Lexus NX – full details revealed at Auto China 2014

Lexus_NX_Beijing_Live_003

After the first wave of photos were released last week, here comes the full official details of the Lexus NX compact SUV, or crossover according to the Japanese premium carmaker. Three engine options will be offered – the NX 200, NX 200t and NX 300h; each available with either front-or all-wheel drive.

The NX 200t is the most interesting engine variant here, as it is the first deployment of the new Toyota/Lexus 2.0 litre petrol turbo engine. It’s rather late to the game – as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have had such an offering for a long time now – but at least it will have respectable/competitive output figures.

Maximum power is 235 hp between 4,800 and 5,600 rpm, while 350 Nm of torque is available from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. For comparison, the equivalent BMW TwinPower Turbo ‘28i’ unit makes 245 hp at 5,000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1,250 to 4,800 rpm.

Lexus_NX_Beijing_Live_002

Lexus says the new powerplant has been engineered for “excellent fuel economy, agile performance and responsiveness,” featuring a world-first combination of water-cooled cylinder heads, integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbocharger. No doubting its sophistication, then.

In the NX, the turbocharged engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Specifically tuned for this application, it uses a new torque-demand control logic, which calculates and maximises the required engine torque to deliver quick response to throttle inputs and high fuel efficiency.

The NX 200 is less advanced, but gets its own unique transmission. No power outputs have been revealed for the naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre unit, but it’s said to benefit from Valvematic technology and a high compression ratio, while working with a new, electronically controlled S-CVT/Multidrive sequential shift gearbox.

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The range-topper, in true Lexus style, is the hybrid NX 300h variant. It uses a 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired to a generator, electric motor and battery that delivers a total system output of 195 hp. Exclusive to the hybrid variant is a sprung-weight damping control that increases ride comfort and handling stability.

Other models can be specified with Lexus’ new-generation Adaptive Variable Suspension. Controlled through the Drive Mode Select system, the level of damping force can be tailored to suit either optimised ride comfort or body control.

Other standout features in the 4,630 mm-long vehicle (with a 2,660 mm wheelbase) include the Panoramic View Monitor and Adaptive Cruise Control. The former uses the highest resolution camera fitted to a Lexus, and the latter matches the NX’s speed to the vehicle in front, down to a complete stop – a first-in-segment feature.

Live pix by Kwek Chai Li




Lexus NX 200t F Sport

Lexus NX 300h

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • GTR36 on Apr 22, 2014 at 9:53 am

    Happily waiting for grey importers to bring in these cars!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
    • Same Loor on Apr 22, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      Very nice, the BMW looked outdated now.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
    • AutoFrenz (the original) on Apr 22, 2014 at 7:55 pm

      It will b priced similar to new toyota harrier…so which one wd u choose…one is lexus d other toyota but bigger…hmmmmm

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 31 Thumb down 0
    • AutoFrenz (the original) on Apr 22, 2014 at 8:03 pm

      nabila ur comment is too busy.just like michelle obama…we just dont get it…muhahaha

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • nabill (Member) on Apr 22, 2014 at 10:09 am

    I dont get the design…its so busy..boxy…full of macho lines,bt thy all dont gel together…its trying too hard….although the interior looks ace….as u wd expect frm a lexus…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 22
    • Obama on Apr 22, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      I don’t get the design too. I believe it looks great when they sketch the design on paper, but in real life I don’t get it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
  • Gajen on Apr 22, 2014 at 10:18 am

    the 2.0 turbo specs are really good. i just wish they put it into the IS and GS soon

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 2
  • OMG…wonderful…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Apr 22, 2014 at 11:14 am

    being so turbo crazy at a point….its still surprises me that japan is late to the turbo game

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 6
  • spongewai on Apr 22, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Lexus Malaysia, bring this compact premium SUV to Malaysia with right price whether can compete against Audi Q5, Merc GLK, Porsche Macan, BMW X3, BMW X4 and Infiniti QX50

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
    • W204 C63 AMG on Apr 22, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      this thing competes with the X1, GLA and Q3. Those SUVs you mentioned are bigger than the NX.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
  • W204 C63 AMG on Apr 22, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    now put that 2.0T into the IS, and get rid of the IS250, you will have a winner in your hands Lexus.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • optimus prime’s cousin may want to consider this machine as his bride.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Trying too hard to be stylish for a SUV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
  • sonyman on Apr 22, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    looks very nice, probably 300K for this, then most important of all, it drives like a sampan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • This SUV would make Darth Vader proud!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • amigos on Apr 23, 2014 at 12:50 am

    CX-5 was a head turner but this NX will turn head upside down. can’t wait for the next MURANO.Good job japan…bring it on!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • kami (Member) on Apr 23, 2014 at 9:53 am

    still…ugly.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
  • Sam's Best Friend on Apr 23, 2014 at 10:19 am

    If this is released by Lexus Malaysia @ $270k. I will buy 2 and recommend all my friends to buy it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • shawal on Apr 26, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    RELIABILITY is lexus forte…
    We just have to wait and see whether any recall will be done..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

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