Every Plug-in Hybrid EV on sale in Australia in 2023: May update

All the PHEVs on sale in Australia, and every PHEV still on the horizon

Between conventional hybrids and full-electric vehicles, there exists a handy third option: the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, often referred to as a PHEV.

Hybrids are familiar, and often affordable, thanks to Toyota's pioneering Prius range and now a full line-up of available hybrids.

Electric vehicles, on the other hand, represent something of an expensive unknown to a lot of buyers in this relatively early stage of the segment's growth.

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What is a plug-in hybrid EV?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) can offer the advantages of a battery-electric vehicle without sacrificing the peace of mind that comes with having an internal combustion engine (ICE) under your bonnet.

For the average Aussie commute, most PHEVs can run on electricity for emissions-free motoring, but will function as a conventional hybrid if the battery runs out.

A downside compared with regular hybrids is that the pure-electric driving range requires a bigger battery, which often makes for a heavier and less fuel-efficient vehicle than comparable hybrids, and even some ICE vehicles when using the engine alone.

This weakness might appear to contradict a plug-in hybrid's low fuel consumption figures, though it's worth noting that the litres-per-100 km figure assumes you've ventured off with a fully-charged battery. Therefore, optimising the fuel efficiency of a PHEV often comes down to your charging regime.

If you head off with a flat battery, you'll be dragging around dead weight, but if plugging in every night becomes part of your routine, you'll make the most of the technology underneath your vehicle.

For more detail on PHEVs and other types of hybrids, see our links below.

JUMP AHEAD

Every plug-in hybrid EV available in Australia in 2023, from the cheapest to the most expensive!

UPDATED: May

• MG HS
• Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
• Ford Escape
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Cupra Leon
• Cupra Formentor
• Mini Countryman
• Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• Mazda CX-60
• Peugeot 508
• Peugeot 3008
• Kia Sorento
• BMW 3 Series
• Volvo XC60
• Audi Q5
• Range Rover Evoque
• BMW X3
• BMW 5 Series
• Volvo XC90
• Land Rover Defender
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Range Rover Velar
• BMW X5
• Porsche Cayenne
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover
• Porsche Panamera
• McLaren Artura
• Bentley Flying Spur
• Ferrari 296 GTB
• Ferrari SF90
• OFF-SALE: Lexus NX

• MORE: PHEVs yet to arrive in Australia

MG HS Plus EV

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Offered in two spec levels from $49,690 drive-away, the MG HS Plus EV teams a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four producing 119kW/250Nm with a 90kW/230Nm motor sandwiched between the six-speed auto transmission for a combined 189kW and 370Nm.

A 16.6kWh battery feeds the motor to provide a claimed electric-only driving range of 52 kilometres.

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is one of the more-affordable electrified SUVs, but offers vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, an all-electric driving range of 55km, and DC fast charging that can top up the battery from zero to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes.

Its electrified powertrain consists of a 94kW/199Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine plus 60kW and 70kW electric motors that drive the front and rear axles, respectively.

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Ford Escape ST-Line PHEV

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Ford's first electrified model in Australia, the Escape ST-Line PHEV, combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, electric motor and generator and a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery to produce 167kW of power, making it one of the most fuel-efficient and cleanest PHEVs on the market.

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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Available in four trims, the second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV replaces the popular outgoing version – but at a higher price point.

As before, the Outlander PHEV is powered by a 2.4-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, providing peak power of 98kW (up 4kW from its predecessor).

It is assisted by a pair of electric motors on the front and rear axles – now producing 85kW and 100kW, respectively – for a total system output of 185kW and 450Nm.

Mitsubishi has equipped the latest Outlander PHEV with a 20kWh battery pack, a 45 per cent increase over the outgoing model's 13.8kWh pack.

Along with a bigger 56-litre fuel tank (up by 11 litres), the Outlander PHEV is able to run for up to 84km in its fully-electric mode on a single charge – 54 per cent longer than the previous model.

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Cupra Leon VZe

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The plug-in hybrid Cupra Leon VZe breaks convention, with a lower-capacity 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 110kW and 250Nm in conjunction with an 85kW/300Nm electric motor, producing a combined 180kW and 400Nm.

It shifts through a six-speed wet-style dual-clutch automatic transmission, with a claimed electric-only driving range of 59 kilometres.

In early 2023, Cupra Australia adjusted pricing for the Leon VZe to put it in line with the all-electric Born hatchback at $59,990 before on-road costs.

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Cupra Formentor VZe

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The Cupra Formentor VZe introduces a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain, comprising a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine matched to an 85kW/300Nm electric motor to deliver a combined 180kW and 400Nm.

This model is front-wheel-drive only, with a six-speed wet-style dual-clutch transmission on board.

Packing a 12.8kWh battery, shorter trips of around 50 kilometres in the Formentor VZe are an electric-only affair. Cupra claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.9L/100km (NEDC) with the battery charged.

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Mini Countryman All4 Hybrid

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Australia’s first plug-in Mini to go on sale, the Countryman All4 Hybrid small SUV, has a full-charge driving range of up to 61km from its 9.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack – more than enough for the average Australian to commute without having to run the car's 1.5-litre turbo petrol three-cylinder engine.

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Peugeot 308 GT Sport PHEV

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Joining the petrol 308 hatch and wagon, the GT Sport plug-in hybrid flagship is priced at $64,990 plus on-road costs – making it $14,500 dearer than the GT Premium wagon.

Opting for the GT Sport PHEV sees the standard three-cylinder mill replaced with a 132kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to an 81kW electric motor, for a 165kW and 360Nm total system output.

It has a WLTP-rated 60-kilometre electric-only driving range and a claimed combined fuel consumption of 1.3L/100km.

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Mercedes-Benz A250e

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The small Mercedes-Benz A-Class includes an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain capable of travelling up to 73 kilometres on batteries alone.

Available as a hatchback only (the sedan was discontinued in early 2022), the A250e features a 118kW/250Nm 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, coupled with a 75kW/300Nm electric motor and 15.6kWh battery to generate more off-the-line oomph than the regular A250.

An updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class will arrive in Australia by July, with pricing and features to be announced closer to launch.

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Mazda CX-60 PHEV

Arriving: June 2023

Mazda's first plug-in hybrid, the CX-60 medium SUV, is its most powerful production vehicle yet. It combines a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine matched with a 129kW electric motor and a 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 241kW and 500Nm in total.

The 2023 Mazda CX-60 PHEV is available in three grades – Evolve, GT and Azami – priced from $72,300 before on-road costs. First deliveries are expected in June.

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Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV

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One of the largest plug-in hybrid vehicles on the market, the seven-seat Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor between the internal combustion engine and gearbox – producing a combined 195kW and 304Nm.

A 14kWh lithium-ion battery allows the Sorento to achieve an electric-only driving range of up to 68km.

The Sorento PHEV has a 1.6L/100km claimed combined fuel consumption, making it one of Kia's most efficient vehicles.

A regular hybrid Sorento launched in early 2022, joining petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options.

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Peugeot 508 GT PHEV

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The full name of the new 508 range-topper is the headline-unfriendly Peugeot 508 GT Fastback Plug-in Hybrid, which has an 11.8kWh battery that contributes to an electric-only driving range up to 55 kilometres.

It features a 133kW/360Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a single 81kW electric motor, for a combined 165kW system output.

A wagon version of the Peugeot 508 GT PHEV will arrive in Australia by July, while a facelifted model is expected to follow in the coming months.

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Peugeot 3008 GT Sport PHEV

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Medium SUVs have become a popular segment for PHEVs, and one of the latest on the scene is the Peugeot 3008 GT Sport AWD Plug-In Hybrid.

Interestingly, the 3008 is more powerful than the sleek 508 Fastback PHEV (see above), with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine linked to electric motors at each axle for a total power output of 222kW and 520Nm, resulting in a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds.

It also has a larger 13.2kWh battery, which provides greater all-electric driving range.

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BMW 330e

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The electrified version of the popular BMW 3 Series medium sedan features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor for 185kW under regular operation.

Still, an over-boost function adds 30kW to that total for a zero to 100km/h dash in 6.0 seconds.

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Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge

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Volvo has dropped pure internal-combustion vehicles from Australia, with its line-up consisting of mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery-electric vehicles.

The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge was previously titled T8 Polestar, but that sub-brand has separated from Volvo to produce separate all-electric vehicles, including the Polestar 2.

Underneath, there is a larger 18.8kWh battery pack, allowing for a 75-kilometre electric-only driving range.

A 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine works in tandem with a rear-mounted electric motor for a total system output of 335kW and 709Nm.

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Audi Q5 55 TFSIe

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Audi is primed to return to the plug-in hybrid segment in Australia, with the Q5 55 TFSIe PHEV set for a mid-2023 arrival.

Offered in SUV and Sportback body styles, the Q5 55 TFSIe will be positioned as a technological flagship – thanks to its thrifty efficiency credentials and hefty performance outputs rivalling the sporty SQ5.

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Range Rover Evoque PHEV

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Available only in R-Dynamic HSE spec, the plug-in hybrid Range Rover Evoque medium SUV features a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol mill – Jaguar Land Rover's lowest-displacement engine yet.

However, it is mated to an 80kW electric motor on the rear axle for a punchy combined system output of 227kW and 540Nm – an increase of 43kW and 175Nm over the internal-combustion P250 powertrain.

Located underneath the rear seats, a 15kWh lithium-ion battery assists in providing an all-electric driving range of 62 kilometres, with a WLTP-rated fuel consumption figure of 2.0L/100km.

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BMW X3 xDrive30e

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The BMW X3 xDrive30e is a plug-in hybrid alternative to the all-electric iX3, meaning it can be charged at home and driven about 41 kilometres using its 12kWh battery alone.

After that, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder takes over for a more conventional driving experience.

With 215kW of power and 420Nm of torque, the X3 xDrive30e is the powerful combustion-powered X3 without straying into the coveted M family, completing the zero to 100km/h dash in 6.1 seconds.

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BMW 530e

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Directly competing against the plug-in hybrid E300e, the BMW 530e large sedan features a 135kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine augmented by an 80kW electric motor.

With the XtraBoost drive mode enabled, the 530e provides an additional 30kW of thrust when needed for up to 10 seconds.

In combined power mode, it completes a 0-100km sprint in just 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h.

A facelift in 2021 brought a bigger 12kWh battery that stretched its all-electric driving range from 44 to 67 kilometres.

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Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge

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The larger Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge shares its plug-in hybrid powertrain with the XC60, including its 335kW and 709Nm outputs and 18.8kWh battery.

Volvo claims the XC90 T8 Recharge will complete the 0-100km/h run in 5.4 seconds, with a 68-kilometre WLTP-rated electric-only driving range – up from 48 km in the outgoing XC90 T8.

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Land Rover Defender PHEV

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Arriving: November 2023

The previously announced Defender 110 P400e plug-in hybrid is now available to order, with local deliveries expected from November 2023.

The plug-in hybrid P400e, available exclusively for the Defender 110, sees the 2.0-litre turbo-four petrol matched with a 105kW electric motor, for a 297kW and 640Nm total system output.

It has a 19.2kWh lithium-ion battery, with a WLTP-rated 52-kilometre all-electric driving range. Land Rover claims the Defender 110 P400e will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz E300e

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Available as a sedan only, the Mercedes-Benz E300e is an electrified alternative to the well-equipped E300, featuring a total system output of 235kW/700Nm.

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Range Rover Velar

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The Range Rover Velar P400e is one of five Land Rover plug-in hybrids to arrive in Australia recently – including the Evoque, Defender, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover.

It pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor, producing 297kW of power and 640Nm of torque in total.

A 19.2kWh battery pack assists in enabling a WLTP-rated electric-only driving range of 69 kilometres, while Land Rover claims the all-wheel-drive Velar PHEV will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.

It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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BMW X5 xDrive50e

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The BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport plug-in hybrid large SUV combines two electric motors and a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.

With 360kW of power and 700Nm of torque in total, the X5 xDrive50e can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a brisk 4.8 seconds.

Despite the addition of plug-in hybrid technology, including a 25.7kWh battery pack, the X5’s 3500-kilogram towing capacity is retained.

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Porsche Cayenne

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The plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne variant uses the entry-level 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel-drive system as its basis.

It then adds a 130kW electric motor slotted between the engine and gearbox, a 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery in the boot and a charging socket.

Cayenne E-Hybrid

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Range Rover Sport

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Replacing the outgoing Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid, the new-generation P510e version features a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine mated to a 105kW electric motor, allowing for a combined system output of 375kW and 700Nm.

At 38.2kWh, the battery pack in the P510e is nearly three times larger than the model it replaces – allowing for an NEDC-rated electric driving range of up to 125 kilometres.

It can reach 100km/h in 5.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 242km/h, with up to 140km/h available on EV power only before the petrol engine kicks in.

Features unique to the Range Rover Sport P510e include; a twin-speed high/low range transfer box, all-wheel steering, an electronic active differential with torque vectoring, and a standard public charging cable.

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Range Rover

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Two plug-in hybrid powertrains are available for the next-generation, full-size Range Rover in Australia.

The first of two options is the P440e, available exclusively in SE form, which pairs the existing 3.0-litre inline-six with an electric motor for 324kW of power and 620Nm of torque.

A more-powerful P510e powertrain can be added to the HSE and Autobiography grades, bumping outputs to 375kW and 700Nm.

Official ratings have exceeded initial claims made by Land Rover last year, with an electric driving range of 113km and CO2 emissions as low as 18g/km beating the suggested 100km and 30g/km, respectively.

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Porsche Panamera

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Available as a sedan or 'Sport Turismo' wagon, the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid (the 4 stands four-wheel-drive) features an all-Porsche powertrain including a 243kW 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and 100kW electric motor.

When fully charged, it has an all-electric driving range of 51 kilometres.

For the flagship Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged V8 engine seems like an oxymoron, but that doesn't matter when driving on battery power alone for up to 50 kilometres.

When combined, the Panamera's acceleration is blistering, with all-wheel-drive traction and a combined 850Nm of torque, allowing the big limo to hit 100km/h from a standing start in just 3.4 seconds.

Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

Panamera 4S E-Hybrid

Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

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McLaren Artura

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The McLaren Artura is only the second all-new car in the company’s 12-year history, combining electric power with a twin-turbo V6 engine.

This consists of a 430kW/584Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 – featuring a 120-degree vee to allow more room for packaging the twin-turbochargers and lowering the centre of gravity – and a 70kW and 225Nm electric motor.

The petrol-electric combination brings the powertrain’s total system output to 500kW and 720Nm.

Weighing just 88 kilograms, the 7.4kWh battery in the Artura is bolted under the fuel tank at the centre of the car.

McLaren quotes a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.0 seconds.

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Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid

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The Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid features a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 supplemented by a 100kW/400Nm electric motor, with 400kW of power and 750Nm of torque in total.

The electric motor is located between the internal-combustion engine and its eight-speed automatic transmission.

With a 14.1kWh battery, Bentley claims the Flying Spur can travel up to 41 kilometres on electric power alone – an important feature in ultra-low emission zones, such as central London.

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Ferrari 296 GTB

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Ferrari is using plug-in hybrid technology to bolster the performance of its sports cars.

The Ferrari 296 GTB features a twin-turbo V6 producing 488kW of power, plus a 122kW electric motor for a total of 610kW and 740Nm.

Paired with a 7.45kWh battery and rear electric motor, the 296 GTB can launch from zero to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, Ferrari says, and to 200km/h in 7.3sec.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

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Ferrari SF90

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The most expensive plug-in hybrid available in Australia is the Ferrari SF90, available in Stradale coupe or Spider convertible form.

Powering the rapid SF90 is a 574kW 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and 162kW from three electric motors, with energy sourced from a 7.9kWh battery, enabling 26 kilometres of all-electric driving.

In total, the SF90 has 735kW of power, with Ferrari claiming it can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.5 seconds – making it the fastest-ever production model from the Italian marque.

The 0-200km/h sprint is possible in 6.7 seconds for the Stradale and 7.0 seconds for the Spider, with both reaching a top speed of 340km/h.

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Lexus NX450h+

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The Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid's powertrain is based on the same 2.5-litre petrol engine of the NX 350h, but is supplemented by two permanent-synchronous motors, one at each axle, to produce a peak 227kW power output – making it the most potent NX to date.

Its 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery has one of the highest capacities of a plug-in hybrid and gives the NX450h an all-electric driving range of up to 87 kilometres.

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PHEVs yet to arrive in Australia

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Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

Arriving: New timing to be confirmed

BMW M760e

Arriving: To be confirmed for Australia, possible for 2023

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Arriving: First quarter of 2023

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Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe

Lexus RX450h+

Arriving: 2024

Mazda CX-90

Arriving: 2024

Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance

Arriving: July 2023

Mercedes-Benz C300e

Arriving: To be confirmed for Australia, possible for 2023

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Peugeot 408

Peugeot 408 PHEV

Arriving: late 2023

Volkswagen Golf GTE and Tiguan eHybrid

Arriving: not locked in for Australia, possible from late 2023

Volkswagen Touareg R

Arriving: 2024

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