Lexus NX: first pictures and details

Here it is – you’re looking at the very first pictures of the all-new Lexus NX crossover.

Set for a grand unveiling at the Beijing Motor Show next week (Sunday, April 20th), the Lexus NX is a sharply styled compact premium crossover and Lexus’s first entry into the mid-size crossover/SUV market.

See also:
Lexus NX unveiled at Beijing motor show
Lexus NX news reviews round up
Interview: Takeaki Kato, Chief Engineer, Lexus NX
Lexus NX delivers luxury and opportunities
First details of new NX 200t turbo engine
Lexus NX price and specification revealed
Engineering the NX: Chief engineer Takeaki Kato talks

The NX’s striking, edgy styling and high-end technologies will mark it out as a hero model targetted toward customers new to the Lexus brand, setting new standards for future models.

Like what you see? You can register your interest in the new Lexus NX here.

Designed to look as though it is has been cast from a single piece of metal, the NX’s strong, flared wheel arches house 17 or 18-inch wheels, giving the car a crouching, muscular stance. The signature Lexus spindle grille is the central focus of the NX’s angular shape, complemented by LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The grille blends seamlessly into a sculpted bonnet, creating strongly contrasting surfacing that projects a sense of depth.

The side profile is instantly recognisable as a Lexus, accentuated by a roofline that’s set towards the rear of the vehicle to give maximum visual impact. Details include an innovative door mirror design and a world-first door handle mechanism with a concealed key barrel and integrated lighting. These features enhance the overall premium look by creating a smooth finish along the side of the car.

The rear is punctuated by Lexus’s L-shape combination lamps, fitted with seamless LED lighting. The bodywork design echoes the spindle grille treatment at the front.

Lexus NX Interior_a_low

Inside, Lexus aims to bring a sense of excitement to the NX’s cabin with a design more like a sports car interior, complimenting the angular bodywork.

Details include a thick-rimmed sports steering wheel and contrasting trims. At the same time, Lexus has focused on interior space and seating and has worked to ensure the driver enjoys intuitive interaction with the controls and instrumentation. The NX continues the development of Lexus’s display and operation zone concept.

Lexus NX Interior_b_low

Three powertrains will feature in the NX range: a highly efficient petrol-electric hybrid in the NX 300h; a Lexus-first 2.0-litre petrol turbo in the NX 200t; and a naturally aspirated petrol unit in the NX 200. Each will offer the choice of front and all-wheel drive.

UK powertrain line-up will be announced in due course.

Innovative on-board technologies include a Lexus-first wireless charging tray for portable devices; a new iteration of the Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad control; a Panoramic View Monitor; and a comprehensive multi-information display with a Lexus-first G-sensor and boost meter. The NX will also offer a head-up display, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Takeaki Kato, NX Chief Engineer, said that Lexus has approached all phases of the model’s development from the perspective of its target customers – young, urban drivers with active lifestyles who want premium products.

NX specifications and powertrains will differ according to market; details of the range and specifications for the UK will be announced ahead of the vehicle going on sale towards the end of this year.

See our countdown to the Lexus NX reveal and look back at the LF-NX concept that precedes the new model here.

10 comments

    1. I would like to answer this please. First of all the press release said there will be both rear wheel AND AWD, (maybe not in the UK, we’ll have to wait and see). Second, why does this “rubber band CVT” myth persist? I have an IS300h F sport. In normal CVT mode it functions beautifully, it does NOT whine like some of the press has exaggerated. Also, and most pleasurable, is when you click it into manual mode use the paddle shifters, switch on the Active Sound Control (ASC), you have a very sporty sounding and responsive car. I have practiced with it no end, can simulate down shift throttle blips and all in all have a very enjoyable car. Why not try it for real and help dispel the myth?

      1. I have a RX400 and it does whine. When I come to a halt it’s like the sound of a London tube train slowing down. My previous car was an RX300 or 350 SEL and it was great with quiet, all wheel drive. The RX400 was a step backwards with an ‘intelligent’ 4WD that you can feel deciding whether to cut in or not. Lexus look great, are quiet and comfortable. But variable speed gearboxes and ‘intelligent’ 4WD should be cheap options, not mandatory.

        1. Hi Chris,
          Thanks for your post, we have taken your comments on board.
          It’s difficult for us to assess this online. However, if the sounds your RX 400 is making worry you, we recommend contacting your local Lexus Centre who will be happy investigate. Your nearest Centre can be located using this link: http://www.lexus.co.uk/ and then by selecting ‘Find a Centre’ on the top bar.
          Hope this helps.

  1. It would be lovely to see a picture of the third variant – the NX200. Will this one be at Beijing? Hope it comes to the UK as a AWD variant.(Pleassseeee!!)

    Also, from other pictures on other car websites / forums, why does the hybrid variant have two different types of grills? (All slatted and 2/3 slatted + 1/3 honeycombe)

    It still looks awesome, though – the front end of the F-Sport will frighten horses and young (and not-so-young) children!! 🙂

    Dave.

    1. Hi Dave,
      Thanks for your post and it’s great to hear that you like what you’ve seen of the NX so far.
      Unfortunately we are unable to confirm which vehicles will be on display at Beijing, nor the UK powertrain line-up. We’ll have more details soon, so keep an eye on the blog.
      In regards to its grille, the design varies according to trim level.
      Hope this helps answer your questions.

  2. Looking forward to a test drive seems to be a real head turner. I’m in for an NX 300h. BUT, for the UK PLEASE can we have an AWD version WITH a SPACE SAVER SPARE WHEEL – (which now seems to be standard on CT200h, someone at Lexus was listening – pot holed our car at 9 in the evening with no spare NOT FUN) –and two reversing lights, not one as per CT200h or I’ll stick to my RX 300

  3. Looks very nice – Just wonder if the Hybrid will compete well with Diesel for torque and pulling etc. I think the interior has the tarty Evoque licked. It must have a AWD version to succeed in the UK (unless you plan just to sell them in Chelsea).

    I have a Volvo XC60 D5 AWD Geartronic and would love to compare the NX to this. Wife has a Toyota Auris Hybrid and to date we are impressed with the car but the CVT does feel like a slipping clutch until speed catches up with revs.

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