The 2022 Lexus NX SUV is set for a launch in the coming weeks, with the Japanese marque having begun bookings for the new model. The second-gen NX was revealed in mid-2021 and it sports a more modern design, a set of new powertrains under the hood and comes with a longer list of features.
- New NX gets sharper styling
- With second-gen model, NX finally gets a touchscreen
- Petrol-hybrid powertrain in NX 350h AWD puts out a combined 244hp
“The Lexus NX, because of its agility, spacious functionalities and sportiness, has been one of the most loved models by our guests in India,” Naveen Soni, president, Lexus India, said. “We are eager to launch this new NX at the earliest and are confident that the NX is sure to set a new benchmark in the luxury market.”
The first-gen NX was launched in global markets in 2014 and the model was added to Lexus’ India line-up in 2018. The company says that by April 2021, it had sold approximately 1 million units of the SUV in over 90 countries.
2022 Lexus NX 350h: design and features
The new NX carries forward the overall profile of the previous-gen model, though Lexus has given it a sharper look this time around. New design touches include single piece headlamps (which replace the split units from before), a larger version of the company’s ‘spindle’ grille, new bumpers, a longer hood and all-new LED tail lamps that are now connected by a light bar.
On the inside, the cabin now looks markedly different. The 10.3-inch infotainment screen from the previous SUV has made way for a 9-inch touchscreen (or a 14-inch unit, depending on the variant). Lexus has also made redundant much of the switchgear in the central console, including the touchpad from before. This time around, there’s also a digital instrument cluster and a new steering wheel.
In international markets, the new NX is offered with kit like a 360-degree camera, auto headlamps and wipers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless mobile charging and electric front seats. On the safety front, it gets ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, front and rear parking sensors and much more.
2022 Lexus NX 350h: engine details
The outgoing NX in our market was offered in the 300h guise which consisted of a 155hp, 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 143hp electric motor for a combined output of 197hp. The power was transmitted to all four wheels via a 6-step e-CVT gearbox.
Lexus India has revealed that the new NX will be introduced with the 350h powertrain. This version packs in a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine that puts out 192hp. The petrol mill is mated to a set of e-motors on the front and rear axles which gives the SUV a combined output of 244hp in all-wheel drive form. A front-wheel drive iteration of the 350h is also available abroad, though it remains to be seen which drive layout is offered in India.
For reference, the new NX gets a variety of other powertrain options in international markets. These include the 250 – with a 199hp, 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine, and the 350 – with a 279hp, 2.4-litre turbo-petrol unit.
The NX also happens to be Lexus’ first PHEV (plug-in hybrid EV) globally, with the range-topping 450+ version mating the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a pair of electric motors for a total system output of 309hp. An 18.1kWh battery pack gives it a driving range of 69-76km in Europe’s combined WLTP test cycle.
2022 Lexus NX 350h: price estimate
Lexus India has announced that the NX 350h will be available in three trims – Exquisite, Luxury and F-Sport. Notably, the outgoing NX 300h was available in the same variants and priced at Rs 58.20 lakh for the Exquisite, Rs 63.20 lakh for the Luxury and Rs 63.63 lakh for the F-Sport (all-prices, ex-showroom, India).
Lexus has expressed interest in the past for assembling the NX locally in India. If the company does decide to build the new NX here, it will certainly help the company rationalise prices for the SUV.
What do you think about the new Lexus NX 350h? Let us know in the comments below.
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