New Lexus NX: your questions answered

The all-new NX opens a new chapter for Lexus, heralding new directions in exterior and interior design, new powertrains, including the first Lexus plug-in hybrid, dynamic improvements that deliver a more rewarding and connected driving experience, next-generation multimedia and connectivity and the use of advanced technologies for higher levels of safety, comfort and convenience.

In the UK, the NX has been Lexus’s best-selling model for the past six years, amassing more than 27,000 cumulative sales. Most sales have been to customers new to Lexus, making it a key contributor to the brand’s growth.

To build on this achievement and deliver a compelling new product to customers who today expect much more from their vehicle, Lexus has carried out a total reinvention of the NX. Its ambition and commitment are demonstrated in big advances in performance, handling and efficiency, with no less than 95% of the vehicle’s parts being new.

How much will the all-new Lexus NX cost?

On-the-road prices for the new NX are shown below (as of February 2022). All-new Lexus models are sold with a three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty. But with the Lexus Warranty programme, this can be extended by one year/10,000 miles annually, subject to the vehicle being serviced at an authorised Lexus centre, up to 10 years/100,000 miles (terms and conditions apply).

Customers can find out more about the new NX and pre-order their vehicle online at lexus.co.uk/car-models/all-new-nx/, indicating their preferred Lexus centre. The centre will then contact them to take payment of a (fully refundable) £500 deposit and discuss any questions they may have. They will be in touch again when demonstrator vehicles are available for test drives. First customer deliveries are expected in January 2022.

Customers who pre-order an NX 450h+ model in September and October have the added benefit of qualifying for the free supply of an Alfen Eve S Line charge point with free standard installation by British Gas. 

What trims levels are available on the all-new Lexus NX?

The new NX will be launched in the UK with three equipment grades for the NX 350h: NX, F Sport and Takumi; the NX grade can also be enhanced with Premium Pack and Premium Plus Pack versions. The same grade structure applies to the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, excepting the NX entry point version.

Equipment highlights for the NX include: 18-inch alloy wheels, Lexus Link Connect with 9.8-inch multimedia and cloud navigation system, Tahara synthetic leather upholstery, bi-LED headlights with Automatic High Beam and the new generation Lexus Safety System+.

The Premium Pack adds rear privacy glass, smart keyless entry, a wireless phone charger, LED cornering and front fog lights, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Premium Plus Pack provides 20-inch alloy wheels, Lexus Link Pro 14-inch multimedia with navigation, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, four-eye LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System, a Panoramic View Monitor and ambient cabin lighting with 64 selectable colours.

The F Sport model has F Sport 20-inch alloys and dedicated exterior design features including a piano black grille, black roof rails and F Sport badging. The cabin features an F Sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals and sports front seats. The package also equips the car with Adaptive Variable Suspension.

A Takumi Pack can be added to the F Sport specification, introducing the 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround system (NX 350h only), extended safety package and digital rear-view mirror. A sunroof can be specified for the NX 450h+ and a panoramic roof for the NX 350h.

The epitome of Lexus’ Takumi craftsmanship, the Takumi model has 20-inch alloy wheels with a dedicated design, a Mark Levinson 17-speaker Premium Surround audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, remote and automatic parking functions, panoramic roof and additional Lexus Safety Sense+ features, including Front Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.

The specification highlights are the same for the NX 450h+, excepting the Takumi version, which is equipped with 20-inch Takumi alloy wheels, automatic parking, a sunroof, wood trim inlays and the additional Lexus Safety Sense+ features.

All-new NX: How does it look?

The new NX marks the beginning of a significant evolution of Lexus design, while remaining true to the brand’s core L-finesse philosophy – applying leading-edge design and technology, with finesse. The new model advances the avant-garde appeal of the original NX, but also presents a more sophisticated, dynamic and mature appearance and a more muscular character.

The goal for the design team was to create “functional beauty,” expressing in its styling how Lexus is meeting increasingly diverse customer requirements and preferences. The theme of “simplicity rooted in technology” informs the way clean, simple design can express the appeal of innovative functions and technology and how Lexus is keeping pace with the times.

The NX has balanced, strong proportions with a powerful road-gripping stance. Compared to the first generation NX, the overall length has increased by 20mm, the wheelbase by 30mm, the width by 20mm and the height by 5mm. These dimensions ensure optimum packaging, including more space in the cabin for rear-seat passengers.

At the front, the hallmark Lexus spindle grille plays a more integral role in the car’s design: rendered more upright and with a more subtle frame, it accentuates the long bonnet and generates the overall form and volume of the body, which flares broadly towards the rear wings. Its more upright position also improves the grille’s cooling performance.

The powerful, agile impression is strengthened by the wider front and rear tracks (enabled by the NX’s Global Architecture K – GA-K – platform), the long, sleek bonnet, short overhangs and flared wheel arches housing larger wheels – up to 20 inches in diameter.

At the rear, distinctive new features include L-shaped rear combination lights, with signature Lexus blade lighting that spans the width of the vehicle. The oval Lexus emblem has been replaced with the “LEXUS” name emblazoned on the tailgate, creating a simple and more modern look.

The functional beauty is evident in details produced in collaboration between the NX’s designers and performance engineers to control airflow over and under the body, such as flush side mouldings and a new engine undercover design with a dimpled surface, like a golf ball. This creates micro-vortices in the air flow beneath the car, improving straight-line stability in high-speed driving.

What will the all-new Lexus NX be like inside?

The new NX marks the first application of Lexus’s new Tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit design. Taking its name from a Japanese word describing a rider’s control of their horse using the reins, it focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle, following the principal of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.” It also adds to the rewards of the driving experience, making the driver feel confident and in control of their vehicle and their surroundings.

An example of the intuitive control that’s central to the concept is the touch-tracer switches on the steering wheel, which can be customised to operate the driver’s preferred functions. When the switch is used, its shape is shown on the head-up display, so the driver doesn’t have to look down at the wheel to check the function they want to operate.

The cockpit feeling is created by the shaping of the space curving around from the driver’s door to the centre console. Here, the information sources – the multimedia screen, multi-information display, single-dial combimeter, centralised gauges and (where specified) head-up display – are grouped in a unified area so their content can be read with minimal eye and head movement.

A similar principle is applied to the arrangement of the vehicle controls: the starter button, shift lever, air-conditioning controls, drive mode select button are all set on the same place, so reach and operation are simplified and perfectly intuitive. The designers worked with Lexus’s takumi artisans to perfect the design relationship between the steering wheel and shift lever. The cross-section of the wheel was precisely determined to give the best grip feel and ease of operation, while the shift lever was made as compact as possible, but with snug fit in the hand and an ideal angle. Lexus also researched the shoulder-to-fingertip distance of people around the world to define a layout that provides excellent control without disturbing the driver’s posture.

Will the all-new Lexus NX be comfortable for passengers?

While the driver experiences the focused, engaging environment created by the NX’s new Tazuna cockpit design, passengers enjoy an increased sense of spaciousness with an elevated level of comfort, quality and attention to detail that are quintessentially Lexus.

For the front passenger environment, the design goal was to create the feeling of a luxurious lounge, with no intrusion from the driver’s area. This is emphasised in the cabin design by the curving line that delineates the two spaces.

The cabin finish is rich in examples of Lexus takumi craftsmanship approach, using high-quality materials that both look and feel good. Comfort is addressed in details such as the precise front seat design, with attention to the cross-section shape of the seat, the position of the side-supporting bolsters and even the forming of concave areas to make space for the occupant’s elbows.  Extensive use of materials to absorb and insulate noise and vibrations makes for a quiet and calm environment.

What convenience features will the NX have – and what’s an e-latch?

New features that enhance the on-board ambience reflect Lexus’s omotenashi principles of anticipating people’s needs and making them feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. These include an entry and start-up illumination sequence and personal welcome on the driver’s multi-information display. The ambient lighting system, available as standard or an option according to model grade, offers a choice of 64 colours to suit the occupants’ mood for the journey.

The new Lexus NX is the first model to be fitted with the e-latch electronic door release system. This electronic system replaces the familiar internal door handle with a push-button switch positioned next to the arm rest in the door panel. The ease of use with one smooth and simple motion is inspired by the traditional fusuma sliding paper screen room dividers in Japanese homes.

Convenience is also provided by the remote functions available to all new NX owners using the Lexus Link app, with pre-heating or cooling of the cabin before starting a journey and door locking and unlocking. The operation of the power tailgate has also been improved so that it is both quieter and quicker – opening or closing time has been reduced by half to around four seconds.

Will there be a Lexus NX plug-in hybrid version?

Yes. In fact, this will be the first Lexus plug-in hybrid model. Lexus has drawn on more than 15 years of hybrid technology expertise to produce its first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the new NX 450h+. The new model will accelerate the roll-out of electrified vehicles under the Lexus Electrified strategy.

The halo electrified model in the new Lexus NX range, it features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre hybrid engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 18.1kWh. An additional rear electric motor enables full-time all-wheel drive. The plug-in system produces 305bhp and gives 0-62mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds. By contrast, CO2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle) of up to 26g/km and fuel economy of up to 313.9mpg are set to be the best in the NX’s class.

The battery’s size and capacity and Lexus’s electrified efficiency know-how combine to deliver an EV driving range of up to 61 miles in the urban cycle and enable all-electric driving at speeds up to 83mph.

Crucially, the Lexus plug-in hybrid maintains high efficiency when the battery is depleted. In many competitors, operation defaults to an internal combustion engine, but in the NX 450h+ the default is to an efficient self-charging hybrid system. In these circumstances, the NX’s efficiency is expected to be as much as 20% greater than competitor systems.

Accommodating the plug-in system does not compromise the NX’s practicality – the boot has the same capacity as the hybrid model (with no space lost to powertrain components). There is also a 21-litre space beneath the deck board for tidy storage of the charging cables. Acknowledging how customers in the NX’s segment typically use their vehicle for longer journeys, the fuel tank capacity is also unaltered, at 55 litres.

How much more efficient is the new Lexus NX 350h hybrid version?

The performance and efficiency of the hybrid NX 350h have been taken to a higher level with the introduction of fourth-generation Lexus hybrid technology.

This provides 22% more power than system in the current model, taking output to 241bhp and improving 0-62mph acceleration by 15% to 7.7 seconds, while at the same time giving an expected reduction in CO2 emissions of around 10%.

What will the all-new Lexus NX be like to drive?

Development of the new NX’s dynamic performance focused on delivering the Lexus Driving Signature – an ideal combination of ride comfort with steering, throttle and braking performance that is faithful to the driver’s intentions at every moment, generating confidence and a rewarding sense of connection with the car.

Central to achieving this is the use of Lexus’s Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform. This secures a lower centre of gravity (-20mm), an increase in the front and rear tracks and an improved front/rear weight balance, all of which benefit the car’s improved handling and the driving experience. The new suspension design features front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones with trailing arms.

Beyond that, a much more rigid body has been designed using innovative lightweight materials to add strength and allow for the weight of extra bracing and reinforcements. The structure includes world-first use of 1180MPa steel for the rocker reinforcement and 1470MPa steel for the roof reinforcement. The front wings and bonnet are made from aluminium and a new laser peening technology has been developed, in addition to laser screw welding and the use of adhesives for joining the structure. A twin bonnet latch design has been adopted, with a transverse reinforcement between the two locks, which adds the rigidity of the bonnet to that of the overall body and suppresses vibration caused by air turbulence.

Will the all-new Lexus NX be available with all-wheel drive?

The E-Four electric all-wheel drive system will be available in the new NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and NX 350h hybrid. It has been upgraded so that the rear electric motor is always operational, providing more torque and giving the driver a greater sense of the car gripping the road.

What’s the towing capacity of the new Lexus NX?

Towing capacity for the FWD model has been increased to 1,500 kg, matching the capability of the AWD version.

Will there be a new infotainment system in the new NX?

The new NX marks the introduction of a completely new Lexus multimedia platform that transforms performance compared to the current system, meeting customers’ priority for fast, intuitive on-board connectivity. Operation is as smooth and simple as using a tablet.

The new platform introduces smart services, including advanced cloud navigation (where the local market supports the technology) via the car’s data communication module (DCM). This provides real-time journey information and traffic event updates without using up the owner’s data plan (a four-year data package is included in the car’s purchase price). The system also provides a new ‘Hey Lexus’ assistant, which responds to natural voice command dialogues as if you are conversing with the car.

The standard system Lexus Link Connect, uses a 9.8-inch display with an anti-glare touchscreen and additional buttons for intuitive access to the most frequently used functions. It gives significantly quicker response, with computing power much faster than the previous system.

The Lexus Link Pro system uses a new 14-inch display – one of the largest in it class. It is standard on high grade models and available as an option elsewhere in the new NX range. The high-definition screen presents clear graphics in all lighting conditions, while the speed of CPU (central processing unit) is 3.6 times faster than the current system.

Will I be able to charge my phone in the NX, and will it have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Convenience for everyone on board is addressed with four USB ports in the cabin, two front and two rear. Of these, three are USB-C standard and can be used for device charging. Where specified, the wireless phone charger has 50 per cent faster operation, while there is now wireless connection for smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay. Wired connection using Android Auto is also provided.

Will I be able to use the Lexus Link mobile app?

A wider range of services and functions can be accessed remotely using the Lexus Link app, for example locking or unlocking the car and activating the air conditioning system to pre-warm or cool the cabin prior to a journey – a function that’s standard across the new NX range. Owners of the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid can use the app to monitor charging progress, scheduling and settings.

How safe will the all-new Lexus NX be?

The new NX is Lexus’s first model to feature the third generation of Lexus Safety System+, equipping it as standard with a comprehensive package of active safety and driver assistance features and setting a new benchmark for accident risk detection and prevention measures.

Lexus’s leadership in safety goes hand in hand with its commitment to making these technologies accessible to more motorists. With this aim in view, it is providing Lexus Safety System+ as standard on all new NX models across all its European markets.

The latest development of Lexus Safety System+ introduces new features and upgrades in the performance and functionality of others. Systems have also been tuned to operate in a way that feels more natural to the driver, and thus more reassuring, adding to the sense of driving confidence inspired by the NX’s new platform and powertrains. With this evolution, Lexus Safety System+ moves to the next level as a personal driving partner.

The improvements introduced with the new NX include further expansion of the Pre-Collision System’s capability so that motorcycles and some solid objects in the car’s path, such as trees, walls and utility poles, can be detected. It also gains a new function that identifies collision risks with oncoming traffic or crossing pedestrians when making a turn at a junction. Its detection response is quicker and the ability to avoid an impact is increased with the addition of Emergency Steering Assist.

With these developments, the Pre-Collision System can recognise and help to avoid 36 per cent more accident scenarios than previously.

Changes have been made to the Adaptive Cruise Control so that it recognises traffic cutting in in front of the NX more quickly and, in conjunction with upgrades to the Lane Trace Assist, follows a more natural line through bends. The ACC’s co-operation with the Road Sign Assist has also been expanded to respond to more signs and commands, including warning signs and STOP signs. When speed limits are recognised, the system alerts the driver to adjust the cruising speed.

Owners can extend their vehicle’s safety provisions and with an optional Extended Safety Package, available for higher grade NX models. In addition to the Lexus Safety System+ features, this provides automatic lane change assistance. This initiates preliminary acceleration or deceleration from the pre-set cruising speed when the driver indicates to overtake or move into a lane behind a slower vehicle. The package also adds a front cross traffic alert system which uses radar monitoring to detect and warn the driver of traffic approaching from either side when emerging from a junction at low speed.

The new e-latch electronic entry and exit system is linked to the car’s Blind Spot Monitor to warn of any traffic or cyclists approaching from the rear. If it detects a risk, it will trigger a warning light and buzzer, and cancel the door unlatching. Lexus believes this system can help prevent 95% of the accidents caused by door opening.

When is the new Lexus NX coming out?

The all-new NX will be launched in European markets in the last quarter of 2021. Click here to sign up for regular updates on the all-new Lexus NX.

Lexus NX specifications