Lexus has started promoting the Lexus NX ahead of its launch in India on 17 November 2017. The company has released teaser media of the new SUV on the web.
The Lexus NX slots below the Lexus RX as the company’s smallest SUV. Lexus has created it on the basis of a modified version of the Toyota RAV4’s platform. There are three models of the NX available globally: NX200, NX300 and NX300h. The first two are petrol engine models, while the latter is a (petrol-electric) hybrid). There’s no diesel engine model. Lexus will sell only the NX300h in India.
The Lexus NX300h measures 4,640 mm in length, 1,845 mm in width and 1,645 in height. It has a 2,660 mm wheelbase, and a ground clearance of 170 mm. The hybrid powertrain combines the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine and the 2JM electric motor. The former produces 152 PS and 206 Nm of torque, the latter generates 143 PS and 270 Nm of torque. This configuration applies to the FWD model. In the AWD model, there’s the 2FM electric motor also, at the rear, generating 68 PS and 139 Nm of torque. The hybrid model’s fuel economy rating (JC08 test cycle) is 21 km/l (FWD)/19.8 km/l (AWD).
Noteworthy features of the Lexus NX include triple-projector-beam LED headlamps, LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, head-up display, 10.3-inch infotainment system with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding and -reclining rear seats, power moonroof and 360-view monitor. Lexus will offer the NX in India in Luxury and F Sport grades. Only navigation and head-up display are features of the Indian-spec version known for now.
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The Lexus NX competes with the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60. It will likely retail at INR 74 lakh in the Luxury grade and at INR 78 lakh in the F Sport grade in India.
