Lexus NX 200t from $52,500

Lexus Australia has announced a $52,500 starting price for the NX 200t (plus on-road costs), making its first turbocharged petrol model $2500 cheaper than the equivalent NX 300h hybrid model.

This is contrary to Lexus' original advice last July – that the hybrid would be cheaper than the turbo, which is expected to account for 60 per cent of sales. Lexus announced pricing for the NX 300h last August, before the hybrid NX was launched in October.

Available in the same four model grades as the hybrid (2WD Luxury, 4WD Luxury, 4WD F Sport and 4WD Sports Luxury), the new 175kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine makes the NX more than $10,000 cheaper than Australia's top-selling mid-size luxury SUV – Audi's Q5 (from $62,600).

However, while all versions of the Q5 and BMW's X3 are exclusively all-wheel drive, AWD adds $4500 to the price of the NX, with the 200t 4WD Luxury priced at $57,000 and the 300h 4WD Luxury starting at $59,500.

Also unlike the multi-engine Q5 and X3 ranges, the more expensive NX models simply add more equipment, with F Sport versions costing a further $6500 and the range-topping Sports Luxury models priced another $7000 higher – at $75,000 for the top-shelf 300h 4WD Sports Luxury, which is around the same as the Q5 and X3 flagships.

Options include a sunroof for the base Luxury models ($2500) and a sunroof and 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system for the F Sport ($4000). For $7500, the latter can be had with the same features plus a safety kit comprising pre-collision preparation, all-speed cruise control, lane departure warning, head-up display, smart key and automatic high-beam.

Reflecting the hybrid line-up, the NX 200t F Sport gains additional specification, including Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), 360-degree panoramic monitor, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, all-LED headlights, wireless phone charger, 10-way adjustable power front seats with driver memory, heated and cooled front seats, F Sport 18-inch alloys, unique exterior and interior styling, leather-accented interior and performance dampers.

At the top of the NX tree, the Sports Luxury adds a segment-first power-folding 60/40-split rear seat and the optional sunroof, sound system and safety kit from the F Sport.

While the NX 300h consumes 5.6L/100km and is powered by a 145kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain and CVT transmission similar to the one in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the NX 200t produces 175kW/350Nm, is matched with a six-speed auto and consumes 7.7L/100km as a 2WD and 7.9L/100km as an AWD.

"The NX 200t is a very rounded vehicle, with a blend of power, dynamics, quality and equipment," said Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley.

"The new engine – which has been tested and perfected to Lexus' very high standards – creates a variant that will appeal to those who value performance.

"We're very proud of the new engine, and the first Lexus model that it powers – the NX 200t."

Lexus NX pricing (plus ORCs):
200t 2WD Luxury – $52,500
300h 2WD Luxury – $55,000
200t 4WD Luxury – $57,000
300h 4WD Luxury – $59,500
200t 4WD F Sport – $63,500
300h 4WD F Sport - $66,000
200t 4WD Sports Luxury – $72,500
300h 4WD Sports Luxury – $75,000