SUVs have managed to alter the global automotive landscape. All brands, generalist, premium and luxury, are thrown headlong into a market that is only growing on all continents and segments. The Lexus NX, whose acronym means "Nimble Crossover", is the bet of the Japanese manufacturer. A bet that is based on design, quality and efficiency.
We have tested this car:
Test Lexus NX 300h LuxuryTest Lexus NX 300h F Sport, a different SUV in all aspectsTest Lexus NX 300h F Sport, exterior and interior designLexus NX 300h F Sport test, engine, driving and consumptionLexus NX 300h F Sport test, equipment, price and conclusionsThe first time the world laid eyes on the NX was at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. Although it wasn't until a year later, in 2015, when sales kicked off, its design quickly turned heads. A style different from the classic conservatism offered by European manufacturers. The NX is the intermediate model, by size, within the popular SUV family, above the Lexus UX and below the Lexus RX.
Over the years, the Lexus NX has undergone various updates with the intention of keeping it up to date. Nevertheless, the biggest change of all is suffered in the spring of 2021, when the second generation is launched on the market, although it is positioned as a 2022 model since its commercial entry does not take place until the end of 2021 after its appearance at the Geneva International Motor Show.
Technical characteristics of the Lexus NX
The new Lexus NX has been created from scratch, but the engineers have not had to start from the base to build it. The NX is based on the new platform shared with Toyota, the GA-K architecture., which is the same one used by Toyota RAV4, who can be considered as his twin brother in the fleet. This platform has been created to house different mechanical options.
Despite the platform change, the Japanese SUV's dimensions remain virtually identical to the outgoing model. Outwardly it reaches 4,66 meters long, 1,86 meters wide and 1,64 meters high. To these levels must be added a wheelbase that reaches 2,69 meters, which is barely a difference of three centimeters compared to the previous generation.
That larger wheelbase allows it to offer better roominess in the rear seats, where even three adults can travel with some comfort thanks to generous legroom, although somewhat more limited in shoulder width. As far as load capacity is concerned, the Lexus NX announces a trunk with 545 liters of minimum capacity, expandable to a maximum of 1.436 liters if the second row of seats is folded down.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Lexus NX
As we have said above, the new NX platform allows a better adaptation to state-of-the-art mobility systems. In our country the SUV will be powered only by hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies, this being the great novelty with respect to the outgoing generation. Depending on the selected powertrain, there is the possibility of mounting a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive.
The range starts with the Lexus 350X NX. It mounts a 2,5-liter four-cylinder petrol block that generates 190 horsepower on its own. It is accompanied by a front electric motor that adds 182 horses to the mix. Total power is 243 horsepower, with an approximate electric autonomy of two kilometers. Later, a version with two electric motors and an all-wheel drive system will arrive.
The most powerful of the family is the Lexus NX450+. This time the hybrid set is replaced by a plug-in hybrid team. The main engine is a 2.5-liter 185-horsepower petrol block. A front electric axle with 182 horses and another rear with 54 horses are added. They both feed on 18,1 kWh lithium-ion battery of capacity that advances an electric autonomy approved in the WLTP cycle of 63 kilometers. Total system power is 309 horsepower.
Equipment of the Lexus NX
From the inside out, the new LX leaves clear evidence of why Lexus is considered the luxury brand of Toyota. Its cabin presents an excellent quality of finishes, both in settings and materials. The feeling of comfort is elevated, and also renewed thanks to the new structure presented in the 2022 model.
As is customary in the premium house, the equipment is delivered in different trim levels. Four steps that, from lowest to highest endowment, are: Business, Executive, F Sport and Luxury. The differences between them lie in different sections such as finishes, technology and design, introducing small details at one level or another, being able to go from a more neutral aspect to a more sporty one according to the particular taste of each client.
As far as equipment is concerned, the generation gap has marked a clear before and after in the SUV. From now on it integrates current technologies, where many elements stand out, some of them are: Full LED headlights, door handles by button, digital instrumentation with a 9,8-inch panel, connectivity for mobile devices, a multimedia system with a touch screen of up to 14 inches and a complete deployment of safety elements and driving assistants.
The Lexus NX on video
The Lexus NX according to Euro NCAP
How could it be otherwise, the Lexus NX has been listed as a five star Euro NCAP safety vehicle, getting the highest grade possible. The renewed SUV offers a new and reinforced structure that allows it to be one of the leaders in its segment. The results by sections are: 83 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 87 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 83 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 91 out of 100 in response and operation of driving assistants.
The Lexus NX of Km 0 and second hand
The Lexus NX is one of the premium compact SUVs that attracts the most interest among users of this level due to its advantageous environmental labels. Its hybrid-gasoline nature allows commendable fuel economy in the city (where it will rarely leave) and a resolute response when driving on the open road. The average depreciation of the NX stands at 24%, in the mean of its segment.
Throughout these years, the Japanese luxury SUV has reaped good sales figures, and this affects secondary channels where the offer is varied. If we take a look at the second-hand channel we see how prices start in amounts close to 18.000 euros for 2015 models. The Km 0 market as such is practically non-existent, but we do find pre-owned models with values ​​close to 35.000 euros. First generation models with significant discounts compared to new models.
Lexus NX rivals
The Lexus NX falls within one of the segments that are experiencing the greatest growth in sales, that of premium C-SUVs. This puts you in direct line with some of the fiercest competition in the industry today. Its most direct rivals are: Listen Q3, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Range Rover Evoque y Volvo XC60. Among all of them, the Japanese offers a different design and an exclusive concept of hybridization. On the contrary, it has fewer customization possibilities, a short mechanical range and more outdated technology.
Highlight
- Quality of finishes
- ride quality
- Designer
To improve
- Benefits
- High price
- dynamic capabilities
Lexus NX Price
Everything presaged high sales prices for the renewed compact SUV of the house, and so it has been. The starting price of the Lexus NX is 53.700 euros, without offers or promotions. That price corresponds to a model with 350h hybrid mechanics and Business finish. The most expensive of the whole family is, at the moment, the Lexus NX 450h+ with Luxury finish. Its price starts at 82.800 euros, without offers or promotions.
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The latest about Lexus NX
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