#2022LexusNX
#LexusNX
#NewLexusNX
Lexus has pulled the wraps off the images and information for its best selling vehicle, the NX compact utility. Just how important, well Lexus has 4 new models to choose from starting from a base gasoline model to a hybrid, a turbocharged gas model and even a plug-in hybrid. All will be available at launch and production starts for the gas and hybrid models at its Canadian production centre this fall but the plug-in will be made in Japan.
The current Lexus NX is based the older Toyota RAV4 platform and now this new NX joins the latest RAV4 platform and will be built along side it at the same facility.
Before we get into the different models, let’s take a look at the design. With a longer hood and shorter overhangs, the rear overhang looks shorter. You will notice that there is no Lexus logo, just the name in script across the back, something we will see on other models. The new NX also has a softer, less angular look than the current model but that big grille is still front and centre. On size, since this is based on the RAV4 platform, that’s a good comparison.
Inside, Lexus has ditched the track pad in favour of a new cockpit inspired cockpit with either a 9.8-inch touch screen or a massive 14-inch screen. There is also a full digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.
Okay, now onto the big news, new power plants and electrification. The base NX250, uses the same 2.5L 4-cylinder found in the RAV4 with 203hp. Next is hybrid model called the NX 350h, which Lexus believes will be the top seller. This has a combined 239 horsepower (a 20 percent increase over the current model) and combined fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km . This model is faster and more powerful than the RAV4 hybrid as it uses a larger electric motor and will make a run from 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds, which is 1.7 seconds faster compared to the current generation.
Another new power plant is the NX 350. With a new 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder and a new 8-speed transmission this should prove to be the performance vehicle in the lineup. This new turbo has 275 horsepower and 317 lb. ft. of torque. A run from 0-100 km/h is 7.0 seconds, a half-second quicker than the previous model.
To top it all off is a plug-in hybrid model called NX 450h+. It has a 58 km range on electric power only, 10km less range than the RAV4 prime. This is quick too, with a 6.2 second 0-100 km/h time. On a 240V charger, the Lexus NX plug-in hybrid can be fully charged in two-and a-half hours when equipped with a 6.6 kW Expedited Onboard Charger.
So there it is, the best selling Lexus gets some major updates. Built on a new Platform with 4 different power plants and a vast array of trims, this is exciting for Lexus fans. Styling isn’t revolutionary, rather what we would expect from Lexus. The interior is a substantial update; in fact the whole vehicle is a major update. I say well-done Lexus, this one worth the wait and if the handling claims are fulfilled, this will be a great product. It goes into production before the end of the year and look for soon after.