LUXURY MEDIUM SUV CUSTOMERS have been keenly awaiting the release of specifications for the all-new Lexus NX.
The all-new NX represents Next Generation Lexus with a revolutionary approach to every design and engineering element, with customers who are expected to make the hybrid-electric NX 350h the highest selling model.
The hybrid-electric NX 350h delivers a superb 179kW system output through an electric motor, lithium-ion battery package and 2.5-litre petrol engine combination, becoming the most powerful four-cylinder Lexus hybrid ever sold in Australia.
Emblematic of an intense focus on leading performance and technology, the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the NX 350h develops more power than German diesel four-cylinder luxury medium SUV models, while recording lower fuel consumption – from 5.0L/100km in two- and all-wheel drive (AWD).
These figures represent a more than 20 percent increase in power and up to 12 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared with the outgoing hybrid-electric NX.
For luxury medium SUV customers preferring even more performance, the Lexus NX 350 debuts an all-new 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 205kW of power at 6000rpm, and 430Nm of torque between 1700rpm and 3600rpm.
With standard AWD and an intuitive eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the NX 350 provides incredible traction and immediate response befitting the engaging and confidence-inspiring traits of the Lexus Driving Signature.
Following the leading figures of the hybrid-electric NX 350h, the turbocharged NX 350 produces more power and torque than German petrol-only four-cylinder luxury medium SUV models.
Completing a trio of powertrains and providing a balance of performance and low emissions, the front-wheel drive NX 250 utilises a thermally efficient 2.5-litre port- and direct-injected petrol engine producing 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque.
The NX 250 maintains immediate response thanks to the short first gear inside the standard eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, while a tall eighth gear and intuitive tuning helps to deliver impressive fuel consumption from 6.9L/100km.
The NX 250 balances ride comfort and handing agility with taller profile tyres and among the lowest kerb weight of luxury medium SUV models, from 1705kg, within 25kg of the ES 250 luxury medium sedan.
The NX 350h will be available in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades. The NX 350 is exclusively available in the F Sport grade, and the NX 250 is exclusively available in the Luxury grade.
Making its Lexus production debut and standard on all NX grades is the all-new Tazuna cockpit concept inspired by a rider controlling the reins of a horse and ensuring that commands are placed within intuitive reach.
Both the NX F Sport and NX Sports Luxury feature the ultimate Tazuna cockpit concept with an expansive 14.0-inch touch-display, a panoramic view monitor, wireless smartphone charging, touch-sensitive steering wheel controls and a colour head-up display.
All grades further include voice control with “Hey Lexus!” natural speech recognition, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard, with the NX Luxury utilising a 9.8-inch touch-display.
Both the NX F Sport and NX Sports Luxury feature 20-inch alloy wheels, tri-beam LED headlamps with an adaptive high-beam system, multi-colour interior illumination and ventilated front seats as standard.
NX F Sport grades include a body kit, sports seats and dials, front and rear performance dampers (bracing) and adaptive variable suspension featuring Eco/Normal/Sport S or Sport S+ settings, maximising the agility and driver connection from the rigid GA-K platform and the Lexus Driving Signature.
NX Sports Luxury grades include a digital rear-view mirror and 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as standard, while both are optional for the NX F Sport AWD. Optional with the AWD powertrains of both grades are a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel and Intelligent Park Assist (NX 350h AWD only).
NX Luxury highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and foglamps, automatic high beam, smart entry & start, power operated tailgate, a power adjustable steering column, eight-way power adjustable front seats, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control air-conditioning as standard.
Every all-new Lexus NX includes advanced standard safety including Lexus-debut e-latch – an electrically activated doorhandle that enables new safe-exit assist functionality, which can detect cyclists or vehicles passing close to the vehicle, warn the driver and if required keep the door closed to avoid a collision.
Other state-of-the-art new technologies include Lexus Connected Services, Intersection Turn Assist and Emergency Steering Assist.
Lexus Connected Services includes SOS call, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking functionality for maximum safety and security. The all-new NX will have the richest suite of Connected Services across the entire Lexus range. Lexus will shortly announce the exciting new features that leverage the all-new connected technologies available in this new-generation luxury medium SUV.
Intersection Turn Assist can help the driver by issuing warnings and automatic braking if, at an intersection, the car turns in front of either an oncoming vehicle in the opposite lane, or pedestrians walking in the opposite direction to the vehicle.
Emergency Steering Assist can aid the driver when initiating an evasive steering manoeuvre, helping maintain vehicle stability in the event of a sudden steering input and reducing deviation by striving to keep the vehicle in its own lane.
Further standard safety features include: 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 cruise control (DRCC), lane tracing assist (LTA), road sign assist (RSA) and tyre pressure warning monitor.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said the all-new NX signals the start of a whole new era for the luxury lifestyle brand.
“The all-new NX masterfully combines trademark-Lexus craftsmanship and refinement with brave design, exhilarating performance and imaginative technology,” Mr Thompson said.
“Australian specifications for the all-new NX leverage these attributes with superb performance and efficiency joining a high level of luxury, ensuring the next generation of our luxury medium SUV achieves even greater success in our market.”
The Lexus NX is the luxury lifestyle brand’s highest-selling model line in Australia, achieving sales growth even during a challenging 2020.
To assist with anticipated high demand for the all-new NX, Lexus has confirmed the on-sale date for the second-generation luxury medium SUV will move to January, 2022.