Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Knowing that you have a competent vehicle for when the need arises is an empowering feeling. This sense of security builds driver confidence. If the weather turns for the worse without any warning, or if road conditions degrade to less than ideal, then having a vehicle that is more than up to the task of getting you to your destination without any drama is indeed an asset. The Lexus NX crossover was engineered and designed to please not only the most discerning driving enthusiasts but also those who are looking for a comfortable and practical vehicle that can do it all. It seems like a tall order, but Lexus has the know-how and experience when it comes to building capable crossovers that deliver an engaging on-road driving experience, and still have the capability to tackle more challenging terrain.
Lexus condensed the best traits from its decades of experience building sport utility vehicles into the highly focused Lexus NX crossover. Available in three variants – the NX 300 (P3,208,000); the NX 300h hybrid (P3,678,000); and the NX 300 F Sport (P3,708,000), the NX puts the pilot in full control thanks to its advanced driver technologies, all while offering fantastic styling and the remarkable build quality that Lexus is famous for. The NX has been crafted to an extremely high level by its Takumi masters. One only has to look at the finer details to notice that the NX is constructed in a way that sets the benchmark in the luxury crossover segment.
Exhilarating Performance
Under the hood of the NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport is a powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged direct-injection 2.0- liter inline-4 rated at 235 horsepower with an impressive torque of 350 Newton-meters. Its twin-scroll turbocharger is a single turbo with two separate exhaust paths, ensuring air travels in a more direct feed to the turbo. The turbocharger is fitted with an air-to-liquid intercooler to keep the intake temperature low and help combat power-robbing heat. On the other hand, the NX 300h hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors that churns out 194 hp supplemented with instant toque and outstanding acceleration courtesy of the electric motors.
The suspension of the Lexus NX has been tuned to enhance ride and handling. The springs, stabilizer bars and bushings have been tweaked for improved turn-in response and steady-state cornering. New shock absorbers improve the quality of the NX’s already buttery-smooth ride. But the biggest change is that Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is now available on the NX 300 F Sport. AVS, which is based on the advanced system found in the LC 500, offers enhanced control and overall handling stability, which allows driving enthusiasts to enjoy the open roads with the NX 300 F Sport’s capabilities.
Bolder Design, Premium Features
The NX’s sculpted body lines and eye-catching design shares similar design cues with the LC. Its triple-projector headlamps and iconic L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) make it easily identifiable as a Lexus. Satin and smoked chrome trim pieces now adorn the grille. The NX 300 F-Sport, which has exclusive front and rear bumpers, uses an F-mesh grille pattern with the same jet-black finish seen in the Lexus RC F. The NX’s sporty and aggressive silhouette is further enhanced by 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels rendered in a dark premium metallic finish and mounted with meaty 225/60R18 tires. The lower rear bumper cover is wider and features elements of the grille’s spindle motif while the revised taillights have been elongated and the black garnish has been revised to better emphasize the L-shaped lenses.
The interior of the NX is sportier and more luxurious with enhanced control interfaces. The F-Sport and Hybrid variants feature a larger 10.3-inch display on the center dashboard while controls and switches, including the drive mode selector, shift knob and door handles, now have a metallic satin finish to enhance the cabin’s premium look and feel. The center console features a larger and redesigned remote touch interface with a reshaped palm rest, a bigger wireless charger tray to accommodate larger smartphones, and optimally-positioned USB ports with higher amperage for faster charging. The analog clock, which has been enlarged for improved legibility, features a cleaner, simpler design with a more pronounced outer ring, as well as satellite control that automatically adjusts the time in different time zones.
Technology and Craftsmanship
Lexus enhanced the safety of NX’s safety occupants with eight sensor-controlled SRS airbags and enhanced night time visibility with wide-angle lights. The Drive Mode Select features a choice of five different modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, Sport +, and Custom Mode – that sets the NX’s powertrain, Adaptive Variable Suspension, power steering and air conditioning systems to the driver’s preference. As an added convenience feature, the electrically-actuated rear hatch can be opened simply by placing your foot near the sensor beneath the rear bumper, which is useful especially when your hands are full when carrying goods.
Lexus’ Takumi craftsmanship is immediately evident with the perfectly straight stitches of the NX 300’s leather surfaces. These intricate stitching patterns were created with the hand-operated machinery equipped with special needles that are resistant to overheating and thread breakage. This acute attention-to-detail and artisan execution elevates the entire construction of a Lexus and showcases the company’s deep desire to please the customer.
With all these features, the Lexus NX will surely appeal to discerning customers who are not only looking for a powerful and engaging crossover but who also have a deep appreciation of the smallest details that were executed to complete the vehicle. Lexus relishes the opportunity to proudly showcase automotive craftsmanship once more and provide motoring enthusiasts a crossover that can break free from the realms of potential and traverse desired destination readily. To drive a Lexus NX is to drive a crossover that was built to the highest standards that will take you to where your heart desires.
