The all-new NX Lexus heralds a new direction in design, powertrains and dynamic handling delivering a more rewarding and connected driving experience. Its now available in Mzansi.
On the front one still gets the familiar Lexus spindle architecture which has now been deepened with a three-dimensional design that starts from the spindle grille and extends significantly toward the rear fenders.
LED headlamps are standard with three-projector LED headlights an option. The grille pattern is a longitudinal U-shaped block with a three-dimensional effect, and a slit-like opening is provided at the bottom.
The side seas F Sport models getting a decal on the front fender with this spec model also getting larger alloy wheels as standard. There are varying colour options for the wheels with black featuring on the top spec F Sport models. The exterior features on these F Sport models include special 20-inch alloy wheels, a spoiler on the lower bumper, and front-side garnishes that deliver a sporty impression.
The rear gets new LED lamps that are linked via an LED light running the length of the boot. The normal L emblem has been replaced by the LEXUS text. Instead of the normal faux exhausts, Lexus designers have put a chrome line running along the lower section of the rear bumper.
The inside seas the biggest shift for Lexus with the brand abandoning the awful mouse type infotainment system for a new trendy touchscreen angled towards the driver. The new multimedia system’s high-resolution, 14-inch touch display provides clear images, thanks to an anti-reflective coating applied to the windshield and the use of glare-reducing bonding technology.
Controls for the climate controls use dials whilst the instrument cluster gets a 7-inch screen which can also be enhanced by a 10 inch heads up display. The infotainment system at 14-inch display is one of the largest in its class. The high-definition screen presents clear graphics in all lighting conditions, while the speed of CPU (central processing unit) is 3.6 times faster than the outgoing system. The one area Lexus has always excelled is in fit and finish and judging from the images, one would hope they haven’t lost the plot there.
Comfort is top class with comfort seats lined in leather. Seat heating should come standard with higher spec models also getting cooled seats with electric and memory functions. Rear seats can also be heated.
Entertainment comes courtesy of a 10-speaker Lexus Premium audio system (EX) and a 17-speaker Mark Levison (SE & F SPORT).
Front power heated & ventilated seats with driver memory (EX & F SPORT) / Plus heated rear seats (SE).
Powering the entry level NX250 model is a 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre natural aspirated engine that does the 0-1-00lm/h sprint in 9.1 seconds (7.1l/100km claimed). Further up the range is an NX350 powered by a 2.4-litre Turbo engine credited with 205kW/430Nm for a 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds (8.1l/100km claimed). These models are driven through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For those that prefer Hybrid power, there is the NX350h which gets a 2.5-litre engine and an electric motor on each drive axle with a combined power output of 179kW. This model is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds before a limited top speed of 200km/h (5.0l/100km claimed). The NX Hybrid is kitted with the latest version of Lexus E-CVT, an intelligent continuously variable transmission that has an infinite number of gear ratios at its disposal. For the NX range in South Africa, all models come standard with the motor-driven AWD E-Four system which has been incorporated on the rear transaxle
Lexus NX pricing
Model Price
Lexus NX 250 EX R968 000
Lexus NX 350 EX R1 000 100
Lexus NX 350 SE R1 172 900
Lexus NX 350h F SPORT R1 200 800
Lexus NX 350 F SPORT R1 211 900
Every Lexus NX is delivered with the Lexus Warranty Experience featuring an industry leading seven years/105 000km and for NX 350h a leading eight years/195 000 km battery warranty.