Four months after the new NX was unceremoniously leaked by Lexus itself, the second-generation compact executive SUV will finally make its official debut next Saturday, June 12. Accompanying the announcement is a teaser image that confirms what we saw in February was the real deal.
Visible in the photo are the L-shaped taillights joined together by a full-width illuminated strip, a design cue that is clearly inspired by the smaller UX. One difference between this and the leaked car is that the traditional oval L badge has been replaced by the Lexus script, derived from the LF-Z Electrified concept.
While Lexus has kept mum about the car, we already know quite a lot thanks to the leak. We know, for example, that the exterior styling will be an evolution of the outgoing model’s, with a slightly calmer version of that car’s myriad of slashes and sharp corners. The more mature design language is complemented by new details such as the one-piece headlights/daytime running lights and the more aggressive spindle grille.
We also know that the interior will represent a sea change for the Japanese luxury brand, particularly by jettisoning of the much-maligned Remote Touch interface and its associated touchpad in favour of a proper touchscreen system. The large display, which sits closer to the driver, will also incorporate the climate controls, although a pair of physical knobs ensure there will at least be some familiarity.
The NX will almost certainly be based on the new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform shared with the ES and the Toyota RAV4 and should feature a range of new engines. We’re expecting the NX 300‘s 8AR-FTS 2.0 litre turbocharged four-pot to be phased out in favour of the 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated Dynamic Force mills for the NX 200 and NX 250 respectively, with a 3.5 litre V6 also due for the NX 350.
The car will apparently also mark the introduction of Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid, the NX 450h+. It will likely share its innards with the RAV4 Prime – a 178 PS/228 Nm 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor producing a total system output of 306 PS. The Toyota version has an all-electric range of 60 km.
GALLERY: 2022 Lexus NX leaked
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Overpriced Toyota
why so salty cant afford dont complain.
Why spend more to buy lexus when a same same toyota is cheaper? Got more money than brains to burn?
You’re seriously asking that question bro? Wonder whose the one with no brains hmm?
Its not expensive only it’s not yet affordable for you
That’s a bad idea to put the LEXUS wording instead of the emblem on your boot. Reminds me of the Lexus biscuit