TO BE HONEST, SOME of the models in the Lexus range are looking a little long in the tooth, so the arrival of the new NX range will be welcome to both customers and dealers alike.
The Lexus NX will arrive in late January representing next-generation Lexus design, technology and performance with the debut of the incredible Tazuna cockpit concept, new safety and connectivity standards, plus four advanced powertrains.
Lexus has aligned the launch timing of all next-generation NX powertrains including a 430Nm turbocharged engine, an all-new hybrid-electric system delivering 5.0L/100km and a flagship 227kW plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Lexus will further offer luxury medium SUV customers the luxury of choice with a light and responsive direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine, the NX 250, opening the latest technology-rich and dynamically enhanced range priced from $60,800 (all prices plus on road costs).
The advanced hybrid-electric NX 350h costs an additional $4800, starting from $65,600. Available in all-wheel drive (AWD) only, the high-output turbocharged petrol NX 350 starts from $77,900 and the high-performance, low-emissions NX 450h+ PHEV starts from $89,900.
Complete with benchmark electric-only driving range and greater pricing attainability than key rivals, the first-ever Lexus PHEV is also priced within $6,000 of the flagship NX 350h Sports Luxury AWD with Enhancement Pack 2, reflecting the Lexus desire to encourage even higher take-up of sustainable technologies.
The Lexus NX 250 opens the range with Lexus-first technologies including safe exit assist (SEA) incorporating new e-latch electrically activated doorhandles which can detect cyclists or vehicles passing close to the vehicle and can keep the door closed to avoid a collision.
New across-the-range safety technologies include NX-first intersection turn assist (ITA) and emergency steering assist (ESA), plus a pre-collision system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, parking support brake (PKSB) with obstacle and vehicle detection, blind-spot monitor (BSM), dynamic radar active cruise control (DRCC), lane tracing assist (LTA) and road sign assist (RSA).
Lexus Connected Services includes SOS call, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle tracking. At its launch in late January, Lexus will also further reveal the richest suite of Connected Services available across the entire Lexus range.
The NX 250 includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with automatic high-beam, power-operated tailgate, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and the human-centric Tazuna cockpit concept with a 9.8-inch touch-display, DAB+ digital radio, “Hey Lexus!” natural speech recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Smartphone compatibility will also be upgraded to a wireless connection as a future complimentary update for all new-generation NX owners.
Customers can select the NX 250 with a responsive 152kW 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission with two-wheel drive (2WD), providing the lightest and most agile Lexus luxury medium SUV experience.
Customers can alternatively select the Luxury model grade of the NX 350h from $65,600 (2WD) or $70,400 (AWD). Both hybrid-electric models upgrade to 179kW – the most powerful four-cylinder Lexus hybrid ever. With a new lithium-ion battery package helping to increase the reliance on electric torque, both 2WD and AWD deliver consumption of 5.0L/100km that eclipses all luxury medium SUV diesel-only rivals.
For NX 250 and NX 350h Luxury AWD customers, a $3000-optional Enhancement Pack is available featuring a moonroof, a kick sensor for the power-operated tailgate and wireless smartphone charging.
NX 350h Luxury customers can alternatively move to a flagship F Sport or Sports Luxury grade for an identical price.
Lexus has priced both the NX 350h F Sport and NX 350h Sports Luxury at the same $73,100 (2WD) or $77,900 (AWD).
Broadening the choice even further, Lexus has ensured that the NX 350 F Sport AWD is also priced at an identical $77,900.
The NX 350 is available exclusively as an F Sport grade with AWD, befitting its all-new 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.0 seconds.
F Sport and Sports Luxury highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels (unique designs), tri-beam LED headlamps with an adaptive high-beam system (AHS), heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic view monitor and wireless smartphone charging.
The Tazuna cockpit concept is elevated further in F Sport and Sports Luxury grades with an expansive 14.0-inch touch-display, high-grade digital instrument cluster and a colour head-up display (HUD) with touch-capacitive steering wheel controls.
Sports Luxury exclusives further include a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, leather-accented trim upholstery and open-pore walnut ornamentation finished in Sumi Black, inspired by Japanese pen ink.
F Sport exclusives include an F Sport bodykit, body-coloured wheelarches, black window surrounds, scuff plates, perforated leather-accented steering wheel and gearshifter, alloy pedals, sports seats, and Hadori aluminium ornamentation.
The F Sport also provides the most dynamic focus on the Lexus Driving Signature with the standard fitment of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), five-stage drive mode select and performance dampers (bracing) front and rear.
NX AWD models (NX 350 F Sport, NX 350h F Sport, NX 350h Sports Luxury) are offered with two Enhancement Pack additions.
The $3000-optional Enhancement Pack 1 includes a panoramic moonroof, the first time a panoramic moonroof has been offered on a Lexus NX.
The $6000-optional Enhancement Pack 2 for the NX 350 F Sport and NX 350h F Sport AWD adds a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, digital rear-view mirror, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and Intelligent Parking Assist (NX 350h only), the first time automatic reverse parallel and perpendicular parking has been offered on a Lexus NX.
The $6000-optional Enhancement Pack 2 for the NX 350h Sports Luxury AWD includes a panoramic moonroof, power-operated folding rear seats, a heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats, and Intelligent Parking Assist.
The step from the flagship NX 350h AWD with Enhancement Pack 2 to the debut Lexus PHEV, the NX 450h+ is just $6000.
Reflecting a high-output step-up from the NX 350, the NX 450h+ is also available exclusively as an F Sport AWD grade, reflecting its status as the high-performance, low-emissions flagship model with 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds.
Priced from $89,900, the NX 450h+ F Sport further combines the highest EV-only driving range in the luxury medium SUV segment with benchmark pricing attainability to reinforce the Lexus leadership in electrification.
The NX 450h+ F Sport uniquely merges luxury equipment from standard NX F Sport grades, while adding features as standard including a moonroof, heated steering wheel and a digital rear-view mirror.
The NX 450h+ develops a combined 227kW, with the E-Four all-wheel-drive system powering permanent magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear wheels, and the 18.1kWh battery provides an all-electric driving range of up to 87km.
Combined fuel consumption is from 1.3L/100km, with CO2 emissions of just 29g/km.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said the all-new Lexus NX range will reset luxury medium SUV benchmarks with its brave design, exhilarating performance and imaginative technology.
“The all-new Lexus NX combines luxury specification and famous Takumi craftsmanship with next-generation design and a level of technology that extends from active safety and security to infotainment and powertrains,” Mr Thompson said.
“The range starts with a focus on lightness and agility, extends to our renowned best-selling hybrid-electric system, and a focus on power with an all-new turbocharged petrol engine and a high-performance, low-emissions PHEV.”
Eight colours are available: Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Onyx, Graphite Black, Caliente, Khaki Metal and Celestial Blue, while F Sport variants further exclusively offer White Nova and Cobalt Mica.
Two trim upholstery colours, Hazel and Black & Rich Cream, have been added, joining Dark Rose and Black. F Sport grades are exclusively available in F Sport Black, F Sport White and the newly available F Sport Flare Red.
Every Lexus NX is delivered with the Lexus Warranty Experience featuring a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and, for NX 350h and NX 450h+, a leading 10-year, unlimited kilometre battery warranty.
The Lexus Warranty Experience forms part of the luxury lifestyle brand’s leading Encore owner benefits program incorporating money-can’t-buy experiences with brand ambassadors, special offers with hotel partnerships, and a 5-cents-per-litre Ampol/Caltex fuel discount offer on premium unleaded, among other benefits.
Lexus will announce service pricing and new Lexus Connected Services technology for all NX models, at the launch of the all-new NX range in late January.
2022 Lexus NX pricing
| Grade | Price (plus on road costs) |
| NX 250 NX 250 with Enhancement Pack NX 350h Luxury 2WD NX 350h Sports Luxury 2WD NX 350h F Sport 2WD NX 450h+ F Sport AWD |
$60,800 $63,800 $65,600 $73,100 $73,100 $89,900 |
NX 250 highlights
• 2.5 Litre Direct Injection Petrol Engine (new to NX)
• Maximum Combined Power of 152kW
• Maximum Available Torque of 243Nm
• Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Kerb weight of 1705kg
• Combined cycle fuel consumption from 6.9L/100km
• 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.7 seconds
• Drive Mode Select – ECO, NORMAL and SPORT
• 18-inch Alloy Wheels
• LED headlamps with auto-levelling and Automatic High Beam (AHB)
• Heated electro-chromatic exterior mirrors
• Electro-chromatic Rear-view Mirror
• Smart Entry & Start System
• Power Tailgate
• E-Latch (new to Lexus)
• Safe Exit Assist (new to Lexus)
• Lexus Connected Services (new to NX)
• Intersection Turn Assist (new to NX)
• Emergency Steering Assist (new to NX)
• Radar Active Cruise Control (RACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA)
• Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Parking Support with Brake (PKSB), including front and rear Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS)
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• 10 SRS Airbags
• Alarm System with Intrusion sensor
• Choice of Black & Rich Cream interior trim (new to NX)
• Choice of Hazel interior trim (new to NX)
• Choice of Black interior trim
• Choice of Dark Rose interior trim
• Tazuna cockpit concept with 9.8″ Touch-display (new to NX)
• 8.0-inch Driver Display (new to NX)
• “Hey Lexus!” natural speech recognition (new to NX)
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ Digital Radio, USB-A & USB-C Input
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10 Speaker Audio
• Reversing Camera with Rear Guide Assist (RGA)
• Dual Zone Climate Control Air Conditioning with Nanoe X
• Lexus Climate Concierge
• 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with 2-way Lumbar Support for Driver
• Heated Front Seats
NX 250 with Enhancement Pack highlights
NX 250 standard equipment plus the following
• Moonroof
• Kick Sensor for Power Tailgate
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
NX 350h Luxury highlights
NX 250 standard equipment plus the following
• 2.5 Litre Direct Injection Petrol Engine with Lexus Hybrid Drive (new to NX)
• Maximum Combined Power of 179kW
• Maximum Available Torque of 239Nm (Petrol Engine) & 270Nm (2WD Electric Motor) or 391Nm (AWD Electric Motor)
• Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Kerb weight of 1810kg (2WD) or 1870kg (AWD)
• Combined cycle fuel consumption from 5.0L/100km
• 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.7 seconds (2WD) or 7.7 seconds (AWD)
• EV Mode
NX 350h Luxury with Enhancement Pack AWD highlights
NX 350h Luxury standard equipment plus the following
• Moonroof
• Kick Sensor for Power Tailgate
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
NX 350 F Sport highlights
• 2.4 Litre Direct Injection Turbocharged Petrol Engine (new to NX)
• Maximum Combined Power of 205kW
• Maximum Available Torque of 430Nm
• Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Combined cycle fuel consumption from 8.1L/100km
• 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.0 seconds
NX 350 F Sport and NX 350h F Sport highlights
NX 350h Luxury standard equipment plus the following
• 20-inch F Sport Alloy Wheels (new to NX)
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• Drive Mode Select – ECO, NORMAL and SPORT S, SPORT S+ and CUSTOM
• F Sport Performance Dampers (Bracing) Front and Rear
• F Sport Grille and Bumpers
• F Sport Seats in F Sport White, F Sport Black or Flare Red (new to NX)
• F Sport Pedals, Scuff Plates, Steering Wheel, Shift Lever & Knob
• Tri-beam LED headlamps with Adaptive High-beam System
• Hadori aluminium Ornamentation
• 14.0-inch Touch-Display (new to NX)
• High-grade 8.0-inch Driver’s Display (new to NX)
• Colour Head-up Display (HUD)
• Panoramic View Monitor
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Driver’s Seat with Memory
NX 350 F Sport and NX 350h F Sport AWD with Enhancement Pack 1 highlights
NX 350h F Sport standard equipment plus the following
• Panoramic moonroof (new to NX)
NX 350 F Sport and NX 350h F Sport AWD with Enhancement Pack 2 highlights
NX 350h F Sport standard equipment plus the following
• Panoramic moonroof (new to NX)
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Digital Rear-view Mirror (new to NX)
• Mark Levinson 17 Speaker Audio System (new to NX)
• Intelligent Parking Assist (NX 350h F Sport AWD only) (new to NX)
NX 350h Sports Luxury highlights
NX 350h Luxury standard equipment plus the following
• Tri-beam LED headlamps with Adaptive High-beam System
• Leather Accented interior trim
• Choice of Black & Rich Cream interior trim (new to NX)
• Choice of Hazel interior trim (new to NX)
• Choice of Black interior trim
• Choice of Dark Rose interior trim
• Choice of Sumi black Walnut ornamentation (new to NX)
• 14.0-inch Touch-Display (new to NX)
• High-grade 8.0-inch Driver’s Display (new to NX)
• Colour head-up Display
• Panoramic View Monitor
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Digital Rear-view Mirror (new to NX)
• Mark Levinson 17 Speaker Audio System (new to NX)
NX 350h Sports Luxury AWD with Enhancement Pack 1 highlights
NX 350h Sports Luxury standard equipment plus the following
• Panoramic moonroof (new to NX)
NX 350h Sports Luxury AWD with Enhancement Pack 2 highlights
NX 350h Sports Luxury standard equipment plus the following
• Panoramic moonroof (new to NX)
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Heated rear seats (new to NX)
• Power folding rear seats (60/40) (new to NX)
• Intelligent Parking Assist (NX 350h only) (new to NX)
NX 450h+ F Sport highlights
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle system (new to NX)
• Maximum Combined Power of 227kW
• Electric-only driving range of 87km
• Combined cycle fuel consumption from 1.3L/100km
• 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds
NX 350h F Sport standard equipment plus the following
• Moonroof
• Digital Rear-view Mirror (new to NX)
• Heated Steering Wheel