2022 Lexus NX [EU]

The all-new Lexus NX is much more than a second generation of Lexus' mid-size luxury SUV, it opens the next chapter for the Lexus brand. It heralds new directions in design, new powertrains, including Lexus' first plug-in hybrid electric, and a leap forward in dynamic performance that delivers a greater and more rewarding connection between driver and machine with the Lexus Driving Signature.

The Lexus NX also debuts a new multimedia platform that takes connectivity, information and convenience to a higher level, and benefits from expansion of the scope and functionality of the next generation Lexus Safety System + active safety and driver assistance systems to help guard against an even wider range of accident risks and reduce the burden on the driver.

Lexus is redefining the mid-size luxury SUV segment with a car that is comprehensively new - in fact no less than 95% of the vehicle's parts are newly developed.

THE ALL-NEW NX: MARKET PROFILE

The new NX will play a defining role in shaping the future of the Lexus brand in Europe and driving the company's growth ambitions.

The original NX, introduced in 2014, became Lexus' best-selling model in the region, with more than 175,000 units sold, most of them to customers new to the brand. Currently, the NX accounts for around one third of Lexus' European sales volume. Lexus NX is also a core model globally, with cumulative worldwide sales already above one million units.

The all-new model is equipped to do even better, with new and improved electrified powertrains with class-leading performance and efficiency, competitive new petrol engines for eastern markets and the introduction of wealth of new technologies to make every journey safer, more connected and more enjoyable.

FEEL MORE SOPHISTICATED: A NEW DIRECTION IN LEXUS DESIGN

Lexus design enters a new period of evolution with the launch of the new NX, while remaining true its core L-finesse philosophy - the application of leading-edge design and technology, with finesse.

The intention has been to preserve the avant-garde character that proved so attractive to customers with the first-generation model while using a more sophisticated, mature and dynamic design language. The result is "functional beauty," a blending of design with performance to produce styling that delivers improved aerodynamics, noise reduction and fuel efficiency.

The bodywork presents contrasting curved surfaces and sharp angles, with dynamic proportions that express agility and a road-gripping look. Optimum packaging has been achieved with the use of Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform, providing more cabin space and a generous load compartment. Compared to the previous generation NX, overall length has increased by 20 mm, the wheelbase by 30 mm, the width by 20 mm and the height by 5 mm.

The GA-K platform allows for wider front (+35 mm) and rear tracks (+55 mm), which adds emphasis to the car's powerful stance, and also accommodates larger diameter wheels and tyres (18 to 20-inch rims and 720-740 mm diameter tyres).

At the front, the hallmark Lexus spindle grille plays a more integral role in the design. It has a more upright position, which helps improve airflow into the engine compartment, and dispenses with its chrome frame. Its lines flow back to accentuate the long bonnet and generate the overall form and volume of the body as it flares broadly through the muscular rear wings. The elegant shape of the bonnet also supports good forward visibility from the driver's seat.

The grille has a new mesh pattern comprising U-shaped blocks that create a stronger three-dimensional look (the same U-motif can be seen in the design of the high-grade alloy wheel).

High-grade models are fitted with four-projector LED headlights, with Lexus' first slim Adaptive High-beam System (AHS). Each of the units contains 11 LED chips with light output controlled by a forward camera. L-shaped daytime running lights are positioned above the headlights and have seamless surface illumination with a fade-out function when the driver uses the turn indicators. The standard headlights are bi-beam LED-type with Automatic High Beam (AHB).

Hybrid system drive modes

The driver can select from four drive modes for the plug-in hybrid electric system. EV (electric vehicle) mode is the default: the NX 450h+ will run purely on electric power until the limit of its range is reached, no matter how hard the accelerator is pressed. When the battery is depleted, operation switches automatically to efficient HV (hybrid vehicle) mode.

The Auto EV/HV mode automatically brings the hybrid engine into play when extra power is needed, then returning to EV operation immediately afterwards. The driver can also select HV mode to maximise efficient operation, automatically maintaining the battery's state of charge.

Battery charging mode starts the engine to restore the battery charge level, helping ensure more battery power is available when EV driving is required, for example prior to entering a zero or low emissions zone.

Drive Mode Select

In addition, the driver can use Drive Mode Select to adjust the performance of vehicle systems to suit the journey, using a new-design control on the centre console. Normal mode gives a balance between driving performance and economy, while Eco mode adapts throttle response and air conditioning performance to support fuel economy. Sport mode adjusts steering feel and accelerator response for a sportier drive.

On F SPORT models equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Sport mode is replaced by Sport S and Sport S+. Selecting Sport S+ provides additional control of the AVS and electric power steering (EPS) to give more focused sporting, responsive performance. An additional Custom mode allows the user to apply their preferred settings for the powertrain, AVS, EPS and air conditioning.

Aerodynamics

Lexus designers and performance engineers collaborated closely to produce aerodynamic details that optimise stable performance without compromising the fundamental quality of the vehicle design, achieving a drag coefficient for the car of 0.34. This co-operation resulted in "functional beauty" - elements that control airflow around and over the vehicle, reducing drag while contributing to the car's overall appearance.

Details include a flush belt moulding, profiling of the sides of the front bumper, openings in the corners of the rear bumper (these are larger on F SPORT models to support sportier performance) and a fin added to the lower part of the rear bumper. These help produce improved steering feedback, natural vehicle movement in response to steering inputs, straight-line stability and, for the driver, a strong sense of the vehicle gripping the road.

Beneath the vehicle, the engine under cover has a new dimpled surface, like a golf ball. This pattern generates micro-vortices that enhance the ground contact feel. The under cover area has been increased on all NX versions (hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and petrol) to reduce drag, improving stability and fuel economy.

Advanced Park system with Remote Parking

The new NX is available with an Advanced Park system, like that featured on the Lexus LS flagship sedan. It provides all that's required to make a parking manoeuvre, with automated control of the steering shift operation and braking.

The system uses the car's array of four panoramic view monitor cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to gain an all-round appraisal of the car's surroundings and parking space. It can be used for series and parallel parking spaces and has a memory function so that it will recognise up to three regularly used unmarked parking spots, for example at home or workplace. Operation is smooth, with fewer repositioning movements.

The Advanced Park system will be enhanced in the course of 2022 with a Remote Parking function, a Lexus first. The driver will be able to park his car in or out a tight parking spot from outside the car using his/her smartphone with the Lexus Link App. All NX already on the road at the time of introduction will also benefit from this new function via an over-the-air software update.