearing polarized sunglasses—Lexus has reinstated tactile physical buttons on the steering wheel spokes.
• Sensory Concierge Wellness Integration: Available on Luxury and F SPORT trims, this system orchestrates ambient lighting, curated music soundscapes, smart climate concierge settings, and a ceramic fragrance atomizer across three restorative cabin themes (Inspire, Radiance, Revitalize).

5. Chassis Rigidity, F SPORT Dynamics & Lexus Safety System+ 4.0

To offset the slightly heavier battery pack while elevating Lexus's signature "Driving Signature," the structural integrity of the TNGA-K platform has been enhanced:

• Stiffer body shell achieved via additional spot welds and expanded structural adhesives.
• Reinforced rear suspension bracing minimizes body roll and harsh rebound over uneven pavement.
• F SPORT Handling Dynamics: F SPORT grades gain an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), front/rear performance dampers, and upgraded sport brakes with eye-catching red calipers.

F SPORT-exclusive lightweight multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Alenza performance touring rubber, paired with red Lexus-branded brake calipers.

• Lexus Safety System+ 4.0: Features expanded intersection turn assistance, proactive driving assist with predictive curve deceleration, and refined pedestrian/cyclist detection algorithms that drastically reduce false alerts.

6. Sibling & Competitive Comparison

Explore the technical parameters of the NX 450h+ against its sibling and platform predecessor below:

7. Global Release & Market Availability

Production of the 2027 Lexus NX is slated to begin in late 2026, with customer deliveries kicking off in North America in late 2026, followed by Europe and the UK in early 2027.

With 50 kW DC fast charging, nearly 90 km of electric range, and an ultra-refined luxury cabin, the updated NX 450h+ is poised to mount a formidable challenge against European rivals including the BMW X3 30e, Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e, and Volvo XC60 Recharge.

📌 Original Source & Official Press Release

• Lexus Global: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2027 Lexus NX Goes All-In on New-Generation Hybrid Systems, Gains Sharper Design and More Luxurious Cabin