The Next Level
THE LEXUS NX IS AN INTERESTING proposition for those seeking a luxury brand other than the Germans, the Iron Mark diagonal slat or the big cat and its beefy brethren. Lexus have always delivered a different experience, prioritizing technology, comfort, and efficiency over outright performance and the new Lexus NX rightly takes things to the next level.
For starters, the new NX brings sharper, more distinctive lines and a swoopier roof-line for a coupé-style silhouette. The spindle grille is snazzier and features an intricately intertwined mesh design. The evolved Lexus design language embraces “simplicity rooted in technology and uniqueness in proportions that contribute to a dynamic performance”. The NX has grown larger, measuring 4,660 millimetres long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,640 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Wheel sizes from 18 to 20 inches are available.
The interior of the NX incorporates their “Tazuna Concept”. The word “tazuna” is derived from the “reins” used to control horses. Its aim is to enhance the joy of controlling a car at will by enabling better communication between the driver and their vehicle. Here, the cockpit that allows the driver to intuitively connect with the car and concentrate more on driving operations. The NX also has the next-generation Lexus Safety System + with cutting-edge safety technology that seamlessly partners with and supports the driver at all times.
The powertrain line-up sees a major overhaul with seven combinations available. The first Lexus plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has also arrived with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
The line-up begins with the NX 250 and its “A25A” 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine; one that offers a high thermal efficiency. Although Lexus haven’t divulged the output figures, we may expect about 190 hp and 240 Nm of torque. An eight-speed automatic is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). The newly developed electronically controlled AWD can split drive from front to rear between 100:0 and 50:50.
Next up is the NX 350 with a new “T24A” 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol that produces 275 hp and 430 Nm. It is paired with the eight-speed automatic and the AWD system.
The updated hybrid is the new NX 350h. It replaces the 300h and brings a little more on tap, too. The “A25A-FXS” 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol powertrain is uprated to deliver 239 hp, up from the 300h’s 197 hp.
The big news is the NX 450h+. This is the all-new plug-in hybrid. Like its siblings, it uses the 2.5-litre petrol engine. But this is a PHEV. It also gets a larger 18.1-kWh battery pack to facilitate a pure electric driving range of up to 58 kilometres. There is also electric drive with one or, in the new e-Four AWD version, two motors. Expect a peak combined output of about 300 hp.
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