2023 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid orders paused amid two-year wait times
Lexus Australia has temporarily stopped taking orders for the plug-in hybrid NX mid-size SUV as it works through a two-year backlog of approximately 740 orders.
UPDATE, 6 April 2023: This story has been updated with sales data from January to March, for a more accurate estimate of the Lexus NX450h+ order bank.
31 March 2023: Orders have been paused for the 2023 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid luxury SUV amid two-year wait times for buyers at the end of the queue.
Although stock is expected to increase by 50 per cent this year, Lexus has advised dealers to stop taking deposits – and switch to "expressions of interest" – to clear its backlog of an estimated 740 orders.
NX450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) buyers at the back of the queue have been quoted delivery dates stretching into 2025.
"Our dealers will now accept expressions of interest for the NX450h+ so we can achieve a markedly better balance between supply and demand," Lexus Chief Executive John Pappas said in a media statement.
"While arrivals this year are expected to increase by approximately 50 per cent, the PHEV's popularity has resulted in delivery dates that now stretch into 2025."
The company has not disclosed exactly how many orders it is currently holding, however it has said it has taken 1000 orders for the plug-in hybrid since it arrived in showrooms last year.
Lexus delivered 230 examples last year, and 34 examples over the first three months of 2023 – meaning the Japanese car maker is holding approximately 740 orders (rounded figure).
The order pause does not affect any other versions in the NX range as "we are expecting substantially better deliveries in coming months of the NX 250, NX 350 and NX 350h. Arrivals are also expected to be stronger for other models in our range," Mr Pappas said in a media statement.
"We understand the situation is disappointing to our customers and we thank them for their patience and understanding.
"We can assure all our customers that we are continuing to work tirelessly with our global production teams to secure additional vehicles for Australia."
The pause on Lexus NX plug-in hybrid models compares to long delays on its twin under the skin, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which quotes estimated wait times of up to three years at some dealerships.