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October 8, 2021
Lexus Launches the All-New "NX," the First Model Symbolizing the Dawn of the Next Generation Lexus | LEXUS
LEXUS NX | Lexus NX
Symbolizing the Dawn of the Next Generation Lexus Aiming for a Carbon-Neutral Society
On October 7, Lexus announced the new crossover SUV "NX," equipped with a diverse range of powertrains including PHEV, HEV, turbo, and naturally aspirated engines, and stated it would go on sale from November. This model is said to be the first in a new generation of Lexus vehicles, symbolizing the company's commitment to creating cars that align with the diverse needs of customers and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Featuring Six Diverse Powertrains, Including Lexus' First PHEV
First introduced in 2014, the "NX" has been praised for its excellent driving performance in urban environments and its powerful SUV design. As of the end of August 2021, it has sold a cumulative total of 1.05 million units in over 90 countries and regions, establishing itself as a global core model for Lexus. The completely redesigned new NX adopts the lightweight, high-rigidity, and low-center-of-gravity GA-K platform. The body dimensions are 4,660mm in length, 1,865mm in width, and 1,660mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,690mm. This makes it 20mm longer and wider, 15mm taller, and with a 30mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor.
The exterior design is an evolution of the Spindle Architecture, originating from the upright spindle grille and extending dramatically towards the rear fenders. This unique Lexus styling creates a dynamic form where the lines rising from the front fenders to the cabin intersect with the forms leading to the rear fenders.
The interior is based on the "Tazuna Concept" cockpit design, an advancement of the human-centered philosophy presented in the 2019 concept car "LF-30 Electrified." Inspired by the reins used to control a horse, it features a highly integrated system of steering switches and the head-up display. This allows drivers to control various functions such as navigation, audio, and drive mode selection without shifting their gaze or fumbling with switches, enabling them to concentrate fully on driving.
The flagship "NX 450h+" features Lexus' first PHEV system, combining a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, a high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion battery, and front and rear motors in an E-Four (electric all-wheel-drive) configuration. The lithium-ion battery has a total capacity of 18.1 kWh and offers an EV driving range of approximately 90 km. It supports four driving modes: EV mode, AUTO EV/HV mode, HV mode, and Self-Charge mode. The AUTO EV/HV mode is notable for its "Predictive EV & HV Driving" function, which optimizes driving efficiency when a destination is set in the navigation system.
The "NX350h" is equipped with a hybrid system that pairs a 2.5-liter engine with a high-output motor, available in both FF and E-Four configurations. The "NX350 F SPORT" is the sportiest model, featuring a newly developed 2.4-liter inline-4 turbo engine paired with a high-torque Direct Shift-8AT and equipped with an electronically controlled full-time AWD system. The "NX250" model combines a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with a Direct Shift-8AT, available in both AWD and FF versions.
Tadaaki Kato, Chief Engineer at Lexus International, commented, "We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming response we have received from customers since the world premiere. We are delighted to announce the new NX, the first model in Lexus' many challenges and initiatives towards a carbon-neutral society. For the PHEV, we aimed for an EV mode range that covers most daily driving needs, achieving a class-leading EV range of approximately 90 km. The total driving range, including hybrid driving, exceeds 1,000 km."
"In addition, we have adopted six diverse powertrains, including the newly developed 2.4-liter turbo with full-time AWD, and have strived to embody Lexus' new driving experience leveraging its torque, a design that embodies functional beauty, and numerous advanced technologies and preventative safety features. From planning and development to production and sales, our entire team has worked with full commitment to deliver a product that Japanese customers will truly appreciate."
"While we still need a little more time before production begins, we will use this period for further refinement and are preparing to deliver the passion that we at Lexus have poured into this vehicle to everyone."
Pricing ranges from 4.55 million to 5.43 million yen for the NX250, 5.99 million yen for the NX350 F SPORT, 5.47 million to 6.35 million yen for the NX350h, and 7.14 million to 7.38 million yen for the NX450h+.
Inquiries
Lexus Information Desk
Tel. 0800-500-5577 (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, open 365 days a year)
https://lexus.jp/
