FOLLOWER For Lexus, the NX was a door opener for Europe and conqueror. With more than 170,000 units sold since 2014, the SUV has made a significant contribution to the popularity of Toyota's luxury subsidiary on the continent. In addition to the familiar full hybrid system, the new NX also features a plug-in hybrid drive for the first time. For the second generation, the Japanese [...]
In addition to the familiar full hybrid system, the new NX also features a plug-in hybrid drive for the first time.
For the second generation, the Japanese have completely rebuilt the car. For example, 95 percent of the vehicle's components are new, and in addition to the familiar full hybrid, there is also a plug-in hybrid drive for the first time, as well as state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity.
Rear passengers now travel even more comfortably
The more balanced design can be seen at first glance. Although the 4.66-meter SUV has grown by a few centimeters in all dimensions, the striking lines at the front and rear have given way to more pleasing shapes.
Above all, the characteristic radiator grille has been strongly modeled out and now stands almost upright. The rear view appears to have been modeled in the same way, with the design theme of connected taillights and the brand or model lettering underneath, which is currently common in the automotive industry.
The wheelbase also grew by three centimeters, which should benefit rear passengers in particular. The trunk holds 500 liters
Controls accessible with one movement
Lexus engineers have positioned all information and control elements, infotainment screen, instrument cluster and optional head-up display as well as the start button, gearshift, climate control and drive mode switch within the range of a continuous arm movement.
An example of intuitive control is the steering wheel buttons, which can be assigned to the driver's preferred functions. When the button is used, its shape appears on the head-up display so that the driver does not have to look down at the steering wheel.
Standard Link Connect system with 9.8-inch display
Lexus is also adapting to the premium zeitgeist in terms of infotainment and connectivity. The second generation of the NX, for example, introduces a new multimedia platform with tablet operation and voice control ("Hey Lexus") to the models of the Toyota subsidiary.
The standard system is the Lexus Link Connect with 9.8-inch display and anti-glare touchscreen additional buttons for the most frequently used functions.
Starting with the Executive trim, the standard equipment includes a 14-inch display - the largest in the segment - whose HD screen is supposed to be easy to read in all lighting conditions. There are also four USB sockets, wireless charging cradles for smartphones, two of which can be integrated into the onboard system via Android Auto or wirelessly via Apple CarPlay....
Purely electric range of 63 kilometers
A plug-in hybrid is being used in a Lexus for the first time. The new top model in the series, called the NX 450h+, combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor on the rear axle, which not only results in all-wheel drive but also 306 hp of system output.
To that end, the lithium-ion battery is said to store a class-leading 18.1 kWh of energy, which Lexus claims will enable a segment-leading electric range of 63 kilometers per battery charge and all-electric driving at up to 135 km/h.
As if that weren't enough, the NX is not supposed to start up the combustion engine immediately even when the battery is empty, as is the case with many competitors. Instead, an efficient self-charging hybrid system with a savings potential of up to 20 percent is used.
Standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds
But Lexus doesn't seem to have much faith in the green soul of its customers. The fuel tank holds an unchanged 55 liters of fuel and thus "takes into account the fact that customers in this segment often use their vehicle for longer trips.
Like the full hybrid 350h, the trunk also has a load volume of 500 liters. In what is now the fourth generation of the full hybrid system, the system output has increased compared with the predecessor to 242 hp (178 kW), with which the entry-level model is said to complete the standard sprint in 7.7 seconds.
Wide track and balanced weight distribution
The Lexus engineers are particularly proud of the dynamic driving qualities of the new NX. This is based on a new architecture with a lowered center of gravity, wider track and more balanced weight distribution. In addition, the NX has a significantly stiffer body structure plus lightweight materials that allowed the installation of additional struts and reinforcements.
In order to optimize the response and feedback of the steering and brakes, Lexus even had professional racing drivers complete an extensive test program at the Lexus Shimoyama proving ground. One can be curious.