Lexus has launched the NX 350 Hybrid range in South Africa, exactly two months after introducing the petrol-only variants.
The hybrid line-up comprises three derivatives – NX 350h EX, NX 350h SE, and NX 350h F Sport – and offers an “extensive list of firsts” for the brand.
What’s new
In its path to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation, Lexus has equipped its NX range with a more efficient, 2.5-litre, petrol-hybrid powertrain that develops 179kW.
Lexus has not stated the maximum torque figure of this setup, listing it as “239Nm + e-torque”.
However, the results are a combined fuel consumption of 5.0l/100km, a 0-100km/h time of 7.7 seconds, and an electronically-governed top speed of 200km/h – compared to the 8.1l/100km, 7.0 seconds, and 200km/h of the standard NX 350.
Additionally, the hybrid system’s design has been improved with a new front transaxle and a more compact lithium-ion battery, said Lexus.
All hybrid specifications drive all four wheels through the E-Four system with improved torque delivery to the rear wheels, and a five-step CVT takes care of sending power to the axles.
Moving inside, the NX hybrid line-up boasts a high level of standard equipment including a new 14-inch touch display with voice control, LED lights with automatic high-beam, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and wood inserts instead of the plastic or leather on the standard models.
On the SE and F Sport grades, buyers also get a 360-degree camera system, a wireless charging pad, and a sliding panoramic roof – while the luxury-focused SE is further set apart by heated rear seats and a heads-up display.
The next-generation Lexus Safety System is fitted, too, consisting of a pre-crash system with front cross-traffic alert, a parking support brake with obstacle and vehicle detection, blind-spot monitoring, radar-based cruise control, lane-trace assist, and electrically-activated door handles with safe-exit assist on the SE and F Sport.
On the outside, the EX sits on 18-inch alloys and features a dark grey coating on the front grille, the SE gets 20-inch wheels and chrome accents, while the F Sport also comes with 20-inch rims but has super-gloss finishes.
A wide variety of exterior paints and interior colour combinations are also on offer for further customisation.
Price
The South African pricing for the new Lexus NX 350 hybrid range is as follows:
- Lexus NX 350h AWD EX – R888,500
- Lexus NX 350h AWD SE – R1,040,700
- Lexus NX 350h AWD F Sport – R1,065,500
Each purchase includes a 7-year/105,000km warranty and full maintenance plan.
The Lexus NX hybrid models can now be ordered at dealerships, but “please note that like all motoring brands at present, Lexus is experiencing supply constraints, but orders are open,” said the company.
Lexus NX350h
Keyword: Lexus NX Hybrid launched in South Africa – Everything you need to know