Full expert breakdown
Buying a new car is a big decision, especially when you are looking at the premium segment. You are probably thinking about a lot of things: how much will it cost upfront and every month? Is it safe for my family? What about all the latest features everyone is talking about? And of course, how good is the company service after I buy it?
Well, if you are in the market for a luxurious and feature-packed SUV, the Lexus NX should definitely be on your radar. Lexus is known for its incredible build quality, comfort, and reliability, and the new NX takes that legacy forward with a modern twist. Let us dive deep into what makes the Lexus NX a strong contender for your garage.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Lexus NX for the Indian market is primarily offered as the NX 350h. This means it comes with a sophisticated self-charging hybrid powertrain.
- Engine Type: 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine.
- Electric Motors: Paired with two electric motors (one on each axle for All-Wheel Drive).
- Total System Output: Approximately 243 hp (179 kW).
- Transmission: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT).
- Fuel Efficiency: Being a hybrid, it offers impressive fuel efficiency for a luxury SUV, significantly reducing your running costs.
Design Overview
Exterior
The Lexus NX boasts a striking and dynamic design that truly stands out.
- Front Look: Dominating spindle grille, which is now more integrated, giving it a powerful yet elegant face.
- Lighting: Sharp L-shaped LED headlights with signature daytime running lamps that give it a distinct identity.
- Body Lines: A sleek and muscular profile with crisp character lines that flow seamlessly from front to rear.
- Rear Styling: Full-width LED light bar connecting the taillights, creating a modern and futuristic appearance.
- Wheels: Stylish alloy wheels that complement its premium stance.
Interior
Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that exudes luxury and advanced technology.
- Driver Focused: The Tazuna Concept cockpit is designed to be intuitive and driver-centric, with all controls easily within reach.
- Premium Materials: High-quality leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and intricate stitching throughout the cabin.
- Infotainment: A large, prominent touchscreen display takes centre stage.
- Comfort: Ergonomically designed seats offer excellent support for long journeys, often with heating and ventilation options.
- Ambiance: Ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof enhance the feeling of space and luxury.
Key Features
The Lexus NX is packed with features to make every drive enjoyable and convenient.
- Large 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- 360-degree camera for easy parking.
- Wireless phone charging.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control (or multi-zone in higher variants).
- Heated and ventilated front seats.
- Head-up display.
- Powered tailgate.
- Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System (on top variants).
Ground Clearance of Lexus NX
- The Lexus NX offers a respectable ground clearance of approximately 185 mm. This is quite adequate for navigating typical Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and minor uneven surfaces, without too much worry.
Boot Space of Lexus NX
- The Lexus NX provides a generous boot space of about 520 litres. This is more than sufficient for your weekend getaways, airport runs, or even a family road trip with plenty of luggage.
Dimensions of Lexus NX
Here are the key dimensions of the Lexus NX:
- Length: Approximately 4660 mm
- Width: Approximately 1865 mm
- Height: Approximately 1670 mm
- Wheelbase: Approximately 2690 mm
Powertrain Options
In India, the Lexus NX is offered exclusively with a powerful and efficient self-charging hybrid powertrain, the NX 350h. There are no pure petrol or diesel engine options available.
- It intelligently combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors, automatically switching between electric, petrol, or a combination of both to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.
- The E-Four All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system provides enhanced traction and stability.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for Lexus, and the NX is equipped with an impressive suite of active and passive safety technologies.
- Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+): An advanced suite of safety features including:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian and Cyclist detection.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA).
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA).
- Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).
- Airbags: 8 airbags (front, knee, side, and curtain).
- Braking Systems: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
- Stability Control: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).
- Other Features: Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts.
NCAP Rating Table
| Rating Agency | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP | Not Yet Rated | As of now, the Lexus NX has not been tested by Bharat NCAP. |
| Euro NCAP | 5-Star | The current generation Lexus NX received a full 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests (2022). |
Rivals of Lexus NX
In the competitive luxury SUV segment, the Lexus NX faces strong competition from:
- BMW X3
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Audi Q5
- Volvo XC60
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Pros
- Luxurious and High-Quality Interior: The cabin feels incredibly premium with excellent fit and finish.
- Refined Hybrid Powertrain: Smooth, quiet, and delivers excellent fuel efficiency for its class.
- Comprehensive Safety Features: The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 offers advanced protection.
- Comfortable Ride Quality: Absorbs bumps well, making it ideal for Indian roads.
- Distinctive Styling: Stands out from the crowd with its bold and elegant design.
- Lexus Reliability and Service: Known for hassle-free ownership and top-notch customer service.
Cons
- Higher Initial Price Point: Being a luxury hybrid, it comes with a premium price tag.
- No Pure ICE or Diesel Option: For those who prefer a traditional petrol or diesel engine, the hybrid is the only choice.
- Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, it might feel a bit less spacious for very tall passengers compared to some rivals.
- Infotainment Learning Curve: The new infotainment system, while large and feature-rich, might take some getting used to.
Conclusion
The Lexus NX is a truly compelling package for anyone looking for a luxury SUV in India. It beautifully combines Lexus's legendary refinement and reliability with modern hybrid efficiency, striking design, and advanced technology. While it sits at a premium price point, the long-term benefits of lower running costs, exceptional safety, and a luxurious ownership experience make it a worthwhile investment.
If you prioritize comfort, cutting-edge safety, environmental consciousness, and a distinctive presence on the road, the Lexus NX deserves a serious look. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its magic firsthand and see if it is the perfect luxury SUV for you and your family.
