Shanghai show: Lexus updates NX medium SUV

LEXUS has released a single teaser image of its refreshed NX medium SUV ahead of its full reveal at the Shanghai motor show next month, boasting enhancements to exterior styling and interior functionality according to the brand.

Little is known about what will be included in the update, but the teaser image shows an updated headlight cluster design that features a trio of LED lights laid out in triangular formation, eschewing the inline set-up of the current model.

Powertrains in the updated model are likely to remain the same, with the current range being powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder unit teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission that makes 175kW/350Nm, or a petrol-electric hybrid underpinned by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder which has a combined output of 147kW/210Nm mated to a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

GoAuto has previously speculated that Lexus will drop the ‘t’ naming convention from its turbocharged models as it moves towards integrating turbochargers across its range, as already seen with the upcoming UX baby SUV range and LC500 coupe.

Timing is not yet known, but a production date of later this year or possibly sometime into next year remains likely.

Lexus is remaining coy on further details, choosing to wait for the Shanghai show to reveal the updated model.

Last year Lexus sold 3308 examples of the NX, up 13.2 per cent on its 2015 figure of 2922.

That was enough to place it in the middle of the pack in the over $60,000 medium SUV segment behind leaders such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC with 4454 sales, the Land Rover Discovery Sport (4432), BMW X3 (3824) and Audi Q5 (3599), but ahead of contemporaries like the Range Rover Evoque (2732), Porsche Macan (2172), Volvo XC60 (2134) and BMW X4 (1734).

So far this year it has tallied 468 sales, a 9.5 per cent dip over the first two month of 2016.