Lexus NX 300h: the AWD with a twist

Take a look at what Lexus has created in their first mid-size crossover: a special all-wheel drive system known as the E-Four. By Jerrica Leong

It looks like a SUV, but it’s not. The Lexus NX 300h is labelled a crossover. It’s got an all-wheel drive system but it’s smarter than you think. Most of the time the crossover is a rear-wheel drive car and only engages all-wheel drive when it feels like it’s needed.

Lexus knows it as the E-Four. The system not the car, this system uses an additional electric motor to drive the rear axle while the front axles are propelled by power from the hybrid petrol engine or electric motor, or both in combination.

This car is smart. The system varies the amount of drive torque to the rear wheels in line with driving dynamics and road conditions, to secure the right level of stability when accelerating in low-grip conditions. When the system detects a loss of traction to the front wheels, it reduces the electricity supply to the traction motor in transaxle and increases supply to the rear axle motor. Operation of the E-Four is automatic, the driver doesn’t have to think about engaging AWD.

With the help of the E-Four, the NX 300h saves energy and fuel too since all-wheel drive is only engaged when it’s needed. The rear motor also acts as a generator for the car’s regenerative braking system, increasing the amount of kinetic energy that can be harvested and stored as electric power. You have your very own ERS in your car!