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Shrill outside, silent inside - that's how the new one went in 2014 Lexus NX at the start. The new edition relies on a significantly softened look. In return, there are many networked solutions and strong door technology.
For years it was introduced by Lexus in 2014 SUVNX series is the best-selling model of the Japanese brand in Germany - despite or because of its polarizing optics. The Japanese have defused the daring appearance in the new edition that is now starting and made it easy to digest. At the same time, the model, which is closely related to the Toyota RAV4, is more electric and more digital than before. There are also a few clever tricks on the doors. In this respect, the chances are not bad that the 4,66 meter long Hochbeiner will hold the title as an internal brand best seller.
Visually calmer
Despite its relative success, the Lexus NX, like other Lexus models, is an exception on the streets, which is why even car connoisseurs might at first glance mistake the new version for the predecessor. With sharp-looking headlights, a powerful radiator grille and still distinctive character lines, the new edition offers recognition value in any case. Only in a direct comparison does it become clear that Generation 2 looks more modern, broader and more elegant, which could make some brand fans who were once frightened by their shrill predecessors conciliatory.
Lexus has also significantly modernized the inside of the NX. Instead of a larger number of physical buttons and a large screen with touchpad operation, as before, the Japanese rely on a large touchscreen solution and a few buttons. The screen, which is conveniently positioned for the driver, serves as a user interface for multimedia applications and a number of vehicle functions. Controls for air conditioning and audio technology as well as the start button are also grouped in the black screen frame.
Modern technology inside
Depending on the equipment, the touchscreen is available in 9,8-inch or 14-inch widescreen format. As is now common, the naturally networked on-board system offers a fast arithmetic brain as well as the connectivity aids Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The correspondingly coupled smartphone can suckle on electricity in the induction charging cradle in the center console without a cable connection. In addition to the on-board Lexus navigation system, which integrates real-time traffic data, there are also signs such as Google Maps available via connected smartphones.
Of course, the on-board electronics can also handle over-the-air updates, and the “Hey Lexus” voice assistant and the Lexus Link smartphone app are also available. The latter allows the user to determine the vehicle's location via mobile phone, to lock and unlock the Lexus NX remotely or to monitor the charging process of the 450h +.
Charging process? Yep, with the new NX, Lexus is also launching its first model with a plug-in hybrid drive. The double heart technology was simply taken over from the technology donor RAV4, which has been available as an all-wheel drive PHEV since 2020. At the same time, like the Toyota RAV4, Lexus is also sending the new NX into the race as a full hybrid 350h, which can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or the all-wheel drive version with an additional e-axle.
Economical depending on driving style
In all versions, the NX offers sophisticated, powerful and at the same time economical drives. In the case of the at least 1,8 tonne 350h AWD, the harmoniously interlocking units deliver 179 kW / 244 PS, which enables a sprint from zero to 100 km / h in 7,7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km / h. If you are relaxed on the road, the 2,5-liter gasoline engine even takes a break quite often. If, on the other hand, performance is required, the four-cylinder reports back with a pithy sound. The pleasant thing about it: Despite the CVT transmission, the rubber band effect is no longer as pronounced as in older Toyota hybrid generations. The fuel consumption even remained pleasantly low at 5,5 liters on an almost 100 kilometer route in Mallorca, which was below the WLTP reading of 5,9 liters.
The 227h + provides a total of 309 kW / 450 PS, which is enough to push the NX, which weighs two tons thanks to its large traction battery, to the 6,3 mark in 100 seconds. Here, too, a CVT transmission manages the forces that, thanks to the powerful e-boost, convey a feeling of light-footedness. The all-wheel drive is addictive, especially with intermediate sprints, because with its electric punch the drive conveys a feeling of sovereignty. In addition to the electric motor on the front axle with 134 kW / 182 PS, a smaller machine with 40 kW / 54 PS on the rear axle also helps with fast zero-emission driving at speeds of up to 135 km / h thanks to the 18- kWh battery up to 76 kilometers away.
And very likely, as in the RAV4, it will also be possible to use this purely electric range in practice. On our 130-kilometer test drive in hybrid mode, we ran the battery completely empty and also called the petrol engine more often, which in total drove its average petrol consumption to 3,0 liters. As is usual with a plug-in hybrid, this value varies greatly depending on the charging discipline as well as the driving and route profile.
Lots of space for everyone
Although the NX is technically a RAV4 clone, you experience it practically as a different and also comfort-oriented car. The interior and cockpit convey a premium level with fine surfaces and materials. The occupants also enjoy good space at the front and rear. The good noise insulation and a comfortably tuned chassis ensure that cocoon feeling. If you also want a higher level of driving pleasure, you can order the F-Sport version, whose chassis parries more daring left-right maneuvers.
Luggage can also be plentiful
The electric tailgate of the new NX, which has reduced the automatic closing process from 8 seconds to 4 seconds, is also really fast. We measured 4,5 seconds. Behind it, a 545 liter trunk opens up, which can be expanded to 1.436 liters. Also further up front there is an electromechanical door opening called E-Latch, which has been smartly linked to the blind spot warning and prevents a door from being opened if a cyclist approaches from behind. This technology is intended to prevent the dreaded dooring accidents. Speaking of traffic behind, there is an optional digital rear-view mirror that uses real-time images from the reversing camera. It shows more than the classic glass mirror can, but the perspective took some getting used to.
Technology and comfort à la Lexus have their price. The NX starts at around 45.000 euros. Anyone who wants the 60.300h +, which costs at least 450 euros in the F-Sport version and also with the few extras that are still available, drives the price to a good 75.000 euros.
Technical data
Four-door SUV with front or all-wheel drive, length: 4,66 meters, width: 1,87 meters, height: 1,66 meters, wheelbase: 2,69 meters, trunk volume: 545 to 1.436 liters
350X NX
2.5-liter hybrid, continuously variable transmission, system output 179 kW / 244 hp at 6.000 rpm, maximum torque: 239 Nm at 4.300 - 4.500 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 8,7 s (all-wheel drive: 7,7, 200 s), Vmax: 5,6 km / h, average consumption according to WLTP: 5,9 - 100 l / 5,9 km (all-wheel drive: 6,4 - 2 l), CO127 emissions: 133-133 g / km / All-wheel drive: 146-6 / km), emissions standard: Euro 45.700d, efficiency class A +, price: 47.050 euros (all-wheel drive: XNUMX euros)
NX 450h +
2,5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 136 kW / 185 PS, electric motor at the front 134 kW / 182 PS, electric motor at the rear 40 kW / 54 PS, system output: 225 kW / 306 PS, continuously variable CVT automatic, all-wheel drive, maximum torque front / rear : 270/121 Nm, 0-100 km: 6,3 sec., Vmax: 200 km / h (purely electric: 135 km / h), standard consumption: 0,9-1,1 liters / 100 kilometers, electric range: 76 km (WLTP), CO2 emissions: 20 - 26 g / km (WLTP), emissions standard: Euro 6d, emission class: A +, price: from 60.300 euros
In brief
Why: Exemplary workmanship and equipment, quiet, comfortable, networked
Why not: still not really nice
What else: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, Jaguar E-Pace
