An all-new, luxury, mid-size SUV is almost here. Ahead of its arrival in showrooms in early 2022,
we're giving you a preview of the new Lexus NX.
Due on sale in January 2022, the Lexus NX is new from the ground up with a new platform,
new engines and improved kit across the entire range. Since it's 2014 launch the original NX
has sold over one million examples globally, and the mid-size SUV has become the best selling model
in Australia, it is the hero in Lexus's local model line up. The Lexus NX initially arrived
with three powertrains under the bonus of the NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h hybrid, and the first
plug-in hybrid version, the NX 450h+ has been confirmed for Australia, but will arrive later.
Going into battle with a premium segment rivals such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes Benz GLC
is no walk in the park. But the second generation Lexus NX is larger and more powerful than its
predecessor, and it packs more kit, too. A refined exterior, sees a larger, more dynamic looking
body, a longer nose and shorter rear overhang, bringing a new silhouette to the NX range.
This is the top spec NX 350h sport luxury, and its expected to be the volume seller when it
hits Australian showrooms early next year. Its sporty body is punctuated by LEDs front rear
new L-shaped rear lights and repositioned badge as symbols of the new generation Lexus.
This sport luxury rides on 20-inch alloys, which is up from 18s, three-four-cylinder
petrol powertrains will include a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, and a new 2.4-litre
turbo and the flagship electrified 2.5-litre hybrid, the most powerful four-cylinder hybrid
powertrain from Lexus in Australia. In addition, the Lexus NX 450h+ is set to become the Japanese
car maker's first plug-in hybrid model, and is due in Australia, early next year. Entry-level NX 250
and NX 350 will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the NX 350h is paired to a CVT
automatic. The NX 350h adds a lithium-ion battery and either one or two electric motors, depending
on whether it's front or all drive, familiar trim levels of luxury F Sport and sport luxury
remain. Combined cycle economy for the front will drive 350h is pitched as low as five litres per
100 kilometres, and the 350h will hit 100 kilometres per hour in around 7.7 seconds.
The new design approach is next level sitting behind the wheel of the NX, it feels like
no other Lexus I've ever been in before. The new NX features the brands new Tazuna cockpit concept,
a driver-focused design that brings all elements front and center, fewer distractions for a more
focused driving experience, smart entry and push button start, electric adjust steering column,
8-way powered front seats with heating and a heated steering wheel are standard.
This new 14-inch touch screen is home to digital radio, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto and more. You'll also find a 9.8 inch drivers instrumentation cluster.
The news we've all been waiting for, however, is how easy is it all to use?
Gone is the Lexus Touchpad of old. This is the most intuitive, easy to use interface
for Lexus by far. Hey Lexus voice control is also now standard across the range.
F Sport and sport luxury models get a panoramic view monitor, wireless phone charging, coloured
head up display and touch sensitive steering wheel controls. F Sport grades have an exclusive body
kit, sport seats and dials, performance adaptive dampers and selectable drive modes including Sport
S and Sport S+. Top specs sport luxury grades also get the up-spec 17-speaker Mark Levinson
sound system standard. Smarter and safer in 2022 goes an extensive safety spec includes autonomous
emergency braking with pedestrian and day-time cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control,
blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition,
intersection turn insist, emergency steering assist and tyre pressure monitoring. Every Lexus
NX also comes with e-latch, an electronically activated door handle that warns the driver
and keeps the door closed to avoid collision with cyclists, pedestrians or
other vehicles. Lexus connected services brings SOS call and stolen vehicle tracking.
Second row has a lovely raised seating position and there's plenty of room for three passengers,
you've got two air vents, heated seats, two charge points, an arm rest with cup holders, alright,
sorted. A power tailgate is standard on the range and a 520-litre boot is fit for the family load.
Locally, we're yet to drive the new NX, but in the meantime, you can read our
International Drive impressions online. Price increases are expected across the entire range,
pushing the entry level variance over $60,000, but Lexus remains tight-lipped on by just how much.
Keeping up with Euros is hard, beating them even more so, but the new Lexus NX is throwing
everything at the challenge in a most convincing way. Backed by the brands generous after sales
provisions, the Lexus NX is certain to remain Lexus's best seller in Australia, and there's
no reason it won't gain ground on its rivals, too. Check back soon for a full review of the Lexus NX.