While there is a bit of a kerfuffle about whether the SUV that was spotted on a trailer earlier this week was a or a , it’s the latter that could be arriving here sooner as bookings for the all-new 2022 Lexus NX are now open.
Two variants of the ‘Nimble Crossover’ are announced by Lexus Malaysia – the NX 250 Luxury and NX 350 F Sport. Fully imported (CBU) from Japan, the second-generation NX are priced from RM 370,888 and RM 389,888 respectively. Both prices exclude 50% SST which is valid until 30-June 2022.
Both variants are also powered by different units with the NX 250 offered with a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine (206 PS/243 Nm) while the NX 350 F Sport is available with a 2.4-litre turbocharged motor (279 PS/430 Nm).
Australian unit shown
Whichever aspiration you go for, the engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with AI shift control that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and match its shift pattern accordingly. Pretty smart stuff.
Built on the Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform that is similar to the and , it promises a 30% improvement in rigidity over its predecessor while also offering improved cornering control and dynamic handling.
The all-new NX was launched globally in June 2021 with a more chiselled design that matches its newfound performance. Flared wheel arches and a truncated rear bring out the nimbleness in its namesake.
Being a Lexus, you can’t forget its state-of-the-art safety features via its Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) ADAS suite which includes:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with stop and go
- Adaptive High-beam System (AHS)
The crossover also bears the new Lexus Driving Signature which is defined by the Tazuna Concept. This concept draws on the relationship between jockey and horse where subtle movements from the rider are translated to instructions the horse intuitively understands. Sounds familiar?
Unlike Mazda’s Jinba Ittai which primarily focuses on the handling aspects, Lexus’ Tazuna Concept is more on ergonomics in the interior such as reducing the number of switchgear from 78 to 45 and embedding “lesser-used” functions into the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen unit.
Japanese unit shown
Still, other Lexus hallmarks are retained like the details which are inspired by Takumi craftsmen and the relaxing Omotenashi hospitality of the interior.
Looks like an ordinary door handle but it's a bit more special
For the first time ever, the Lexus NX is equipped with an e-latch door opener which utilizes a sole convenient button to activate the door mechanism, mimicking the action of opening a Shoji screen which are the sliding doors common in traditional Japanese inns.
North American unit shown
The all-new Lexus NX is available with 8 exterior colours while the F Sport variant gets 2 exclusive colours. Black and Dark Rose are available for the interior though the NX 250 Luxury gets an exclusive Hazel as an option while the NX 350 F Sport gets either Black or Flare Red for the interior hue.
Keyword: Priced from RM 370k, all-new 2022 Lexus NX now open for booking – 2.5 NA and 2.4 turbo