The Lexus NX is a mid-sized luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) that MHH International first reviewed back in April 2022 (see that review here). The prestige Japanese brand was one of the first car makers to introduce hybrid technology and the NX also offers a choice of the self-charging 350h (HEV) or the plug-in version (PHEV), the 450h. The latter model can offer around 40 miles of pure electric driving before the powerful petrol engine kicks in; great for driving the family around town. The car is comfortable, refined, practical and well built.
Well; What’s New?
This multi-award winning car testifies to the well-established quality and appeal of the NX range, but you can’t keep a good car maker down: Now, Lexus is fine-tuning its line-up of hybrid and plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs and the NX is no exception. The updates are not radical to be fair, but they add a touch of extra lustre to this premium SUV that has been voted the best premium mid-sized SUV for the past three years. You can’t argue with that accolade.
A New Variant 350h
The self-charging hybrid NX 350h has now has an entry-level grade, namely the ‘Urban’ specification, which introduces wireless smartphone integration for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other key features include 18 inch alloy wheels, intelligent front and rear parking sensors with pedestrian detection, heated front seats, a power back door, ‘E-latch’ electronic door release, a 10 speaker audio system and, to cap it off, the Lexus ‘Link Connect’ multimedia package with 9.8 inch touchscreen. The power-adjustable front seats have also been added to the NX 350h ‘Premium Plus’ specification.
The Premium Grade
The Premium grade for both the NX 350h and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid now includes eight-way power adjustable front seats. Additionally, there’s also now illuminated door handles with puddle lights, rear privacy glass, a heated steering wheel, ‘Blind Spot Monitor’, ‘Rear Cross Traffic Alert’ and the ‘E-latch’ door release system with ‘Safe Exit Assist’. The Lexus ‘Link Pro multimedia’ system with 14 inch display is optional.
A Panoramic roof is newly available as an option on Premium, Premium Plus and F Sport grades and is standard on F Sport Takumi and Takumi models, bringing more light into the cabin than the previous sunroof apparently.
For both models, the ‘Premium Plus’ grade also adds more sophisticated features such as 20 inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, front seat heating and ventilation, a head-up display and smooth leather upholstery. The cabin ambience can be tailored to suit the mood for the journey with a choice of 64 different shades for the interior LED lighting system. AS mentioned, the changes are not radical but they are extensive.
F-Sport
The F Sport models are unchanged and retain the adaptive sports suspension. This model presents a sharply dynamic look with 20 inch F-Sport alloy wheels and dedicated interior and exterior styling details. The F Sport front seats have leather upholstery and the sports steering wheel is power-adjustable and heated, and has paddle shifts. Sports-tuned suspension, a kick-sensor for the power back door and four-eye LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System are also part of the package.
Likewise, the F Sport Takumi models introduce a seventeen-speaker Premium Surround System into the mix (NX 350h only), an extended ‘Lexus Safety System+’ array of active safety and driving assistance features and a digital rear-view mirror. These items are also included the top-of-the-range Takumi specification. Body colour options are also upgraded.
On The Road
When the Lexus NX 350h’s electric motor and 2.5 litre petrol engine are working in tandem, performance is brisk. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid pairs the same 2.5 litre petrol engine with a more powerful electric motor for a combined power output of 305bhp. That’s a pretty punchy combination – enough for a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds, so no slouch.
Obviously this is not a sports car but handling is excellent none-the-less. The Lexus NX grips the road well and there's not much body lean through corners. Its steering is precise and there’s very little wind noise. The boot is capacious and this fairly substantial car can accommodate five, especially if one or more are smaller.
Lexus & MHH International
Lexus cars are noted for plush interiors, impressive refinement, good electric range (where fitted) and low CO² emissions. If the plug-in option isn’t suitable for some users because of charging difficulties then the NX 350h is a good alternative. It's not as frugal as the 450h, but it is competitively priced, more efficient than non-hybrid vehicles and is likely to prove very reliable, for which the brand is noted.
MHH International exports many brands of cars from the UK to global destinations which include Kenya, Ireland, New Zealand, the Caribbean and some other ‘right-hand-drive’ destinations. Find out more by browsing our website and view the video from our Managing Director Alistair Benn. MHH International can supply our overseas clients with new or used vehicles including the Lexus range. In April this year we reviewed the recently new Lexus LBX (see it here) for example. Ask about availability.
