All-new Lexus NX SUV revealed

The second-generation Lexus NX has been unveiled, with the SUV sporting new styling, more features and updated engine options.

• The new Lexus NX gets sleeker and more modern styling
• It is equipped with more technology and new safety features
• It is offered with a variety of petrol engines and a PHEV variant

New Lexus NX: design

With this second-gen NX’s design, Lexus has gone with a more evolutionary approach, rather than a revolutionary one. Lexus has stated that it has taken design inspiration from the LF-Z EV concept showcased earlier this year.

At first glance, the SUV is still very recognisably an NX, though the Japanese carmaker has reworked it to look much sleeker and more modern. Up front, Lexus’ new Spindle grille still takes centre stage, though it’s the new single piece headlights (replacing the split units on the older model) that really help unclutter the SUVs look. The C-shaped air intakes with the integrated fog lights also give the front end a more aggressive appearance.

When viewed from the side, it is the longer hood, new character lines and sharper creases that set the new NX apart from its predecessor. The SUV continues to have a well-proportioned and sporty looking profile, though from the side, its overall look and silhouette is similar to its predecessor.

At the rear, the new sculpted LED tail-lights that span the width of the SUV with the connecting light bar really modernise the NX. Another change on the rear is the Lexus lettering on the tailgate (just below the light bar) that replaces the carmakers old ‘L’ badge.

New Lexus NX: interior and features

Much like the exterior, the interior of the new NX has also been revamped with a new dashboard design that is more driver oriented, similar to the LF-Z concept. The dash is dominated by a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (upgradable to a 14-inch unit), that features Lexus’ latest software. Other features offered with the NX include a 360-degree camera, auto headlamps and wipers, wireless mobile charging, electric front seats, and a digital instrument cluster, to name a few.

There are a host of safety features available with the new NX as well, such as ABS with EBD, traction and stability control, and front and rear parking sensors. It also gets a blind sport monitoring system that works in conjunction with the new Lexus E-Latch, which prevents the door from being opened if there are oncoming vehicles or cyclists.

New Lexus NX: engine 

Under the hood, Lexus will offer the new NX with a number of four-cylinder petrol engine options, including a 2.4-litre, turbo-petrol unit that develops 279hp and 430Nm, a 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated unit making 205hp and 250Nm as well as a 242hp, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the same engine in the NX 350h. There is also a more powerful version of the PHEV powertrain in the NX 450h+, that puts our 306hp. Lexus claims the PHEVs have an electric only range of 58km. Select variants will also be available with a new, electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system.

Lexus NX: India plans

The Japanese luxury carmaker has offered the entry point to its SUV range – the NX – in India since 2017.  The all-new SUV shown today could make it to our shores in the future. However, there is no concrete timeline announced yet. When Lexus does launch the new NX in India, expect the prices of the SUV to increase slightly over the current model’s Rs 54.90-60.60 lakh (ex-showroom) price.