A fine array of awards testifies to the well-established quality and appeal of the NX range, but, always keen to raise the bar, Lexus has fine-tuned its line-up of hybrid and plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs. The updates are not radical, but they add a touch of extra lustre to the model that (among other honours) has won Auto Express’s mid-size premium SUV of the year title for the past three years
The self-charging hybrid NX 350h has a renamed entry-level grade: Urban specification introduces wireless smartphone integration for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other key features include 18-inch alloy wheels, intelligent front and rear parking sensors with pedestrian detection, heated front seats, a power back door, E-latch electronic door release, 10-speaker audio system and the Lexus Link Connect multimedia package with 9.8-inch touchscreen.
The Premium grade for both the NX 350h and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid now includes eight-way power adjustable front seats, in addition to illuminated door handles with puddle lights, rear privacy glass, a heated steering wheel, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the E-latch door release system with Safe Exit Assist. The Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with 14-inch display is optional.
A Panoramic roof is newly available as an option on Premium, Premium Plus and F Sport grades and is standard on F Sport Takumi and Takumi models, bringing more light into the cabin than the previous sunroof.
The power-adjustable front seats have also been added to the NX 350h Premium Plus specification. For both models, this grade adds more sophisticated features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, front seat heating and ventilation, a head-up display and smooth leather upholstery. The cabin ambience can be tailored to suit the mood for the journey with a choice of 64 different shades for the interior LED lighting system.
The F Sport models are unchanged, presenting a sharply dynamic look with 20-inch F-Sport alloy wheels and dedicated interior and exterior styling details. The F Sport front seats have leather upholstery and the sports steering wheel is power-adjustable and heated, and has paddle shifts. Sports-tuned suspension, a kick-sensor for the power back door and four-eye LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System are also part of the package. Likewise, the F Sport Takumi models bring a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System into the mix (NX 350h only), an extended Lexus Safety System+ array of active safety and driving assistance features and a digital rear-view mirror. These items are also included the top-of-the-range Takumi specification.
The NX gains new colour choices as well: Sonic Copper exterior paintwork and Ammonite Sand smooth leather upholstery.
The new NX models are on sale now with on-the-road prices from £44,445 for the NX 350h and £49,995 for the NX 450h+
