Official: Lexus NX 300h here this year

Lexus Australia will release the petrol-electric version of its all-new NX crossover here this year, making it the first hybrid in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.

Confirmed for release in the fourth quarter of this year, the NX 300h will be followed by the Japanese luxury brand’s first turbocharged petrol model in early 2015, when the NX 200t hits Australia.

Both models will be offered here in front- and all-wheel drive configurations, the latter being Lexus’ new E-Four AWD system fitted to the NX 300h.

Lexus’ first mid-size SUV will be priced below the RX, which it is likely to supersede as the Toyota premium brand’s global top-seller, from about $60,000.

Lexus has also confirmed preliminary Australian specifications for the NX, which made its world debut today at the Beijing motor show and will compete directly with some of Australia’s most popular premium SUVs, including the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Ranger Rover Evoque.

The NX 300h hybrid matches a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol four with an electric motor to produce a combined 145kW.

Fitted with a direct-injection 2.0-litre turbo-four, the NX 200h will deliver 175kW between 4800-5600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1650-4000rpm, and incorporates Lexus’ first idle-stop system.

Claimed to feature a world-first combination of a water-cooled cylinder-head, integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbocharger, it will come with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters.

While no fuel consumption figures have been revealed, there will be no diesel option and the entry-level NX 200, powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol four, has not yet been confirmed for Australia.

"With the arrival of NX, customers will have access to two innovative and advanced powertrains, both ideally matched to the needs of the compact SUV owner," said Lexus Australia Chief Executive Sean Hanley.

"With its high levels of specification, innovative features, standout looks and access to Lexus' unrivalled customer service program -- ENCORE -- the NX is sure to delight customers.

"NX arrives at a time when Lexus is on the ascendancy -- growth driven by an expanding product range and strong hybrid sales," he said.

First previewed by the much more sharply styled LF-NX concept at the 2013 Frankfurt show, the production NX measures 4630mm long, 1845mm wide and 1645mm high with a shark-fin aerial. Wheelbase is 2660mm.

It will come with 17- or 18-inch wheels with 225- or 235-section tyres, and at least the option of LED headlights, tail-lights and daytime running lamps.

Key design elements include Lexus trademark spindle grille, L-shaped tail-lights, metallic ‘flakes’ in wheel-arch surrounds, courtesy lamps, chromed exhaust outlets, an innovative outer mirror and a world-first door-handle mechanism comprising a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.

Interior highlights include a silver frames and generously padded knee areas on either side of the centre console, and the latest Lexus HMI (Human Machine Interface), in which all functionary items are placed on a lower plane and information devices are housed along the upper dash.

Lexus lays the NX has the lowest hip point in its class, better connecting the driver to the road and increasing head room, as well as the longest cargo load length.

Based on the Toyota RAV4 platform, Lexus says the NX body has a comprehensive suite of reinforcements including additional bulkheads, spot welding, suspension braces and the use of Lexus body adhesive, laser-screw welding and high-rigidity glass adhesive.

Lexus' new-generation linear-solenoid type Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) – a variable damping system linked to the drive mode select system – will come with premium variants.

Also reserved for upstream model will be the brand’s first Panoramic View Monitor (incorporating the highest resolution camera offered in a Lexus vehicle) and All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, plus Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Head-Up Display.

Expect entry-level versions of the 2WD NX 200t and 300h to be joined in the range by AWD versions of both models, in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades.

If the 2WD NX 200 arrives it will likely be badged as a Prestige variant – echoing the CT 200h line-up – and priced under $60,000.