We share some more information regarding the new Lexus NX range that launched recently in South Africa here.
Lexus has a vast range of SUV models available, ranging from the crossover UX range all the way up to the LX model lineup. Positioned just above the UX and just below the RX ranges is the NX lineup. While still very compact, it might be all some car buyers require from a family vehicle in terms of size and performance.
But before you sell your car quickly and easily with our Instant Offer tool here, and start your search for new or used Lexus NX models on AutoTrader here. Find out what sets the new models apart from the range it replaces here.
Exterior
The new NX is built brand new from the ground up, with 95 per cent of the parts being new compared to the previous generation. The model also has a more upright spindle grille and has a more muscular appearance upfront both due to the new headlamps, the large vertical air dams and the 20mm additional width of the model.
Looking at the profile, customers might also notice the 20mm additional length, 30mm longer wheelbase and 5mm increase in height. In all four corners, owners can expect 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. However, F-Sport models see an increase to 20-inch units. Also quickly noticeable from the rear is the lightbar that extends the vehicle’s width instead of the two individual taillamps, as with the earlier iteration of the NX. Furthermore, Lexus has made away with the “L” logo and instead added the full Lexus nameplate to the tailgate.
Interior
The cabin, which offers a host of premium finishes and features, takes on a driver-centric design. Lexus calls the driver-focussed layout the Tazuna cockpit design, which promotes having the pilot’s hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road. In front of the driver is a digital instrument cluster while it centrally features an infotainment display with a system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A new addition to the door cards is the e-latch which electronically controls the function of opening the door and is paired with the vehicle’s blind-spot monitoring system to ensure that it is safe to open the door.
Powertrains
The entry point to the range, the NX 250 EX, is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor delivering 152 kW and 243 Nm of torque and is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission which sends the power to all four wheels. The derivative has a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 7.1 L / 100 km, and claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.
The NX 350h EX, NX 350h SE and NX 350h F Sport are all motivated by a 2.5-litre, petrol-electric, 4-cylinder hybrid petrol engine producing 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque and sends its power to all four wheels via a 5-step CVT. This combination results in an average fuel consumption figure of 5.0 L / 100 km, claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.7 seconds, and a top speed of 200 km/h.
The flagship NX 350 F Sport variant has a 2.4-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque, which results in a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 8.1 L / 100 km. A claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.
Price
Included in the purchase price of the Lexus NX model are a 7-year / 105 000 km vehicle warranty and a 7-service / 105 000 km maintenance plan. For hybrid derivatives, Lexus includes an 8-year / 195 000 km battery warranty.
| Lexus NX 250 EX | from R 968 000 |
| Lexus NX 350h EX | from R 1 000 100 |
| Lexus NX 350h SE | from R 1 172 900 |
| Lexus NX 350h F Sport | from R 1 200 800 |
| Lexus NX 350 F Sport | from R 1 211 900 |
*The pricing listed above was correct at the time of writing this article, however, it can change at any moment and without notice.
Verdict
While on paper, the new Lexus NX range most definitely seems very impressive, and the design looks great, until we have had an opportunity to sample a test model for ourselves, we won’t be able to form a verdict on which of the offerings is the best. But keep your eye on the Expert Car Reviews page on AutoTrader for that article.
Keyword: Lexus introduce a new NX range in SA!