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Lexus RX450h+ mysterious patent filing hints at plug-in hybrid

Lexus entered the hybrid segment before a vast majority of its rivals, but it has timidly stayed away from the plug-in hybrid arena. Trademark documents filed in Europe suggest that's going to change sooner rather than later. Toyota's luxury division asked the European Union Intellectual Property Office to protect the RX450h+ nameplate, and it was granted the trademark in October 2020. It noted the name will be used on "automobiles and structural parts thereof," meaning it's likely going to be a nameplate. It's a familiar one, but the plus makes a big difference. Lexus already sells a car named RX450h; it's a hybrid version of the fourth-generation RX crossover, which is its best-selling model by a significant margin. Unverified reports claim the plus after the h will denote a plug-in hybrid model that will be powered by an evolution of the gasoline-electric powertrain found in the Toyota RAV4 Prime. It will put at least 300 horsepower under the driver's right foot, and it should be capable of driving on electricity alone for approximately 40 miles, a figure which will put it near the top of its class. It'll be reasonably quick, too. Rumors are a dime a dozen in the automotive industry, and a trademark filing should never be mistaken for a promise to release the model it details, but this report is more credible than most. Lexus has previously confirmed it will release its first plug-in hybrid model in the early 2020s after shunning the technology for years, and putting the powertrain in the RX makes sense. It sells well (about 111,000 units found a home in the United States in 2019), and it's a relatively big model so it's reasonably easy to equip with a battery pack. It's worth mentioning that the smaller NX should receive the same powertrain and a similar name in the not-too-distant future, too. Lexus hasn't commented on the trademark filing, and it hasn't publicly announced plans to release a plug-in hybrid variant of the RX (pictured) or of the NX. If the report is accurate, the crossover will likely make its public debut in the coming months. Whether it will be sold in the United States remains to be seen, however. Related Video:

2019 Lexus UX Review and Buying Guide | More Lexus, less Corolla, please

The 2019 Lexus UX is the smallest and cheapest Lexus you can buy, and the UX 250h hybrid model just barely misses out being the most fuel efficient. As an entry into the Lexus brand, this subcompact crossover is generally an impressive effort, embodying the design, quality, features and driving experience we've come to expect – albeit with understandable cutbacks made to achieve its lower price. However, the UX faces stiff competition. It has one of the smallest cabins in a segment not known for its spaciousness, and its Remote Touch tech interface constantly frustrates. And while fuel economy is exceptional for the segment, its acceleration is underwhelming regardless of whether you get the UX 250h or gas-only UX 200. Worse still, you can only get the latter with front-wheel drive. In other words, this is a car with distinct highs and lows. What's new for 2019? The Lexus UX is an all-new model for 2019. It is mechanically based on the same platform that underpins most new Toyota models such as the Toyota C-HR and Toyota Corolla, as well as the Lexus ES sedan. It slots into the bottom of the Lexus SUV lineup below the NX. What's the interior and in-car technology like? From the comfortable and supportive driver seat, the UX looks and feels like a proper Lexus. The design is consistent with, but, refreshingly, not a copy of other models. There are common details like the drive mode setting selectors that sprout from the instrument panel and the F-Sport's sliding gauge cluster within, while the available 10.25 infotainment display is perched atop a low, flat dash. The materials covering the dash and front doors are appropriate for this luxury price point and consistent with the ES 350, if not higher-priced Lexus models. By contrast, the hard plastic door panels in the rear are disappointingly more consistent with a Toyota Corolla. However, the UX features unique touches (we like the contrast-color dash and door trim available) and offers different controls than other Lexus models. The climate system is operated by unique toggle switches, while the air vents have little rotary controllers that look and feel better than those in a Lexus ES. Now, the UX has been afflicted by the same curse as its various siblings – the Remote Touch tech interface – and while it's still perpetually frustrating and distracting, there are some noteworthy advancements.

2018 Lexus LS 500 gets the F Sport treatment

Lexus has used this year's auto show season for a continuous rollout of its all-new flagship sedan, the 2018 LS 500. It debuted in Detroit, followed by the hybrid LS 500h in Geneva. For New York, the updated LS gets the F Sport treatment, which includes design touches, chassis tuning and added stopping power. The 2018 Lexus LS F Sport, whether in gas-only or hybrid trim, receives a set of 20-inch alloy wheels and larger, six-piston caliper front and four-piston rear brakes. Up front, the F Sport grille is refined beyond that of the standard LS, and Lexus notes that it took CAD designers five months to get the desired look, with its 7,100 individual surfaces. Other visual changes include an enlarged side grille, unique rocker panels, trunk moldings, and, of course, F Sport badging. The Ultra White exterior is exclusive to the F Sport version. Inside the car, F Sport front seats offer more support for spirited driving. The driver commands the car through an F Sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and a perforated shift lever. Details like the Ultrasuede in the seats and headliner and brushed aluminum trim add to the interior's sporty refinement. For a bolder look, Lexus offers the F Sport-exclusive Circuit Red interior. Just one version, though – the rear-drive, gasoline LS 500 – will offer a handling package for more prowess on curvy roads. It features Lexus Dynamic Handling, which includes variable ratio steering, and active rear steering to help guide the rear wheels around corners. The sport tuned air suspension includes the Active Stabilizer system for flatter cornering. The powertrain and its output figures remain unchanged from the standard version. The new Lexus LS is set to go on sale in early 2018. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport: New York 2017 View 15 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Lexus LS 500 F Sport View 27 Photos News Source: LexusImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2017 Drew Phillips / Autoblog.com New York Auto Show Lexus Luxury Sedan f sport