All-new Lexus NX revealed with new looks, more tech, and plug-in hybrid engine

KUALA LUMPUR: As the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model, the all-new second-generation Lexus NX made its official debut recently. The crossover’s new iteration is based on the TNGA-K platform, which also underpins the Toyota RAV4. Besides new architecture, we can see new styling inside and out and of course tech and mechanical upgrades. 

On the exterior, the new Lexus NX boasts an evolutionary and modern design with elements like trademark spindle grille, sleeker LED headlights with new integrated LED DRLs, and neat character lines. The rear end is decked up with a horizontal light bar that flawlessly connects the LED tail lights. Further, Lexus offers an F Sport pack to spruce up the exterior. Items included in the package are bolder front grille mesh, more aggressive bumpers, a front-lip spoiler, and customised 20-inch alloy wheels.

Dimensionally, the SUV measures 4,660 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, 1,640 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. That's 20 mm longer and wider, 5 mm taller, and a 30 mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor.

Inside, the next-generation Lexus NX looks significantly different from the outgoing version thanks to a huge 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system that takes the centre stage. However, it is an optional feature as the standard kit includes a 9.8-inch touchscreen. The other tech goodies include: 

• 10.1-inch head-up display
• 7-inch digital driver’s display
• New steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Panoramic sunroof
• Digital car key
• Virtual assistant
• 64-color ambient lighting
• Wireless charger
• 10-speaker sound system
• E-Latch

Customers opting for the F Sport pack will also get sports seats, a bespoke steering wheel, black-red upholstery, and aluminium pedals.

On the safety front, the premium SUV is equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 that includes technologies like dynamic radar cruise control, risk avoidance emergency steer assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, road sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking.

Lexus offers the new LX in four engine options, three out of which are new. The only familiar one is NX 250 that uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline unit churning out a maximum power of 203 PS and a peak torque of 250 Nm. New offerings include the NX 350 powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged motor making 275 PS and 430 Nm and the NX 350h using a 2.5-litre petrol paired with two electric motors. The latter delivers a combined output of 239 hp.

On top of the range sits the NX 450h+ i.e. the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model. It equips the same 2.5-litre mill as the 350h, and an 18.1-kWh lithium ion battery pack powering the electric motors. The automaker claims that it can go up to 58 km on an all-electric propulsion

Lexus will commence the production of the new NX in the third quarter of 2021. No word yet on when it will be available in Malaysia.

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