At the turn of the last century, Toyota, with the full electric auto era fast approaching,
made a commitment to go with hybrid petrol/electric vehicles, rather than full electric
product. The result was the Prius.
The second modern hybrid vehicle to be sold in Australia, following on from the
original Honda Insight released six months previously. While the Insight fell by the
wayside, the ubiquitous Prius went on to conquer the world.
Since then, the hybrid technology has been taken up by mainstream Toyotas such as
the Camry, Corolla RAV4 and Kluger. It was inevitable that Lexus, Toyota’s premium
arm felt the pull of the company’s sustainable energy star turn too.
For example, the new medium SUV NX range has been expanded to include a
turbocharged petrol engine, an all-new hybrid electric system, plus flagship plug-in
hybrid.
The NX 350h Luxury hybrid all-wheel drive comes in at $70,400, $5000 above the entry-
level 2WD, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid AWD electric vehicle tops out the range at
$89,900. On test was the former with Enhancement Pack consisting of Moonroof, power
tailgate with kick sensor and wireless smartphone charging.
Every Lexus NX buyer enjoys the Lexus Warranty Experience featuring a five-year,
unlimited kilometre warranty and – for NX 350h and NX 450h+ – a leading 10-year,
unlimited kilometre battery warranty.
This takes in the leading Encore owner benefits program incorporating events with
brand ambassadors, special offers with hotel partnerships, and a 5-cents-per-litre
Ampol/Caltex fuel discount offer on premium unleaded – among other benefits.
Capped price servicing is offered on all Lexus NX grades, with intervals of 12
months/15,000km, for up to three years or 45,000km, whichever comes first. Each
service costs owners $495.
STYLING
Critics of the yawning hallmark spindle grille will be pleased as it plays a more integral
role in the new NX. It is now more upright, accentuating the elongated bonnet and
improving airflow into the engine compartment.
Flowing smoothly from the grille, signature L-shaped daytime running lights frame the
stylish new headlamp design, which aligns with the bonnet’s character lines to further
emphasise the spindle shape.
The rear view is distinguished by muscular rear fenders and new L-shaped LED light
clusters with signature blade lighting in a bar that spans the width of the vehicle, a
feature first seen on the UX compact luxury SUV.
On the tailgate the Lexus emblem has been replaced with the L-E-X-U-S name, creating
a more modern and simpler look that strengthens the car’s identity.
INTERIOR
The all-new NX ushers in a new direction for Lexus interior design with the debut of the
Tazuna cockpit concept. Inspired by the connection between a horse and rider through
the reins, it further develops the human-centred philosophy of Lexus that allows the
driver to concentrate on the road ahead.
Front seats are heated, as well as having eight-way power adjustment, with two-way
lumber support for the driver. Debuting in a Lexus are safe exit (e-latch) handles that
can detect cyclists or vehicles passing close to the NX, keeping the door closed to avoid
an accident.
A new centre-console box features two-way opening, allowing easy access for the driver
and front passenger, and larger twin cupholders. An innovative new sliding storage tray
– with built-in wireless charger in 350h AWD with Enhancement Pack – can stow a phone
above a storage box underneath.
INFOTAINMENT
The Tazuna cockpit concept, with 9.8-inch touchscreen, is new to NX, as is an 8.0-inch
driver instrument display. Talking of a debut, ‘Hey, Lexus!’ voice recognition is given an
initial NX airing. DAB+ digital radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto find use for ten
speakers scattered around the cabin.
Lexus Connect is on hand in an SOS with a call, automatic collision notification and
stolen vehicle tracking. Expanded in the NX is Lexus Multimedia Connect, which uses
in-built data to provide satellite navigation. Charging or connectivity solutions are
available including USB Type-A and C ports, and a 12V socket in the centre console,
while rear occupants are treated to a pair of USB-C ports and a 12V socket.
A 17-speaker sound system employing Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Surround
technology that provides superb clarity, is standard on the Sports Luxury grade and
optional on NX 350 and NX 350h AWD F Sport as part of the Enhancement Pack 2.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The NX 350h Luxury comes in two- or four-wheel drive powered by a 2.5-litre four-
cylinder petrol engine combined with a new Lexus hybrid system putting out a combined
179kW, and 391Nm, making it the marque’s most powerful hybrid yet. An electronic
CVT delivers this to all four wheels.
SAFETY
New across the NX range include intersection turn and emergency steering assist, plus
a pre-collision system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, parking support
brake with obstacle and vehicle detection, blind spot monitor, active cruise control, lane
trace assist and road sign assist.
Ten airbags take care of passive safety.
DRIVING
Silence is golden, so they say. Following a rash of EVs with driver warnings and alerts
via various beeps and buzzes, as well as human voice interruptions, the NX 350h
Luxury is quiet and unobtrusive.
Absent are the screen messages such as digital messages ‘Take a break’, ‘keep two
hands on the wheel’, or the most insulting ‘the leading vehicle has moved off’.
Oh,really? Driver assist systems should be left to parking manoeuvres with audible
distance alerts and reversing camera, while I have no gripe with a blind spot monitor.
Driving functions on the NX including the ignition button, drive mode select button/rotary
dial and shift lever are neatly arranged immediately on the dashboard nearest to the
steering wheel. Lexus designers also have cut the number of switches from 78 to just
45.
Driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – can be selected to suit driver’s frame of mind
and fuel consumption is put by the maker at 5.0litres per 100 kilometres in the combined
urban/highway cycle. Zero to 100km comes up in a not-so-shabby 7.7 seconds.
With EV mode selected the NX Luxury AWD is good for about 80-plus kilometres on its
own.
SUMMARY
A choice line-up, Lexus is wasting little time in electrifying its medium-size SUV to the
benefit of potential buyers
RATINGS
Looks – 7
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 8
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 7
Value – 6
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Lexus NX350h Luxury 2WD $65,800
Lexus NX 350h Luxury AWD $70,400
Lexus 350h Luxury with Enhancement Pack AWD $73,400
Lexus NX 350h Sports Luxury 2WD $73,100
Lexus NX 350h Sports Luxury AWD $77,900
Lexus NX 350h with Enhancement Pack 1 AWD $80,900
Lexus NX 350h Sports Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2 AWD $83,900
Lexus NX 350h F Sport 2WD $73,100
Lexus NX 350h F Sport AWD $77,900
Lexus NX 350h F Sport with Enhancement Pack 1 AWD $80,900
Lexus NX 350h F Sport with Enhancement Pack 2 SWD $83,900
Note: this price does not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Lexus NX350h Luxury 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol, CVT, AWD, SUV)
ENGINE
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Capacity: 2487cc
Maximum power 140kW @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 239Nm @ 4300-4500rpm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded petrol 95 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 5.0L/100km
CO2 emissions 114g/km
HYBRID SYSTEM
Moto Generator: synchronous permanent magnet
Max Power: 134kW
Max Torque: 270Nm
Motor Generator Rear (AWD)
Max power: 40kW
Max torque: 121Nm
BATTERY PACK
Lithium-ion
Capacity: 18.1kWh
DRIVELINE: CVT, AWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4660mm
Width: 1865mm
Height: 1660mm
Wheelbase: 2690mm:
Turning circle: 11.6m
Kerb weight: 1870kg
Fuel tank: 55L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres (vehicle)
Ten years / unlimited kilometres (HEV battery)
