The 2024 Lexus TX 550h+ is a luxury 3-row SUV that combines the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with the power of a V6 engine. It represents Lexus' move towards electrification, offering a practical, family-oriented SUV with premium features. Let’s break down its key aspects:
1. Range (Electric + Gas)
Electric-Only Range:
The Lexus TX 550h+ offers an electric-only range of around 33 miles (~53 km) on a full charge. This allows for short trips or city driving without using gasoline.
Total Range:
When combined with the gasoline engine, the total driving range extends to approximately 550 miles (~885 km), making it ideal for long-distance travel.
Hybrid Fuel Economy:
It is expected to deliver around 30-35 mpg (7.0-8.0 L/100 km) in hybrid mode, which is excellent for a vehicle of this size.
Winner: The TX 550h+ balances electric-only commuting with long-distance capability, making it versatile for urban and highway driving.
2. Site (Size & Interior Space)
Interior Space:
The Lexus TX is a large, 3-row SUV designed to seat up to 7 passengers comfortably. It offers generous cargo space behind the third row and even more when the second and third rows are folded down.
It is built on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander, so it provides ample room for families or those needing extra space for passengers and luggage.
Winner: Its spacious 3-row configuration makes it ideal for families needing both luxury and practicality.
3. Battery
Battery Capacity:
The TX 550h+ features a 18.1 kWh battery, which is typical for plug-in hybrids of this size. The battery powers the electric motor for the first 33 miles and contributes to better fuel economy when driving in hybrid mode.
Charging:
The battery can be charged via a Level 2 home charger in around 3-4 hours. While it’s not a fully electric vehicle, the plug-in hybrid system allows for efficient daily commuting.
Winner: The 18.1 kWh battery provides a good balance between electric range and hybrid efficiency, especially for a large luxury SUV.
4. Price
Starting Price:
The 2024 Lexus TX 550h+ starts around $70,000, with higher trims and optional packages pushing the price closer to $80,000+.
Competitively Priced:
It competes with other luxury 3-row SUVs like the Volvo XC90 Recharge and BMW X5 xDrive45e, which are similarly priced but may offer less interior space or electric range.
Winner: At $70,000, the TX 550h+ is competitively priced for a luxury plug-in hybrid with 3-row seating and advanced features.
5. Why Is It Better?
Luxury & Comfort:
The TX 550h+ offers a premium interior with high-quality materials, including leather seating, wood accents, and an advanced infotainment system with a large touchscreen. It also includes Lexus’ renowned attention to detail in design and comfort.
Hybrid Powertrain:
The V6 hybrid powertrain produces 406 horsepower, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The TX 550h+ can accelerate smoothly while maintaining great fuel economy for a large SUV.
Electric-Only Driving:
The 33-mile electric-only range is ideal for short city commutes or errands, allowing drivers to reduce gasoline usage and emissions.
Advanced Safety & Tech:
The TX 550h+ comes with Lexus Safety System+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.
It also features wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a high-end sound system, and multiple charging ports, making it tech-savvy and user-friendly.
Winner: The TX 550h+ excels in combining luxury, space, hybrid efficiency, and technology, making it ideal for those who need a premium family vehicle with green credentials.
6. Range Price per 100 km
Electric Mode:
In electric-only mode, the TX 550h+ consumes around 27-30 kWh/100 km. With electricity prices at around €0.20/kWh, this results in a cost of about €5.40-6.00 per 100 km.
Hybrid Mode:
In hybrid mode, assuming a fuel efficiency of around 7.0 L/100 km, the cost would be around €8.40 per 100 km, based on fuel prices of €1.20/L.
Winner: The electric-only driving cost is economical for short trips, and in hybrid mode, it remains efficient given the size and power of the vehicle.
7. Typical Problems
Battery Degradation:
Like many PHEVs, the battery performance may degrade over time, especially if it is frequently charged or discharged at full capacity.
Complex Powertrain:
The V6 plug-in hybrid system is more complex than a standard gasoline engine, which could lead to higher maintenance costs over time.
Weight:
The additional weight of the battery and hybrid system may affect the handling and braking dynamics, making it feel less agile compared to non-hybrid SUVs.
Winner: While the TX 550h+ is generally expected to be reliable, potential concerns with battery longevity and maintenance costs exist due to its complex powertrain.
8. Sales & Market Availability
Sales:
The Lexus TX 550h+ is positioned to be a popular choice in the luxury SUV market, especially among families who want a 3-row vehicle with hybrid efficiency.
It is expected to be available in most major markets, including North America and parts of Europe, with high demand due to its balance of luxury, practicality, and green technology.
Competitors:
Competing with other luxury plug-in hybrids like the Volvo XC90 Recharge, BMW X5 xDrive45e, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e, the TX 550h+ offers better interior space and more flexible power options at a similar price point.
Winner: The Lexus TX 550h+ is set to be widely available and is expected to perform well in the luxury PHEV market due to its spaciousness and hybrid powertrain.
9. What’s the Difference? (Compared to Other Lexus Models & Competitors)
Lexus RX vs. Lexus TX:
The Lexus RX is a smaller, 2-row luxury SUV, while the TX offers 3 rows, making it more suitable for larger families. The TX is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, unlike the RX in most markets.
Competitors:
Compared to competitors like the Volvo XC90 Recharge and BMW X5 xDrive45e, the TX offers more interior space and a slightly longer electric range.
Technology:
The Lexus TX comes with the latest infotainment and safety technology that rivals the best in its class, with the added benefit of Lexus' reputation for reliability.
Conclusion:
Range: With a 33-mile electric range and a 550-mile total range, the Lexus TX 550h+ excels for both short city trips and long-distance travel.
Battery & Efficiency: The 18.1 kWh battery provides decent electric-only range, while hybrid mode offers excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.
Price: Starting at $70,000, it offers competitive pricing compared to other luxury plug-in hybrids.
Luxury & Space: It combines 3-row seating with Lexus' trademark luxury and advanced technology, making it a perfect family-friendly SUV.
Potential Issues: While generally reliable, potential concerns include battery degradation and higher maintenance costs due to the hybrid system’s complexity.
Final Thoughts:
The Lexus TX 550h+ is a well-rounded, luxurious 3-row SUV that offers plug-in hybrid technology without compromising on space, comfort, or performance. For those seeking an eco-friendly family SUV with high-end features, the TX 550h+ is an excellent choice.
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1. Range (Electric + Gas)
Electric-Only Range:
The Lexus TX 550h+ offers an electric-only range of around 33 miles (~53 km) on a full charge. This allows for short trips or city driving without using gasoline.
Total Range:
When combined with the gasoline engine, the total driving range extends to approximately 550 miles (~885 km), making it ideal for long-distance travel.
Hybrid Fuel Economy:
It is expected to deliver around 30-35 mpg (7.0-8.0 L/100 km) in hybrid mode, which is excellent for a vehicle of this size.
Winner: The TX 550h+ balances electric-only commuting with long-distance capability, making it versatile for urban and highway driving.
2. Site (Size & Interior Space)
Interior Space:
The Lexus TX is a large, 3-row SUV designed to seat up to 7 passengers comfortably. It offers generous cargo space behind the third row and even more when the second and third rows are folded down.
It is built on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander, so it provides ample room for families or those needing extra space for passengers and luggage.
Winner: Its spacious 3-row configuration makes it ideal for families needing both luxury and practicality.
3. Battery
Battery Capacity:
The TX 550h+ features a 18.1 kWh battery, which is typical for plug-in hybrids of this size. The battery powers the electric motor for the first 33 miles and contributes to better fuel economy when driving in hybrid mode.
Charging:
The battery can be charged via a Level 2 home charger in around 3-4 hours. While it’s not a fully electric vehicle, the plug-in hybrid system allows for efficient daily commuting.
Winner: The 18.1 kWh battery provides a good balance between electric range and hybrid efficiency, especially for a large luxury SUV.
4. Price
Starting Price:
The 2024 Lexus TX 550h+ starts around $70,000, with higher trims and optional packages pushing the price closer to $80,000+.
Competitively Priced:
It competes with other luxury 3-row SUVs like the Volvo XC90 Recharge and BMW X5 xDrive45e, which are similarly priced but may offer less interior space or electric range.
Winner: At $70,000, the TX 550h+ is competitively priced for a luxury plug-in hybrid with 3-row seating and advanced features.
5. Why Is It Better?
Luxury & Comfort:
The TX 550h+ offers a premium interior with high-quality materials, including leather seating, wood accents, and an advanced infotainment system with a large touchscreen. It also includes Lexus’ renowned attention to detail in design and comfort.
Hybrid Powertrain:
The V6 hybrid powertrain produces 406 horsepower, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The TX 550h+ can accelerate smoothly while maintaining great fuel economy for a large SUV.
Electric-Only Driving:
The 33-mile electric-only range is ideal for short city commutes or errands, allowing drivers to reduce gasoline usage and emissions.
Advanced Safety & Tech:
The TX 550h+ comes with Lexus Safety System+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.
It also features wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a high-end sound system, and multiple charging ports, making it tech-savvy and user-friendly.
Winner: The TX 550h+ excels in combining luxury, space, hybrid efficiency, and technology, making it ideal for those who need a premium family vehicle with green credentials.
6. Range Price per 100 km
Electric Mode:
In electric-only mode, the TX 550h+ consumes around 27-30 kWh/100 km. With electricity prices at around €0.20/kWh, this results in a cost of about €5.40-6.00 per 100 km.
Hybrid Mode:
In hybrid mode, assuming a fuel efficiency of around 7.0 L/100 km, the cost would be around €8.40 per 100 km, based on fuel prices of €1.20/L.
Winner: The electric-only driving cost is economical for short trips, and in hybrid mode, it remains efficient given the size and power of the vehicle.
7. Typical Problems
Battery Degradation:
Like many PHEVs, the battery performance may degrade over time, especially if it is frequently charged or discharged at full capacity.
Complex Powertrain:
The V6 plug-in hybrid system is more complex than a standard gasoline engine, which could lead to higher maintenance costs over time.
Weight:
The additional weight of the battery and hybrid system may affect the handling and braking dynamics, making it feel less agile compared to non-hybrid SUVs.
Winner: While the TX 550h+ is generally expected to be reliable, potential concerns with battery longevity and maintenance costs exist due to its complex powertrain.
8. Sales & Market Availability
Sales:
The Lexus TX 550h+ is positioned to be a popular choice in the luxury SUV market, especially among families who want a 3-row vehicle with hybrid efficiency.
It is expected to be available in most major markets, including North America and parts of Europe, with high demand due to its balance of luxury, practicality, and green technology.
Competitors:
Competing with other luxury plug-in hybrids like the Volvo XC90 Recharge, BMW X5 xDrive45e, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e, the TX 550h+ offers better interior space and more flexible power options at a similar price point.
Winner: The Lexus TX 550h+ is set to be widely available and is expected to perform well in the luxury PHEV market due to its spaciousness and hybrid powertrain.
9. What’s the Difference? (Compared to Other Lexus Models & Competitors)
Lexus RX vs. Lexus TX:
The Lexus RX is a smaller, 2-row luxury SUV, while the TX offers 3 rows, making it more suitable for larger families. The TX is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, unlike the RX in most markets.
Competitors:
Compared to competitors like the Volvo XC90 Recharge and BMW X5 xDrive45e, the TX offers more interior space and a slightly longer electric range.
Technology:
The Lexus TX comes with the latest infotainment and safety technology that rivals the best in its class, with the added benefit of Lexus' reputation for reliability.
Conclusion:
Range: With a 33-mile electric range and a 550-mile total range, the Lexus TX 550h+ excels for both short city trips and long-distance travel.
Battery & Efficiency: The 18.1 kWh battery provides decent electric-only range, while hybrid mode offers excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.
Price: Starting at $70,000, it offers competitive pricing compared to other luxury plug-in hybrids.
Luxury & Space: It combines 3-row seating with Lexus' trademark luxury and advanced technology, making it a perfect family-friendly SUV.
Potential Issues: While generally reliable, potential concerns include battery degradation and higher maintenance costs due to the hybrid system’s complexity.
Final Thoughts:
The Lexus TX 550h+ is a well-rounded, luxurious 3-row SUV that offers plug-in hybrid technology without compromising on space, comfort, or performance. For those seeking an eco-friendly family SUV with high-end features, the TX 550h+ is an excellent choice.
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