Key takeaways:
- 2027 Lexus NX introduces significant upgrades in design, performance and equipment specifications
- Adoption of sixth-generation Lexus hybrid technology across the range
- NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid gains extended EV driving capabilities and new DC fast charging functionality
- Latest-generation Lexus Connect multimedia system with 14-inch display now standard across the range
- New connected services for convenience, safety, entertainment and vehicle security
- Lexus Sensory Concierge with in-car fragrances help create a personalised cabin environment
Raising our star SUV to the next level
The 2027 Lexus NX offers much more than might be expected of a mid-lifecycle update. A constant pursuit of refinement led the development team to take every aspect of the vehicle to the next level. Which means that as a package, it delivers new and unexpected values that elevate the ownership experience, from the adoption of sixth-generation hybrid technology that improves fuel economy and reduces emissions, to honing the qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature – constant comfort, control and confidence.
This article offers an early overview of these changes in advance of the model’s UK introduction in spring 2027.
2027 Lexus NX: exterior changes explained
The revised NX retains its familiar overall form and silhouette but adopts new Lexus design elements that enhance its wide and low proportions. The frontal treatment introduces a frameless spindle grille that blends more smoothly and aerodynamically with the surrounding bodywork. New-design headlights are also installed, which now feature a slim upper daytime running light and turn indicators arranged as two parallel bars for high visibility.
The side view is distinguished by new sill mouldings and a new smoked finish for the alloy wheels – 18- or 20-inch according to equipment grade. The door mirror trims and body mouldings have been darkened down from the previous chrome to amplify the car’s contemporary, integrated look. Then at the rear, the NX introduces a new lighting arrangement that develops the light bar concept to present the tail and stop lights in a repeated L-motif that bridges the central illuminated Lexus legend.
Three new exterior paint colours have been introduced into what is now a nine-colour palette:
- Sonic Platinum
- Sonic Tellus – a rich khaki green
- Titanium Carbide – a solid grey shade exclusive to the NX F Sport
F Sport exterior design
The exterior styling of F Sport models commands extra attention with a contrasting piano black finish for the roof rails, roof spoiler, lower bumper and sills. The 20-inch wheels are lightweight yet highly ridid and have a new slim and aerodynamic twin-spoke design, through which red brake calipers add a bold flash of colour. Extra details also include aero corners on the rear bumpers that contribute to stable handling and aerodynamic efficiency.
2027 Lexus NX interior updates
Significant changes have been made to the NX’s interior with the introduction of a new-design instrument panel inspired by that in the all-new ES and forthcoming TZ. The strong horizontal orientation creates a roomy, open feel that also gives the driver an improved forward view. The new 12.3-inch combimeter, navigation display and new 14-inch multimedia screen are set on the same axis, while the horizontal theme is emphasised by an illuminated pinline that extends across the dashboard and into the door panels. The open, uncluttered look is enhanced by minimalist-style hidden switches, which only reveal themselves when the car starts.
High-grade models are now equipped with a new sensory concierge feature, which modifies the cabin environment by synchronising the ambient lighting, music, climate control, in-car fragrance (see image below), and seat temperature. This feature is a Lexus first and designed to bring a multi-sensory dimension to every journey.
Interior upholstery colours, according to equipment grade, include:
- Clay Red
- Solis White
- Hazel
- Black
- Red – F Sport only
Interior trims, according to equipment grade, include:
- Dark Brown Oak – Luxury only
- Micro-geometric technical finish – F Sport only
- Forged Bamboo – Business and Executive only
2027 Lexus NX equipment grades
Lexus has expanded the standard equipment available throughout the NX range for 2027. The four equipment grades are now: Business, Executive, Luxury and F Sport. All versions include:
- “All-weather” headlights (detailed above)
- Heated and power-adjustable front seats
- Heated and power-adjustable steering wheel
- Powered back door
- Digital cockpit with 12.3-inch combimeter and 14-inch multimedia display
- Latest generation Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driving assistance systems
- 1500W AC outlet (NX 450h+ only) so the car can be used as a mobile power supply
Additional features on Executive grade include:
- Memory setting and electric lumbar adjustment for the front seats
- Front seat ventilation
- Hands-free kick sensor for the back door
- Rear privacy glass
- 360-degree panoramic view monitor
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Multicolour interior lighting
Additional features on Luxury grade include:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Smooth leather upholstery
- Heated rear seats
- Head-up display
- Automatic/remote parking
- Smart comfort package incorporating new sensory concierge feature (details above)
Dedicated sports styling elements on F Sport include:
- Piano black exterior elements
- 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels
- Exclusive paint and interior colour options
- Red brake calipers
Executive grade can be additionally equipped with a panoramic roof and 20-inch alloy wheels. Luxury and F Sport specifications can be extended with an option pack including panoramic roof, 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system (see image below) and digital rear-view mirror.
Hybrid powertrains and performance
The revised NX adopts our sixth-generation hybrid technology across both full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to bring benefits in performance, efficiency and driver rewards.
The focus for the new NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was to extend the EV driving range and optimise battery charging to achieve greater efficiency and the versatility to use the car day-to-day like a fully electric vehicle. To do this, the model integrates a 30% larger (now 23 kWh) lithium-ion battery beneath the vehicle floor, which supports an increased system output of 303bhp and faster 0-62mph acceleration time of 6.1 seconds. On a full charge the plug-in model can provisionally offer a 60-mile EV driving range, while DC fast charging compatibility on all grades can replenish the battery from 10-80% in just 30 minutes. The new system also enables a valuable 1,500kg towing capacity.
The lithium-ion battery in the full hybrid NX 350h has the same structure as that used in the all-new ES 350h. Enhanced cooling of the current pathways help increase output, so Lexus engineers have been able to reduce the number of cells and save battery weight (32.7 to 23.5kg) while maintaining a maximum 196bhp system output. Additional benefits include improved acceleration, an increase in towing capacity to 1,500kg, and anticipated best-in-class CO2 figures.
2027 Lexus NX: improved driving experience
The purpose of this revision was improve the driving experience through two primary means: the further refinement of electrified technologies that connect drive, braking and steering performance, and improved body rigidity, which has a significant effect on ride comfort and stability. The new NX was also the first Lexus to be specifically tuned for the European market at the world-famous Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
Finding the optimal driving position was a key consideration in achieving a deeper dialogue between car and driver. So while the driver’s seat itself remains unchanged, it is now set lower, closer to the car’s centre of gravity. The steering wheel diameter has been reduced by 10mm and the range of telescopic adjustment has increased so that the wheel can be brought closer to the driver. A new variable-ratio steering rack has also been adopted to improve the car’s responses and overall manoeuvrability.
New measures have been introduced to further control noise and vibration. These include increasing the rigidity of the engine block, creating a stiffer connection between the engine and e-axle, and adding more sound-absorbing materials to the rear bumper, back door and centre pillars. The result is a calmer and more refined cabin atmosphere with engine and road noise reduced by around 20%. Body vibrations, especially those experienced on uneven surfaces, have also been further tuned out by increasing rigidity across the floor and between the front suspension towers and A-pillars.
Continuing in the area of suspension management, new shock absorbers with ultra-low velocity valving provide improved absorption of road imperfections, even at low speeds. But then as vehicle speed and suspension movement increases, damping force is reduced so the suspension can work more freely to enhance ride comfort.
Digital cockpit, multimedia and connected services
The new NX is equipped with our new digital cockpit, which coordinates the 12.3-inch combimeter and 14-inch multimedia display. The latest Lexus Connect multimedia system is ultra-slim in width yet offers four times faster processing speed, eight times greater storage capacity and a 256GB memory. An additional feature is the ability to mirror navigation details from the multimedia system within the combimeter.
Similarly, the Lexus Connect driver support menu lists all available functions within the Lexus Safety System+ suite, and allows the driver to choose their safer driving options and performance parameters from the multimedia screen. This new generation multimedia system also enables Lexus to introduce connected services bundles. These offer access to new and advanced navigation, entertainment, information and vehicle security functions.
