New Lexus NX debuts advanced smartphone tech

The second-generation 2022 Lexus NX has arrived in Australian showrooms, bristling with new smartphone technology and offered with several other sweeteners to increase its appeal.

Taking aim at the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, among others, the Japanese-built mid-size luxury SUV – pricing and early spec details of which were announced late last year – is now confirmed as debuting the latest Lexus Connected Services technology that leverages a smartphone app to allow owners to operate car systems remotely.

These include turning the engine on and off, honking the horn and flashing the lights and setting the climate control.

Using a smartphone paired with the vehicle, Lexus NX owners can also remotely lock and unlock the doors and boot, access vehicle data such as fuel levels, the car’s last known location and even check tyre pressures.

The infotainment system’s online functionality has been improved too, with live weather, parking, traffic and map updates.

Buyers get a three-year complimentary subscription to Lexus Connected Services with the new Lexus NX, which also features automatic collision notification, SOS emergency call and stolen vehicle tracking, as seen on the new Lexus ES and Lexus LS sedans.

Already in Aussie dealerships, the 2022 Lexus NX is offered with four powertrains in NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h and, for the first time, NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid guise, across familiar model grades including Luxury, Sports Luxury and F Sport.

Prices start at $60,800 plus on-road costs for the Lexus NX 250 and rise to $89,900 plus ORCs for the flagship Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport – the brand’s first-ever PHEV.

Lexus has today also confirmed the NX 450h+ will be offered with a 7kW AC wallbox charger, supplied and installed by Jet Charge for free.

It is similar to the deal available with the Japanese luxury brand’s first EV, the Lexus UX 300e, albeit without complimentary public recharging.

The bonus wallbox is part of the Lexus’ Encore Platinum Benefits program, which is usually only offered with high-end vehicles such as the Lexus LS, LC, LX and UX 300e models.

The Encore Platinum Benefits program also grants owners access to different Lexus vehicles, such as when travelling interstate or to New Zealand.

All Lexus vehicles come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped-price service costs of $450 for all Lexus NX vehicles apply, with service intervals of 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.

Stay tuned for our first local drive of the new Lexus NX on Aussie roads.

How much does the 2022 Lexus NX cost?
250 – $60,800
250 with Enhancement Pack – $63,800
350h Luxury 2WD – $65,600
350h Luxury AWD – $70,400
350h Luxury AWD with Enhancement Pack – $73,400
350h Sports Luxury 2WD – $73,100
350h Sports Luxury AWD – $77,900
350h Sports Luxury AWD (with EP1) – $80,900
350h Sports Luxury AWD (with EP2) – $83,900
350h F Sport 2WD – $73,100
350/350h F Sport AWD – $77,900
350/350h F Sport AWD (with EP1) – $80,900
350/350h F Sport AWD (with EP2) – $83,900
450h+ F Sport AWD – $89,900
* Pricing excludes on-road costs

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