Lexus NX – NX Level of Urban SUV?

Lexus has updated the NX, their first attempt at a compact premium SUV. A few subtle tweaks and a minor refresh make it an even stronger contender in this fast-growing segment.

The new NX maintains its aggressive lines and sporty demeanour with new headlamps, new chrome-framed front and side grilles, and remodelled bumpers. At the rear, new LED taillights will differentiate the facelift model from its predecessor. The F-Sport model gets even angrier with black-chrome details all around the grilles.

Lexus is also following suit with the Germans when it comes to their naming strategy for the different engine derivatives. The ‘200t’ badge (signifying a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine) has been replaced by ‘300’, referring to the horsepower developed by the engine.

This means that the new Lexus NX will be offered in 300 E, EX and F Sport derivatives respectively.

The entry-level E model adopts a 2WD drivetrain as opposed to its AWD predecessor, where power is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed auto ‘box to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.

The middle and top-of-the-range EX and F Sport derivatives will keep their AWD setups alongside the 6-speed automatic transmission. The suspension on the F-Sport model is further improved by borrowing the latest version of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) from the Lexus LC Coupe.

The NX300 will come standard with Lexus’ trusted 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘4-pot’ engine, dishing out a healthy 175 kW of power and 350Nm of torque while the hybrid-powered NX300h will ship with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor with a total system output of 150kW.

An all-new Custom driving mode makes its way to the NX, which allows drivers to personalise the powertrain, electric power steering, AVS and air conditioning settings.

The E models add rain-sensing wipers, auto-levelling headlamps and a reverse camera to the spec-sheets. The EX models are now kitted with roof rails and the F-Sport model gains Dynamic headlamp levelling, chrome steering switch accents, and aluminium detailing on the instrument cluster.

The interior also sees a welcomed update in the form of a new 10.3-inch display, along with fewer switches and improved graphics, which replaces the old 7-inch display.

The new Lexus NX will find its way to dealership floors by January 2018.

Model Line-up & Pricing

NX 300 E                    – R 599 900

NX 300 EX                 – R 677 300

NX 300 F Sport          – R 789 700

NX 300h EX               – R 746 700

All Lexus NX models come with a 3-year/100 000 kilometer warranty.