With the launch of the first-generation RX in 1998, Lexus created a new category of luxury crossover and has been a leader in the realm ever since. In 2014, Lexus launched the NX, which was well received by customers, thanks to its agile driving performance and powerful design, and has gone on to sell over one million units in more than 90 countries across the globe.
Lexus Driving Signature
The all-new Lexus NX heralds’ new directions in exterior and interior design and comes with a new electrified powertrain, bringing a quantum leap in dynamic performance to deliver a more rewarding connection between driver and machine with the Lexus Driving Signature. The introduction of the model also marks the debut of a brand-new multimedia platform that takes connectivity, information, and convenience to the next level. In addition, the all-new vehicle benefits from the expansion of the scope and functionality of the next-generation Lexus Safety System+ to help guard against an even wider range of accident risks and bring greater peace of mind to drivers in the region.
Quality was ensured by the implementation of ‘digital development’ to evaluate the design structure under various conditions using computer models. Professional racing drivers also conducted test drives at the Shimoyama test course to thoroughly train the vehicle’s body structure and inherit and evolve the Lexus driving flavor. The ideal cockpit space has been redefined as the contact point between the driver and vehicle, aiming for a design that enables a deeper, more intuitive connection and allows for more precise control of the vehicle.
Lexus Connect App
The NX also comes equipped with the brand new industry-leading connected-car solution, the Lexus Connect App, enables the owner to connect to their Lexus via smartphone and provides a more convenient and comfortable and safer driving experience. Lexus Connect lets owners enjoy many features in their vehicle remotely from the comfort of their home or on the go. The app enables owners to remotely start the vehicle, set the climate control to their preference and lock or unlock doors, close windows and locate their vehicle at any time. Delivering the ultimate convenience, the service allows them to view the dashboard remotely to check the statistical driving data as well as their trip history to understand their driving behavior for ensuring enhanced safety in the future.
Andy Barratt, Managing Director for Al-Futtaim Lexus, commented: “We are thrilled to launch the all-new Lexus NX in the UAE, announcing the beginning of Lexus’ next chapter of excellence. The vehicle is designed to meet the diverse lifestyles of our customers with a comprehensive upgrade and complete renewal of the model’s key strengths. The introduction of the electrified model, which is also a prominent feature of our upcoming model lineup, underlines Lexus’ commitment to promoting the realization of a carbon-neutral society. The sophisticated new design and enhanced driving performance add to NX’s appeal, while a wealth of new technologies ensures every journey is safer, more connected, and more enjoyable. I’d like to thank our loyal customers in the UAE for continually inspiring us as we strive to create amazing experiences by transforming performance into passion and technology into imagination.”
Lexus NX leads the brand
The next chapter for Lexus centers around four pillars, namely Design, Lexus Driving Signature, Electrification[1], and Advanced Technology. The all-new NX plays a key role in leading the brand forward by embodying all of these aspects:
- The NX has been redesigned from the inside out. Every exterior surface has been reimagined. The signature spindle grille has been refined in the front. And, the most notable expression of future Lexus design is the elegant new block LEXUS rear badging and full-width tail lamp.
- Lexus Driving Signature results from an entirely original approach to vehicle development. This ensures a uniquely Lexus experience where each vehicle exhibits a direct, linear driving feel that is consistent across the lineup.
- For the second-generation NX, Lexus doubles down with an additional electrified option, a 2.5-liter hybrid electric powertrain.
- Advanced Technology abounds in the all-new NX. Drivers can stay in touch with the intuitive features of Lexus Interface, such as wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. At the same time, occupants enjoy greater peace of mind, thanks to class-leading safety features such as the Lexus Safety System+.
Lexus NX built on GA-K platform
The all-new Lexus NX is built on Lexus’ Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform, which guarantees a more rewarding driving experience. A low center of gravity and new front MacPherson strut suspension system, which features double wishbones with trailing arms at the rear, contribute to the vehicle’s outstanding stability and handling to create exceptional ride comfort.
The hallmark Lexus spindle grille at the front of the vehicle plays an integral role in its design, with an upright position that dispenses with its chrome frame. Smooth lines flow back to accentuate the long bonnet, adding form and volume to the body as it flares broadly through to the muscular rear wings. The front design features four projector LED headlights incorporating Lexus’ first slim Adaptive High-beam System (AHS). In contrast, the L-shaped daytime running lights positioned above the headlights have a fade-out function when the driver activates the indicators. The long front-end contrasts with a condensed rear section that is distinguished by new L-shaped all-LED light clusters and Lexus’ signature blade lighting in a bar spanning the vehicle’s width. On the tailgate, the Lexus emblem has been replaced with the ‘LEXUS’ name to create a modern, simple look that further strengthens the vehicle’s visual identity.
The all-new NX is the first model to feature Lexus’ Tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit, an approach that was initially revealed in the Lexus LF-30 electrified concept car. Taking its name from a Japanese word describing a rider’s use of the reins to control a horse, Tazuna focuses on delivering direct, intuitive control of the vehicle by following the principle of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.’ It also raises the quality of the driving experience by making the driver feel confident and in command of their vehicle and surroundings. To help keep the driver’s attention focused on the road ahead, the multi-information display (MID), multimedia screen, gauges, and meters are grouped so they can be easily read at a glance.
The steering wheel features a modern design that will be adopted on other new-generation Lexus models and has been precision engineered by Takumi craftspeople to provide the best grip feel and enhance the driver’s feeling of control and connection with the car. The shift lever was made as compact as possible, while fitting snugly in the hand at an ideal angle. While the driver experiences the focused, engaging environment created by the new Tazuna cockpit design, passengers enjoy a greater sense of space with elevated levels of comfort, quality, and attention to detail that are quintessentially Lexus, evoking the feeling of a luxurious lounge.
Inside, drivers can create an oasis with nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination, an optional feature that bathes the NX interior in a choice of 14 themes. Each theme has been carefully selected to express a full range of emotions and evoke a feeling of comfort, with themes including Rain Forest, Waterfall, and Sunset. In addition, there are 64 different ambient lighting colors to choose from.
Interior of the Lexus NX
The all-new NX’s inviting interior lets drivers and passengers enjoy a host of advanced features for a refined cabin experience. These include a new 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system – a Lexus first – that is compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 7-inch color multi-information display (MID), a wireless charging system for smartphones, and a Climate Concierge to ensure the cabin temperature is precisely adjusted to suit each occupant. The system uses S-Flow control to recognize which seats are occupied and directs heating or cooling performance accordingly, while taking into account the temperature setting, cabin temperature, ambient temperature, and the effect of sunlight through the windows.
SmartAccess
The vehicle also offers SmartAccess with a push-button start, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Clari-Fi 2.0 sound system, a panoramic roof with movable outer sliding glass for the front section, and an extended rear section to provide more light for rear-seat passengers. It comes complete with an 8-way adjustable power driver seat, as well as ample luggage space, thanks to the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Additionally, the 2022 Lexus NX adds the convenience of a hands-free electrically powered backdoor, which is activated via a foot-operated system that can be used when the user’s hands or arms are full.
Complementing the all-new NX’s distinctive design is a thrilling drive personality imbued by two powertrain options. A newly developed inline 4-cylinder, 2.4 L turbocharged engine that produces 275 hp and 430 nm of torque is mated to a new 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission (8AT). Meanwhile, the new hybrid-electric system combines two power sources consisting of a 2.5-liter petrol engine and two electric motors producing 188 hp and 234 hp, respectively. These offer a combined power of 240 hp and can deliver 239 nm and 391 nm of torque, respectively. The hybrid-electric system is also mated to a Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that provides the lowest fuel consumption value of 21.5 km/L while delivering a new level of driving pleasure.
Hybrid-Electric Model
The all-new Lexus NX hybrid-electric model can be driven entirely on electrical power with zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, or by combining the power generated from both the petrol engine and two electric motors, depending on the vehicle’s speed and customer’s driving behavior. Its hybrid-electric batteries are continuously charged by either the petrol engine or when decelerating and braking, eliminating the need to plug in a power cord. A host of advanced technologies ensure the hybrid-electric model drives like any other conventional vehicle and does not require special fuel.
As with any Lexus vehicle, safety is a top priority for the all-new Lexus NX. Drivers can enjoy complete peace of mind, thanks to the Lexus Safety System+, which is an advanced safety and driver assistance system that includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with new features and expanded detection range, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), and Daytime Pedestrian Detection (DPD).
The system also includes all-speed range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with two new features, namely the Turn Signal Control (TSC) that makes highway overtaking safer and smoother by providing an initial increase in acceleration when the driver has engaged the turn signal, and the Curve Speed Reduction (RSR) that suppresses vehicle speed when entering a bend and offers additional acceleration upon exiting the bend. Drivers also benefit from Lane Tracing Alert (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS), and Adaptive High-beam System (AHB).
In another world-first, the new Safe Exit Assist (SEA) feature uses the Lexus-first e-latch system combined with a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) to help prevent accidents. The system works by detecting traffic or cyclists approaching from the rear and automatically cancels door opening if an occupant tries to open the door to avoid a collision. The vehicle also includes comprehensive safety features designed to protect its occupants, including three SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Parking Assist Monitor (PAM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), Drive-Start Control (DSC), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), among many others.
Further adding to its stylish visual appeal, the 2022 Lexus NX comes in a refined range of color options that allow discerning owners to customize their vehicles according to their tastes. Customers can choose from nine distinctive exterior colors, including two new colors, namely Sonic Chrome and Madder Red. Meanwhile, the interior comes in four elegant colors, including brand-new Black & Rich Cream and Hazel options, together with Dark Rose and Black. Three newly developed wheel designs have also been introduced in 20-inch size to further express the driving feel pursued by the Lexus brand.
For those seeking to experience the ultimate in thrilling responsiveness, the all-new NX is also available in an F Sport version. Engineered for exhilaration, the F brand DNA has trickled down from the legendary LFA, which represents the pinnacle of refined performance. The NX F Sport model boasts exclusive interior and exterior features, including a distinctive ‘F’ mesh-pattern grille in Piano Black, new front and rear bumper designs with larger side vents cut into the front bumper, black roof rails, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design inspired by the wheels used on Lexus’ LC flagship coupe. The cabin comes with Dark Spin Aluminum ornamentation, a unique meter, bolstered sport seats, a newly developed steering wheel, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates. Owners can choose from a range of ten exterior colors that emphasize the vehicle’s sportiness, including two that are exclusive to the NX F Sport model, namely Heat Blue CL and White Nova GF. The interior is available in Flare Red, White, and Black variants.
[1] Electrification refer to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
