April 11th 2014
Following several leaks, Lexus has fully unveiled the NX compact crossover ahead of its public debut at next week’s Beijing Motor Show.
The crossover is essentially a noticeably toned-down version of the LF-NX concept that was presented in Frankfurt last September and again in Tokyo last November. Its front end falls in line with the IS sedan thanks to an oversized version of Lexus’ trademarked spindle grille, sharp headlights and boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. The aggressive look continues out back with a roof-mounted spoiler and angular tail lamps with L-shaped inserts. 17-inch alloys come standard, and 18-inch units are available at an extra cost.
The NX boasts an well-appointed interior that features numerous soft-touch surfaces, real wood trim on the dashboard and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel pulled from the IS parts bin. A large color screen located on top of the center console runs the crossover’s infotainment system. It is controlled via a smartphone-like touch pad that enables passenger to manually write an address in the navigation system and browse through the infotainment system’s plethora of menus with a simple swipe of the finger.
Tech-conscious buyers can order the NX with a Lexus-first wireless charging tray for cell phones and other portable devices, a heads-up display, radar-based cruise control and a blind spot monitor function with rear cross traffic alert.
The NX lineup will consist of the NX 200t (equipped with the firm’s very first turbocharged engine) and the NX 300h hybrid. Precise technical details are not available but previous reports indicate the 200t will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the 300h will use a 220-horsepower gasoline-electric drivetrain consisting of a small electric motor and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
All models will come with an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will come standard, and all-wheel drive will be offered at an extra cost.
Following its debut in the Chinese capital, the 2015 Lexus NX will go on sale next summer as a 2015 model and take on popular compacts such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the BMW X1 and the five-door version of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Pricing information and fuel economy figures will be published at a later date.
Lexus has confirmed a performance-focused model dubbed NX 200t F Sport will arrive later in the production run fight head-to-head against the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG.