LEXUS has unveiled its new-generation NX mid-sized luxurious SUV, promising to supply patrons extra model, extra efficiency and extra options over its predecessor when it arrives right here in November alongside the smaller and all-electric UX300e.
As normal for a brand new mannequin, the NX flaunts a heap of latest and up to date styling cues over the outgoing model, headlined by the debut of a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and the eventual emergence of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
The brand new force-fed mill is so new that Lexus is but to share any of its key specs, though there may be little doubt it should generate extra energy and torque than the outgoing NX300 (175kW/350Nm) that utilises a smaller turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol.
Transmission duties are left solely to an eight-speed automated.
Lexus stays tight-lipped about the remainder of the powertrain line-up when it comes to energy outputs or gasoline consumption, together with the up to date hybrid system set to reside below the bonnet of the NX350h.
Nonetheless primarily based round a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, it’s anticipated is that the NX350h’s powertrain would be the similar one as discovered within the up to date ES sedan, growing a mixed 160kW of energy and managed by an digital constantly variable transmission (eCVT).
Each front- and all-wheel-drive configurations will reportedly be provided.
An analogous rule of thumb might be utilized to the entry-level NX250 that may function the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine to the hybrid however with out the electrification and the eight-speed automated as a substitute of a CVT.
Trying once more to the ES, the front-wheel-drive vary opener is anticipated to provide the identical 152kW/243Nm because the ES250 and Toyota Camry – the unique donor of this specific engine.
Whereas nonetheless unconfirmed for Australia, that very same engine can even function the premise for the NX450h+ PHEV and be paired with two electrical motors supported by an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery – energy and torque are tipped to be essentially the most potent within the vary though no official determine has been talked about.
In comparison with the present mannequin, the brand new NX is 20mm longer (4660mm), 20mm wider (1865mm), 5mm taller (1640mm) and rides on a 30mm-longer wheelbase (2690mm) courtesy of its new TNGA-based GA-Okay platform.
Below the pores and skin, the brand new mannequin rides on MacPherson strut entrance suspension and a double-wishbone set-up on the rear with newly developed shock absorbers in all 4 corners.
F Sport variants will up the journey and dealing with ante significantly due to their customary ‘Adaptive Variable Suspension’ whereas all variants rating a brand new variable-ratio steering system.
Contained in the cabin is a very driver-focused inside and sprint format with every thing oriented towards the motive force, together with the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.
As anticipated from a contemporary luxurious automobile, the infotainment system is filled with the most recent toys and compatibilities together with Wi-Fi-based wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, ‘Hey Lexus’ voice recognition and command in addition to a 10-speaker Lexus premium sound system.
Behind the steering wheel resides a new-generation digital cockpit and configurable head-up show whereas the steering wheel itself has been redesigned to “enhance the sporty really feel”.
Different international customary tools highlights embody 64-colour ambient lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, digital door handles and satellite tv for pc navigation – native pricing and specs might be revealed nearer to launch.
By way of security, protected exit help has been added to the Lexus Security System+ suite with expanded capabilities comparable to pre-collision security that may now detect turning automobiles, pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, as can the entrance cross-traffic alert system.
The adaptive cruise management can now monitor the visitors move in different lanes and regulate the pace accordingly when the motive force alerts to vary lane, the curve pace management is now extra correct and proactive in its pace adjustment and the lane hint/lane maintain help techniques are stated to have been made extra intuitive.
Lexus Australia chief government Scott Thompson stated the new-generation NX represented a leap ahead for the posh way of life model given the NX is its most profitable providing in our market.
“The all-new Lexus NX is an intensive leap ahead for design, efficiency and know-how, with its athletic exterior matched by a dynamic new cockpit idea, superior powertrains, plus partaking steering and dealing with,” he stated.
“When these attributes mix with trademark-Lexus high quality and luxurious, journey consolation and refinement, we’re assured the all-new NX will create a brand new luxurious medium SUV benchmark when it arrives in November.”
Lexus has offered 1515 NXs to date this yr ending Might, accounting for 11.7 per cent of the $60,000-plus medium SUV phase which is at present being dominated by the BMW X3 (1799/13.9%) and Audi Q5 (1762/13.6%).
