Early next year will mark the arrival of Lexus’s new NX SUV. Apart from the 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine model, a Lexus spokesperson confirmed to us that the NX 300h is also likely to form part of the local line up.
This hybrid model will feature what the Japanese manufacturer calls E-four all-wheel drive. An electric motor is used to power the rear axle, instead of a mechanical system. The front axle will still be powered by the hybrid drivetrain, which will make use of the petrol engine, the electric motor, or both.
As is the case with several current all-wheel drive mechanical systems, the system will automatically detects when torque needs to be send to the rear axle, with no intervention needed by the driver.
Expect more details and pricing of the Lexus NX 300h to be released closer to this SUV’s local introduction.