BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: Lexus NX revealed

The vital new compact luxury SUV from Lexus, dubbed NX, has broken cover ahead of its 2014 Beijing motor show debut on April 20, revealing much tamer exterior sheet metal than the controversial LF-NX concept that previewed it.

Despite the toned-down exterior design, the new Lexus still delivers a striking style with its angular motif, bold spindle grille and aggressive stance.

Motoring.com.au expects the new model to arrive locally later this year, although Lexus Australia's official line is that no decision has been made to import the vehicle yet.

Lexus Australia's chief executive Sean Hanley explained that the company was "very eager to secure the NX SUV" and said it would "complement our existing SUV line-up" but cautioned that the vehicle is not yet in the bag for Australian sale.

"We are now negotiating with Lexus in Japan and expect a decision to be made very soon - it's a very exciting time for us," said Hanley.

Lexus will offer the edgy new model with a range of new technologies including a wireless phone and portable device charging and what company dubs Lexus Remote Touch Interface, which uses a new touch-pad. Both are firsts for the brand.

Three models will be offered initially, all of them expected to arrive in Australia -- NX 200, NX 200t and NX 300h.

The NX 200 will be powered by naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and, as predicted, the NX 200t will be offered with a brand-new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. Although no engine details have been revealed, the new turbo four-banger is expected to belt out around 180kW/380Nm.

The luxury Japanese marque will also offer the NX 300h, a petrol-electric hybrid model.

Lexus says the NX will be available in front- and all-wheel drive, and will join the brand's range underneath it's global best-seller, the RX.

The company has high hopes for the new model, which it says has the potential to overtake the RX and become its best-selling model.

Chief engineer Takeaki Kato said the NX will appeal to younger-than-average luxury car buyers in the same way as a high-quality sports watch.

"Throughout all development phases we were determined to approach the NX from the perspective of young, urban, luxury drivers," he said.

Expect the new Lexus NX to be priced from around $60,000 when it arrives here later this year.