Lexus has revealed the all-new NX compact SUV that will launch in the UK later in 2021 – and for the first time, there will be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version in addition to the core hybrid range.
The new NX 450h+ is actually the first-ever Lexus plug-in hybrid, and offers very competitive PHEV figures of at least 39 miles’ EV driving range and CO2 emissions below 40g/km.
This will be very advantageous to UK company car drivers in particular.
The NX 450h+ will sit at the top of the line-up, offering 306hp and 0-62mph in just over 6.0 seconds.
Alongside the PHEV version, the new ‘self-charging hybrid’ NX 350h has 22 percent more power, 10 percent lower emissions and 15 percent better acceleration than before.
Design step-change
The new NX marks a “significant evolution of Lexus design” says the firm: it is more sophisticated, dynamic and mature, with a “more muscular character”.
It’s a bigger car overall – 20mm longer, with a 30mm wheelbase stretch, 20mm wider and 5mm taller. This gives more space to rear passengers in particular.
The car’s wider tracks, wheels of up to 20-inches, short overhangs and long bonnet give it a more powerful appearance – and at the rear, instead of a Lexus logo, the word ‘LEXUS’ is now written across the tailgate.
Big step changes continue inside. The interior is the first to use Lexus new ‘Tazuna’ driver cockpit.
This replace the fiddly and oft-criticised setup of current Lexus, whose mouse-style trackpad infotainment system is awkward to use.
Instead, there is a large central touchscreen up to 14.0 inches in size, which is fully Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready.
The dashboard has been simplified so now requires minimal eye, head and hand movement to operate, and owners should generally find it all much easier to use.
Needless to say, quality will be impeccable: Takumi craftsmanship brings fine quality materials and “high sensory appeal”.
Lexus says it’s also been inspired by “omotenashi hospitality” principals, so people will “feel as welcome and comfortable as possible”.
Special mention to the e-latch doorhandles, that make it impossible to open a door into oncoming traffic or cyclists, and a power tailgate that operates twice as fast as before.
Lexus has sold 170,000 NX in Europe since its launch in 2014. The new second generation version will launch in the final quarter of 2021.
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