The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand’s first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features.
Lexus will have six hybrid models including the NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus’ luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the RX.
The Lexus LF-NX concepts, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, influenced the design of the NX. The crossover will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20.
Chief engineer Takeaki Kato and his team developed NX as a luxury vehicle that provides versatility and details unexpected in its class to young, urban drivers.
Exterior design
The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline.
As with all Lexus vehicles, the exterior starts with the spindle grille. LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus’ bold styling. The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX’s wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares. The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels.
The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set toward the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants. Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.
The rear is punctuated by Lexus’ signature "L" shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design.
Interior design
A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.
Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance.
Technology
The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.
The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
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