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- The all-new NX opens the next chapter for the Lexus brand
- Second generation of the mid-size luxury SUV introduces new design, new powertrains, new connectivity, safety and convenience technologies as well as comprehensively improved dynamic performance
The all-new Lexus NX is much more than just a second-generation version of Lexus’ mid-size luxury SUV; it opens the next chapter for the Lexus brand. It heralds a bold new direction in design and powertrains and represents a leap forward in dynamic performance that delivers a greater and more rewarding connection between driver and machine courtesy of the Lexus Driving Signature.
The NX also debuts a new multimedia platform that takes connectivity, information and convenience to a higher level, and benefits from expansion of the scope and functionality of the next-generation Lexus Safety System and driver assistance systems to help guard against an even wider range of accident risks and reduce the burden on the driver.
THE ALL-NEW NX: MARKET PROFILE
The new NX will play a defining role in shaping the future of the Lexus brand in South Africa and driving the company’s growth ambitions. The original NX, introduced in 2014, became one of Lexus’ best-selling models; interestingly most NX customers were new to the brand.
The all-new model is equipped to do even better, with new and improved powertrains featuring class-leading performance and efficiency and the introduction of a wealth of new technologies to make every journey safer, more connected and, most importantly, more enjoyable.
FEEL MORE IN EVERY MOMENT: NEXT IS NOW
The all-new NX launches initially with just two models: the 152kW, 239Nm 2.5-litre normally-aspirated EX grade and the 205kW, 430Nm turbo-charged 2.4-litre F Sport. There will be a trinity of hybrid models when these launch later in the year in EX, SE as well as F Sport grades.
The Lexus NX 250 EX opens the range with some Lexus-first technologies including safe exit assist (SEA) incorporating new e-latch electrically activated door handles. In essence this tech detects cyclists or vehicles passing close to the vehicle and keeps the door closed to avoid a collision.
Other ground-breaking across-the-range safety technologies include NX firsts such as Intersection Turn Assist (ITA) and emergency steering assist (ESA). ITA identifies when it is unsafe to make a left turn across traffic or when pedestrians are in a crosswalk and can warn the driver or brake the vehicle to prevent a collision. On the other hand, the ESA function provides assistance, triggered by the driver’s use of the wheel, to automatically control steering when there’s a high risk of a collision, helping to keep the vehicle stable and within its traffic lane.
This is coupled with a pre-collision system featuring pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, parking support brake (PKSB) with obstacle and vehicle detection, blind-spot monitor (BSM), dynamic radar active cruise control (DRCC) and lane tracing assist (LTA). PKSB for those not familiar with the system, it has the ability to detect static objects, approaching vehicles as well as pedestrians. The system furthermore automatically applies the brakes when a potential for collision is sensed. This Lexus Safety System is available across the NX range for the first time in SA.
Turning attention to other standard kit, the NX 250 EX grade comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with automatic high-beam, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and the human-centric Tazuna cockpit concept – with a 14-inch touch-display, DAB+ digital radio, “Hey Lexus!” natural speech recognition and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Smartphone compatibility is a given with wireless connection as well as a complimentary update for all new-generation NX owners.
The NX 250 EX is quite responsive with a 152kW/239Nm 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission with two-wheel drive (2WD). It provides the lightest and most agile Lexus luxury medium SUV experience. Acceleration figures for this grade are recorded at 9.1 seconds.
ABOUT THE NX 350 F SPORT
The flagship model for now is the NX 350 available exclusively in F Sport guise with AWD, befitting its all-new 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and 0-100km/h acceleration in just 7.0 seconds.
F Sport highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels (unique design), tri-beam LED headlamps with an adaptive high-beam system (AHS), heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic view monitor, opening and closing panoramic sunroof and F Sport-exclusive styling elements. The NX F Sport features dark chrome exterior details and a unique F Sport design mesh grille. There are also new front and rear bumper designs with larger side vents cut into the front bumper. Two colours are exclusive to the F Sport models – White Nova and Poseidon Blue.
The Tazuna cockpit concept is elevated further in the F Sport grade with an expansive 14.0-inch touch-display, satellite navigation, high-grade digital instrument cluster and a colour head-up display (HUD) with touch-capacitive steering wheel controls.
The F Sport further includes a 17-speaker Mark Levinson®, a digital rear-view mirror, leather trim upholstery and lots more other niceties.
The F Sport-exclusive cabin features include front sports seats made with a highly supportive integrated-foaming technique first developed for Lexus F models. The digitally-rendered instrument meter features a movable virtual ring inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar. A leather-covered F Sport steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift knob, eight-inch TFT colour display, aluminium pedals and footrest round off the interior package.
The F Sport also provides the most dynamic focus on the Lexus Driving Signature with the standard fitment of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), five-stage Drive Mode Select and performance dampers (bracing) front and rear.
LEXUS NX – NEXT IS NOW
Lexus South Africa says: “The all-new Lexus NX range will reset luxury medium SUV benchmarks with its brave design, exhilarating performance and imaginative technology.
“It combines luxury specification and famous Takumi craftsmanship with next-generation design and a level of technology that extends from active safety and security to infotainment and powertrains.”
Nine colours are available – Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black, Terrane Khaki, Celestial Blue, Blazing Carnelian, Black and Madder Red – while F Sport variants further exclusively offer White Nova and Poseidon Blue, as mentioned further above.
Three trim upholstery colours – Hazel, Black and Rich Cream – will be available for the EX grade. F Sport grades are exclusively available in F Sport Black, F Sport White and the newly available F Sport Flare Red.
PRICES, AFTERSALES & PRODUCT RANGE
Every Lexus NX is delivered with the Lexus Warranty Experience featuring the brand’s best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan.
The Lexus NX models retail from R860 000for the NX 250 EX, while the F Sport retails at R1 075 400. As mentioned earlier, the full range will comprise three powertrains, including the much-anticipated hybrid, boosting the model tally to five.
Lexus is embarking on a phased-out strategy for the NX product offering due to the current stock demands and availability. Therefore, the hybrid grades will launch later in the year. Lexus dealers have already started taking pre-orders from customers.
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