June 2021
Second-generation Lexus NX revealed
Features plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power available for the first time. It's set to arrive in the UK later this year, with prices expected to start from around £36,500.
The NX 450h+ uses the same petrol-electric set-up as the closely related Toyota RAV4 and Suzuki Across. It pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a rechargeable 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery. An additional rear electric motor enables all-wheel drive.
Lexus says the new NX will offer an electric range of 40 miles and enable zero-emissions driving at speeds up to 84mph. When the battery is depleted, the system operates like a conventional ‘self-charging’ hybrid — which is said to make it 20 per cent more efficient than rival PHEV SUVs.
The plug-in system produces 306PS and is expected to give 0-62mph acceleration in a little more than six seconds. Estimated CO2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle) of less than 40g/km and fuel economy better than 94mpg are set to be class-leading.
The second available new NX variant in the UK will be an evolved version of the NX 350h hybrid, which is said to be 22 per cent more powerful, emit 10 per cent less CO2 and be 15 per cent quicker than the current model. The electrified 2.5-litre four-cylinder has an output of 242PS and a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds. The model will be available with front and all-wheel drive, both with a 1.5-tonne towing capacity.
Overall length has increased by 20mm, the wheelbase by 30mm, the width by 20mm and the height by 5mm — which the carmaker says offers “notably with more space for rear-seat passengers.”
The NX is the first model to feature Lexus’s Tazuna cockpit design, which curves round from the driver’s door to the centre console. There’s also a new infotainment system, Lexus Link Connect, which uses a 9.8-inch central touchscreen. Higher-grade models will feature a 14-inch display.
It runs an all-new operating system that introduces smart services, including live journey and traffic information, as well as a new ‘Hey Lexus’ voice control function.
The new NX is Lexus’s first model to feature the third generation of Lexus Safety System+, which include further expansion of the Pre-Collision System’s capabilities and the addition of Emergency Steering Assist. Wheel size goes up to 20-inches and, at the rear, the new NX will feature the first use of the ‘LEXUS’ name in place of the ‘L’ emblem.
Specifications and prices will be announced closer to launch, which will be in the last quarter of the year. Prices are expected to be slightly higher than the outgoing model, which currently starts at £36,075.
September 2021
New Lexus NX priced from £38,300
Lexus has announced prices and opened the customer pre-ordering process for its all-new NX mid-size luxury SUV.
The second generation NX introduces new design, new powertrains, new technologies for connectivity, safety and convenience and comprehensively improved dynamic performance. The range includes the NX 350h with enhanced performance from Lexus’s fourth generation hybrid electric technology, and the NX 450h+, Lexus’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
In terms of the driving experience, the Lexus Driving Signature delivers a more rewarding connection between driver and car, supported by the quality of the NX’s new GA-K platform.
Customers can find out more about the new NX and pre-order their vehicle online at lexus.co.uk/car-models/all-new-nx/, indicating their preferred Lexus centre. The centre will then contact them to take payment of a (fully refundable) £500 deposit and discuss any questions they may have. They will be in touch again when demonstrator vehicles are available for test drives. First customer deliveries are expected in January 2022.
Customers who pre-order an NX 450h+ model in September and October have the added benefit of qualifying for the free supply of an Alfen Eve S Line charge point with free standard installation by British Gas.
The new NX will be launched in the UK with three equipment grades for the NX 350h – NX, F Sport and Takumi; the NX grade can also be enhanced with Premium Pack and Premium Plus Pack versions. The same grade structure applies to the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, excepting the NX entry point version.
Equipment highlights for the NX include: 18-inch alloy wheels, Lexus Link Connect with 9.8-inch multimedia and cloud navigation system, Tahara synthetic leather upholstery, bi-LED headlights with Automatic High Beam and the new generation Lexus Safety System+.
The Premium Pack adds rear privacy glass, smart keyless entry, a wireless phone charger, LED cornering and front fog lights, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Premium Plus Pack provides 20-inch alloy wheels, Lexus Link Pro 14-inch multimedia with navigation, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, four-eye LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System, a Panoramic View Monitor and ambient cabin lighting with 64 selectable colours.
The F Sport model has F Sport 20-inch alloys and dedicated exterior design features including a piano black grille, black roof rails and F Sport badging. The cabin features an F Sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals and sports front seats. The package also equips the car with Adaptive Variable Suspension.
The epitome of Lexus’ takumi craftsmanship, the Takumi model has 20-inch alloy wheels with a dedicated design, a Mark Levinson 17-speaker Premium Surround audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, remote and automatic parking functions, panoramic roof and additional Lexus Safety Sense+ features, including Front Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.
The specification highlights are the same for the NX 450h+, excepting the Takumi version, which is equipped with 20-inch Takumi alloy wheels, automatic parking, a sunroof, wood trim inlays and the additional Lexus Safety Sense+ features.
The on-the-road prices for the new NX are shown below. All new Lexus models are sold with a three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty; with the Lexus Relax programme, this can be extended by one year/10,000 miles annually, subject to the vehicle being serviced at an authorised Lexus centre, up to 10 years/100,000 miles (terms and conditions apply).
MODEL |
GRADE |
OTR PRICE |
NX 350h |
NX |
£38,300 |
NX 350h |
Premium Pack |
£39,300 |
NX 350h |
Premium Plus Pack |
£45,800 |
NX 350h |
F Sport |
£47,300 |
NX 350h |
Takumi |
£51,800 |
NX 450h+ |
Premium Pack |
£48,800 |
NX 450h+ |
Premium Plus Pack |
£53,300 |
NX 450h+ |
F Sport |
£54,800 |
NX 450h+ |
Takumi |
£57,800 |