Lexus details 2022 NX SUV

LEXUS has revealed details of its new-generation NX medium SUV today, the model expected in Australian showrooms by January 2022 rather than November this year as originally planned.

Pricing for the second-generation NX SUV range is yet to be confirmed, Lexus instead detailing a range of powertrain offerings and equipment levels for its best-selling model, which currently retails from $57,500 before on-road costs.

The new range-topping Lexus NX350h hybrid is expected to be the strongest seller in the range, the model combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery.

Available in front and all-wheel drive format, the new NX350h develops 179kW (up 32kW), making it the most powerful four-cylinder Lexus hybrid ever sold in Australia.

It consumes as little as 5.0L/100km on the ADR combined cycle.

Moving down the range, the NX350 represents the mid-way point of the new NX range. It features a new 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine sending 250kW/430Nm to the road via an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The entry-grade NX250 pairs a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an eight-speed auto, its 152kW/243Nm output delivered to the front wheels only. The model consumes as little as 6.9L/100km on the ADR combined cycle.

Familiar Luxury, F Sport, and Sports Luxury grades will be available throughout the range, though not all equipment levels are available with all powertrains.

Highlights of the updated range include a larger 9.8-inch infotainment array on Luxury variants, now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, and dual-zone climate control.

The entry variant also includes 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated front seats and a powered tailgate.

The mid-range NX F Sport scores a larger 14.0-inch infotainment array, 20-inch alloy wheels, tri-beam LED headlights, front seat ventilation, colour HUD, wireless phone charging pad, adaptive dampers, sports seats, and stylish F Sport body kit.

At the top of the range, the NX Sports Luxury adds a digital rear-view mirror and 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

“The all-new NX masterfully combines trademark Lexus craftsmanship and refinement with brave design, exhilarating performance, and imaginative technology,” said Lexus Australia chief executive, Scott Thompson.

“Australian specifications for the all-new NX leverage these attributes with superb performance and efficiency, joining a high level of luxury, ensuring the next generation of our luxury medium SUV achieves even greater success in our market.”

All revised NX variants receive Lexus’ full suite of active safety technology as standard across the range. Updates include AEB with intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.

Compared to the current model, the new NX is 20mm longer (4660mm), 20mm wider (1865mm), 5mm taller (1640mm) and rides on a 30mm-longer wheelbase (2690mm) courtesy of its new TNGA-based GA-K platform.

Under the skin, the new model rides on MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone set-up at the rear with newly developed shock absorbers in all four corners.

The 2022 Lexus NX range will appear in Australian showrooms from January next year with pricing and full specifications announced closer to the model’s launch.