Aussie details: New Lexus NX hybrid yes, but PHEV only a maybe
Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus has announced details of the second-generation NX SUV that will arrive in Australia in November.
The line-up includes an upgraded petrol-electric hybrid model badged the NX 350h which comes with a 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine.
A plug-in petrol electric hybrid dubbed the NX 450h+ has also been announced, but is yet to be confirmed for Australia. It is the first Lexus PHEV.
The other two models in the range are the NX 350 powered by a new 2.4-litre petrol-turbo and the NX 250 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder, both of which are definitely headed our way.
No pricing has as yet been announced for the new models, but the line-up will include sportier F Sport variants.
The new NX line-up arrives in Australia the same month as Lexus launches its first battery electric vehicle in Australia, the Lexus UX 300e compact SUV. The brand has promised 10 new electrified models by 2025, although that also includes regular hybrids, which other car makers don’t classify as “electrified”.
The new NX is based on the same new TNGA-K architecture as the Toyota RAV4, is claimed to ride and handle better as a result, has larger dimensions and a longer wheelbase than its predecessor and clearly borrows from its sibling the RX in its styling, especially the voluminous spindle grille.
The NX also debuts a new cockpit controls system called the Tazuna Concept that combines the usual high levels of Lexus materials quality with new-gen controls including a 14.0-inch touchscreen and a head up display that are claimed to be more intuitive.
This is significant as Lexus has been panned for its previous generation of mouse-based cockpit controls.
A Lexus-first E-Latch system is also being touted. This electronically controls the latching and unlatching of doors, combining with a blind-spot monitor to provide a Lexus-first safe exit assist (SEA) function that helps prevent accidents caused by door operation when the vehicle is stopped.
This NX features the third-generation Lexus safety system plus (LSS+) with more driver assist technology. The NX can also be moved forward and reversed in tight spots remotely to aid parking.
The NX 350h combines its petrol engine with electrified performance supported by a new high-capacity Lithium-ion battery pack via front- or all-wheel drive. The RAV4’s similar system still employs less efficient nickel-metal hydride batteries.
The newly developed, E-Four electronically controlled full-time AWD system is standard for hybrid and the NX 350. It has a constantly variable front/rear driving force distribution from 100:0 to 20:80 percent modes.
The NX350 has a 0.4L-larger capacity compared with the previous NX 300. The NX 250 is front-drive only.
The NX 450h+ PHEV features a 2.5-litre petrol engine, front and rear motors, and a Lithium-ion battery pack with an 18.1kWh power output. It has a 225kW power rating that delivers a 100km/h sprint in less than six seconds and a claimed 75km EV range.
The original NX launched in 2014 and has become the most popular individual Lexus model sold in Australia and number five in a segment that also includes the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC (including the GLC300e PHEV) and Porsche Macan (which will soon include a Macan EV).
The new NX measures up at 4660mm (+20mm), 1865mm wide (+20mm), 1640mm high (+5mm) and has a 2690mm wheelbase (+30mm). It rolls on a choice of 18- or 20-inch rubber.
