The eagerly-awaited Lexus NX compact crossover is here! With the NX300h and a brand-new turbo option called the NX200t F Sport, the NX is shaping up to be a fine addition to the Lexus global model line.
Its compact five-seater dimensions will also make room above it for the RX to grow in size, perhaps even adding a third row of seating in some form of a length stretch — a la the BMW X7.
Yes, Lexus currently has a broad SUV and crossover lineup with the GX460 and LX470 models at the very top of the ladder. These cars are very low-volume models, however, and are both far more truckish than is ideal for many urban and suburban environments.
But the NX is the most exciting of all. It debuts an all-new style that is appealing and interesting, with a high ride height and tall profile lines to reinforce its cross-over roots.
The NX200t is the biggest single piece of new news: this will be Lexus’s first turbo engine whatsoever. It also bodes well for this engine’s eventual addition to the IS and perhaps even GS lines in some markets.
Turbo power is critical to making a car feel youthful and fast in traffic versus the small-displacement V6. It also affords excellent mileage numbers under light-footed cruising — ensuring very, very impressive mileage stats for these twins.
Triplets?
The NX200t is the one to don the F Sport suit — which makes sense versus an F Sport hybrid, we suppose.
The key styling differences appear up front between the F Sport, standard NX200t and the NX300h — with the F Sport cars wearing a form of L-Finesse mesh grille, while the traditional machines have a gloss black horizontal grille effect.
But are appealing, and will likely prove one of the most popular $30,000 to $40,000 compact crossovers available upon their arrival to dealers. Is that pricing firm? No it is not. Full specs and launch timelines have not been outlined yet, but we will keep you posted when that information becomes available!
All-New Lexus NX Compact Crossover Launches With Marque’s First Turbo Powertrain
- Available With Three Powertrains: Gasoline Turbo NX 200t, Naturally Aspirated NX 200, and Full Hybrid NX 300h
- Lexus Enters Luxury Compact Crossover Segment
- NX Reveal at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20
April 10, 2014
BEIJING – April 11, 2014 – There’s a first for everything! The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand’s first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features.
Lexus will maintain its role as the luxury hybrid leader with six hybrid models including the NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus’ luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the popular RX.
The Lexus LF-NX concepts, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, influenced the striking and emotional design of the NX. The sharply styled crossover will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20.
Chief engineer Takeaki Kato and his team developed NX as a luxury vehicle that provides versatility and details unexpected in its class to young, urban drivers.
Exterior Design
The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline.As with all Lexus vehicles, the aggressive exterior starts with the spindle grille. Innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus’ bold styling.
The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX’s wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares. The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels.
The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.
Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.
The rear is punctuated by Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design.
Interior Design
The NX’s cabin combines the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with luxury materials that maximizes functionality. The combination of hard metallic surfaces and contrasting soft materials help create a unique interior.A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.
Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance.
Technology
The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
*The specifications of the NX will differ according to the country in which it is sold.
# # #Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F models, including the LFA supercar, for top-of-the-line performance. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 233 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
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