Lexus RX550h+ Trademark Hints at V6 Plug-In Hybrid SUV

The Lexus RX large SUV range may be receiving a more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain option with a V6 combustion engine, as Toyota has filed for the “RX550h+” name on behalf of their luxury brand. 

Trademark filings for the RX550h+ name have been submitted in multiple countries.

CarSauce has uncovered trademark filings for the name in Australia and the United Kingdom –  each filed on September 25th – as well as in New Zealand, filed on September 29th. 

HotCars also reported on a filing for the name made in the United States submitted on September 26th. 

Current Lexus RX Powertrain Options in Australia

In Australia, the Lexus RX large SUV is currently offered with a choice of four different powertrains: two hybrids, a petrol-only option, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

The RX350h variant features a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in a series parallel hybrid system, available in both two and all-wheel drive configurations with a total power output of 184kW. 

A petrol-only, 2.4-litre four-cylinder all-wheel drive powertrain – producing 205kW and 430Nm – is used in the RX350 F Sport and Sports Luxury variants. 

The RX450h+ is the plug-in hybrid variant, with its powertrain consisting of a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, and front and rear electric motors, with electricity sourced from an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery. 

It has a combined system out of 227kW, achieves a claimed combined fuel economy of 1.3 litres per 100km and has an electric-only range of 85km on the NEDC cycle. 

Finally, the range-topping RX500h model is the most powerful RX variant on offer and the only one to feature both turbocharging and hybrid power. The RX500h pairs a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a combined system output of 273kW. 

What about the RX550h+ Powertrain Could Offer

Lexus does not currently offer a 550h+ variant of any model in its Australian lineup. However, should it come to fruition, the RX would not be the brand’s first model to wear the 550h+ badge.

The Lexus TX550h+ three-row full-size plug-in hybrid SUV is a North American market-exclusive, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 mated with two electric motors, an ECVT transmission, all-wheel drive, and an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery. 

It has a combined system output of 301kW, good for a 0-100km/h time of around six seconds. 

Lexus’s latest trademarks suggest that a more powerful RX variant is possibly in the works. Should it continue the trend set by the TX, the V6-based plug-in hybrid powertrain could soon be used in the smaller RX.  

Has Lexus Australia Confirmed Plans for an RX550h+?

While these trademarks hint at an expanded lineup for the RX large SUV range, Lexus Australia has not confirmed a lineup expansion for their large SUV. 

“Lexus does not speculate on future models,” A spokesperson from the brand told CarSauce. 

While plans for an RX550h+ are yet to be officially confirmed, it’s likely it would become the new range-topping variant, sitting above the RX500h F Sport Performance, which is priced at $130,950 before on-road costs.