The prestige Japanese brand Lexus have announced a new large sport utility vehicle (SUV) called the NX. It’s a full-sized plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) that offers a battery pack that harvests regenerative energy (from braking for example) and can effectively function as a pure electric car for a limited time; officially, for up to forty miles. The car can also be charged at a wall point.
About The NX
Seven power-trains, including the PHEV, have been introduced to the new NX that all help to realize that true Lexus driving experience. For example, the plug-in hybrid system used in the PHEV version of the NX is equipped with an efficient 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine plus a high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion battery, with front and rear motors on all-wheel drive versions. This system, say Lexus, offers a class-leading EV range and power for daily driving. The driver can alternate at will among four driving modes (EV mode, AUTO EV/HV mode, HV mode, and Self-charge mode) at the touch of a switch.
Various models are available including a ‘Sport’ variant with firmer suspension but otherwise the NX is fine and roomy, family-sized SUV with the traditional imposing Lexus grille and sharp styling. Options, which are model dependent, include a panoramic roof, 20” alloy wheels, self-parking and driver assistance technology and an alternate 2.4 litre engine for the conventionally-powered or AWD versions.
The body design has been optimised for aerodynamic efficiency with the very latest in safety technology, the former improving handling stability. Elements, effective but not seen, include dimples in the underbody engine splash shield which, we learn, generate ‘micro-vortices’ that help enhance under-body airflow and contribute to driving stability at high speeds. The front bumper is shaped for improved air-flow and downforce, and the rear bumper has an opening to balance rear suspension movement and yet, with all these technical innovations and safety features, the designers still manage to produce a great-looking vehicle.
On The Inside
Emphasis is on passenger comfort. Aiming to achieve quietness befitting a Lexus, sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials are used in various parts of the vehicle to reduce noise entering the cabin, while the use of body design and spoilers greatly lessen the exterior air flow and wind noise seeping into the cabin.
The Lexus NX offers a state-of-the-art multimedia system (a 9.8” or 14” touchscreen are model dependent, as the trim levels rise) that is, they say, intuitive and easy to use. A variety of menu selection switches are always displayed as icons on the driver's side to make life easy and the layout of the entire screen is divided into display areas according to the information required, while the operation flow for navigation, music, and vehicle settings is unified for ease of use. The latest voice-recognition function enables activation by operating the microphone icon on the display or by voice, in addition to activation by operating the talk switch on the steering wheel.
Early indications are that the driving position in the Lexus NX is excellent, with comfortable, electrically-adjustable front seats fitted to all models. The steering wheel is taken care of electrically, too.
The seats are trimmed in artificial leather on base level models with with the genuine article used on range-topping versions. As for the rest of the interior, well, it’s really well put together, with lots of soft-touch plastic on the dashboard with those nice luxury touches that buyers expect from this premium brand.
On The Road
With the PHEV version, the technology has matured so much now that drivers won’t notice the extra weight of the battery pack. On the PHEV variant, when the battery pack is charged up, the NX plug-in hybrid operates just like a fully electric vehicle, meaning smooth, quiet and quick acceleration up to motorway speeds.
This is a big SUV so don’t be expecting sports car handling. That said, for a big car this NX handles well making driving enjoyable while passengers relax in a calm and pleasant interior.
Unquestionably, reliability is not an issue. Lexus topped the charts in 2021; acknowledged as being the most reliable brand. Find out more about this fabulous new addition to the SUV stable by contacting us here at MHH about importing this fine car in 2022.
