New Lexus NX range detailed

Lexus Australia has detailed the launch line-up for the second-generation Lexus NX mid-size luxury SUV, which will arrive in showrooms from January 2022 with a more powerful 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine – but no plug-in hybrid model just yet.

Originally slated for arrival later this year, the new 2022 Lexus NX is set to do battle with premium rivals such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, initially arriving with three powertrains spanning the NX 250, NX 350 and NX 350h grades.

As we’ve reported, the flagship Lexus NX 450h+ is also set to enter as the Japanese car-maker’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, although it won’t be available when the new NX range arrives and is yet to be officially confirmed for launch Down Under.

A spokesperson for the brand told carsales today there’s strong interest in the NX 450h+ and that “we remain extremely keen to bring the first Lexus plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to Australia”.

With pricing to be announced closer to launch, the 2022 Lexus NX line-up opens with a single NX 250 Luxury petrol grade, powered by a 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels only.

Paired to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic, a short first gear and tall eighth gear are said to help deliver improved fuel consumption, with the most affordable powertrain claimed to sip 6.9L/100km.

The entry-level NX 250 weighs in at 1705kg – within 25kg of the Lexus ES 250 sedan – and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and taller-profile tyres to “balance ride comfort and handling agility”.

Meanwhile, the Lexus NX 350 will be available in a single F Sport variant powered by an all-new 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 205kW at 6000rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1700-3600rpm. 

The turbocharged NX 350 comes mated to the same eight-speed auto as the NX 250, but adds Lexus’ all-wheel drive layout.

The volume-selling new NX model is expected to be the 350h, which enters as the most powerful four-cylinder hybrid Lexus has ever sold in Australia.

Available in three grades – Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury – the NX 350h comes powered by a 140kW/239Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine paired to CVT automatic transmission, lithium-ion battery and either one or two electric motors, depending on whether it’s front- or all-wheel drive.

The hybrid system delivers combined total power of 179kW, no matter which driveline is used, with the front e-motor developing 134kW/270Nm and the rear (on AWD versions) 40kW/121Nm.

Combined-cycle fuel economy for the FWD version is rated at 5.0L/100km, according to Lexus.

All 2022 Lexus NX grades will debut the brand’s new Tazuna cockpit concept, which is said to be inspired by a rider controlling the reins of a horse and ensuring key commands are within reach.

At the entry level, the Luxury grade includes LED headlights and fog lights, auto high beam, smart entry and push-button start, an electric tailgate, power-adjustable steering column, eight-way powered front seats with heating, and a heated steering wheel.

‘Hey Lexus!’ voice control with natural speech recognition comes standard across the range, along with digital radio, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 9.8-inch driver’s instrument cluster.

F Sport and Sports Luxury models are fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, tri-beam LED headlights with adaptive high beams, a 14.0-inch digital touch-screen (up from 9.0-inch), panoramic view monitor, wireless phone charging, colour head-up display and touch-sensitive steering wheel controls.

Other features for mid- and top-spec variants include front seat ventilation and ambient interior lighting, while F Sport grades have an exclusive body kit, sports seats and dials.

F Sport also brings performance adaptive dampers and selectable drive modes including Sport S and Sport S+.

Top-spec Sports Luxury grades add a digital rear-view mirror and uprated 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (both are optional on F Sport AWD models).

Meanwhile, AWD F Sport and Sports Luxury grades can be optioned with a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel and Intelligent Park Assist (NX 350h AWD only).

Much like the ‘Safe Exit Assist’ function found in several Audi, Hyundai and Kia models, every Lexus NX grade will now come with an ‘e-latch’ – an electronically activated door handle that warns the driver and keeps the door closed to avoid collision with cyclists, pedestrians or other vehicles. 

Elsewhere, Lexus Connected Services with SOS call and stolen vehicle tracking comes standard, as does Intersection turn assist, emergency steering assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.