Lexus South Africa recently updated the towering LX SUV as well as the runway-ready Lexus NX. Although we didn't attend the local launch of these two vehicles, we've done some homework and found all you need to know.
New Design
Naturally, the Lexus NX has grown in size, even though it's ever so slightly. Its length and width have been extended by 20mm and the wheelbase by 30mm. Now for the changes you will notice – the Lexus spindle grille now sits more upright on that handsomely chiselled face, while the rear gains a single combination taillight spanning the width of the boot. Lexus calls it the blade light, and the two LED lights on either side of it form an "L" shape. For footwear, the Lexus NX wears 20-inch wheels.
Interior Upgrades
They call it the "Tazuna" cockpit design. It's a Japanese-derived word describing the use of reins to control a horse, and in this context, it denotes the driver-centric cockpit layout. The NX is the first Lexus to be fitted with what's referred to as the "e-latch electronic door release”. This technology replaces interior door handles – you simply push a button next to the armrest and the door opens. The kit is only available in the SE and F SPORT grades. Should there be an approaching vehicle or cyclist near the door that's being opened, the vehicle will not unlatch the door, thwarting any sinister plans you may have had for that cyclist neighbour you don't get on with. You also get a 14-inch high-definition infotainment screen with a faster CPU than the outgoing NX.
Engines & Specs
Joining the existing powertrains is a new NX350h (hybrid), which is said to make use of the brand’s 4thgeneration hybrid technology. In this variant, you're getting two electric motors combined with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The total output between the two systems is 179 kW. According to Lexus, you’ll get about 5l/100km in this hybrid variant. A none hybrid NX350 F SPORT awaits those who need more oomph and are less concerned about fuel economy. The NX350 F SPORT is powered by a turbocharged 2.4l motor which pushes out 205 kW and 430 Nm. It has a 0-100km acceleration time of 7 seconds.
Gatekeeping the NX range is an NX250, which also utilises the 2.5-litre petrol engine in the 350h, but is slightly down on output at 152 kW and a 243Nm torque figure. It will be marginally heavier on gas with its claimed 7.1l/100km
Model Range & Price
Lexus NX 250 EX - R968 000
Lexus NX 350h EX - R1 000 100
Lexus NX 350h SE - R1 172 900
Lexus NX 350h F SPORT - R1 200 800
Lexus NX 350 F SPORT - R1 211 900
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