Lexus fashions NX and RX Crafted

BY TUNG NGUYEN | 2nd Jul 2019

LEXUS Australia has added a number of interior and exterior tweaks to the Luxury grades of its NX mid-sizer and RX large crossover to fashion two special-edition SUVs named Crafted.

Kicking off at $62,888 driveaway for the two-wheel drive (2WD) NX300, the Crafted variant is also available in NX300h form for $61,806 before on-road costs, as well as in all-wheel-drive (AWD) turbo-petrol and hybrid guise for $63,806 and $66,306 respectively.

Adding to the equipment list is surround-view cameras, black 18-inch alloy wheels, a darkened front grille and side-mirror caps, keyless entry, push-button start and illuminated ‘Lexus’ front scuff plates.

Standard features that carry over from the Luxury grade include satellite navigation, a power-operated tailgate, a 10-speaker sound system, a reversing camera, heated front seats and digital radio.

For reference, the NX300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-lite four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 175kW of peak power at 5600rpm and 350Nm of maximum torque from 1650-4000rpm, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

With drive sent to the front axle, the powertrain can accelerate the NX from zero to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds while returning a fuel economy rating of 7.7 litres per 100km. In AWD form, the figures adjust to 7.1s and 7.9L/100km respectively.

On the other hand, the NX300h teams a 114kW 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor for a combined output of 147kW.

All-paw versions gain a second 50kW electric motor that drives the rear axle, while all NX300h SUVs make use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Performance in both NX300h versions are identical with a 9.2s 0-100km/h sprint time, but fuel economy is marginally better in the 2WD (5.6L/100km) than in the AWD (5.7L/100km).

Nine exterior colours are available on the NX Crafted, as are two interior trims, with premium paint costing an additional $1500.

Meanwhile, the Crafted variant is available with the 300, 350 and 450h versions of the RX five-seat large SUV, priced at $79,888 driveaway, $88,909 before on-road costs and $98,018 respectively.

Changes in the RX Crafted compared to the Luxury variants include black 20-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, a head-up display, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and puddle lamps as well as a darkened front grille, foglight bezels, side-mirror caps and rear bumper.

Equipment in the Luxury grades already includes satellite navigation, heated and cooled front seats, wireless smartphone charging, tyre pressure monitoring, a reversing camera and rain-sensing wipers.

Powering the RX300 is a 175kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that sends drive exclusively to the front wheels.

As a result, the 0-100km/h sprint is accomplished in 9.2s, while fuel economy is pegged at 8.1L/100km.

The RX350, however, gains a 221kW/370Nm 3.5-litre V6 powerplant, an eight-speed auto and a four-wheel drivetrain to cut the landmark triple-digit run to 8.0s, while fuel usage climbs to 9.6L/100km.

Finally, the RX450h employs a 193kW/335Nm 3.5-litre V6 and 123kW/50kW front/rear axle electric motors for a combined system output of 230kW, which culminates in a 7.7s 0-100kmh time and 5.7L/100km of fuel consumption.

Both special-edition NX and RX models come fitted with Lexus’ Safety System Plus advanced driver-assist technologies, which include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the new Crafted SUVs will bring more high-end equipment to the lower grades of the NX and RX.

“We have developed the Crafted packages to enable customers to enjoy the benefits of a substantial suite of desirable new luxury features without stepping all the way to a higher grade,” he said.

“The NX Crafted is an authentic package that anticipates our customers’ desire to build on the contemporary style and functionality of the NX with features they will greatly appreciate.

“The RX Crafted is all about adding style, luxury and value that perfectly complement the space, convenience and manoeuvrability of our premium large SUV.”