THE NEW NX: LEXUS’S STAR SUV RAISED TO THE NEXT LEVEL 

THE NEW NX: LEXUS’S STAR SUV RAISED TO THE NEXT LEVEL

• Lexus introduces significant mid-lifecycle upgrades in design, performance and equipment specifications for its best-selling mid-size SUV
• NX enables customers to “Discover your Edge”, supporting new lifestyle opportunities, giving responsive, rewarding performance and delivering a “just what you need” perfect driving fit through clever packaging and multi-sensory design
• Adoption of sixth generation Lexus hybrid technology for both the new NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and NX 350h self-charging hybrid
• NX 450h+ gains extended EV driving capabilities with range increasing to more than 60 miles* and new DC fast charging functionality
• Latest-generation LexusConnect multimedia with 14-inch display and Lexus Safety System+ active safety/driving assistance systems standard on all NX models
• New connected services for convenience, safety, entertainment and vehicle security
• Lexus Sensory Concierge with in-car fragrances available in Europe for the first time, helping create a truly personalised cabin environment
• UK model range, specifications and pricing to be announced later

The NX was the model which introduced the Next Chapter for Lexus in 2021. It broke new ground across all areas, from design to safety and powertrains to dynamic performance. Not least, it was Lexus’s first model to offer plug-in hybrid technology.

It went on to reinforce its position as a leading model for Lexus in Europe and a core model globally: it is well-established as a best-seller for the brand alongside the compact LBX and has gained multiple awards as a prime contender in the hotly contested premium D-SUV market segment.

Against this background of achievement, the new NX offers much more than might be expected of a mid-lifecycle enhancement programme. Lexus, true to its “always on” constant pursuit of refinement for ever-better cars, has taken the NX to the next level in all aspects: exterior and interior design, powertrains, ride, handling, safety, multimedia and the driving experience all benefit from focused, co-ordinated upgrades, everywhere it matters.

As a complete package, the new NX delivers new and unexpected values that bring a special edge to an elevated customer experience, expressed in its “Discover your Edge” theme. This includes helping owners explore and enjoy new lifestyle pursuits and hobbies; a driving experience that is responsive and rewarding with Lexus-honed sharpness, and packaging, a co-ordinated interior and multi-sensory design that enable everyone to achieve a perfect fit with their car.

Chief Engineer Kunihiko Endo explains: “Rather than playing it safe and settling for ‘good enough’, Discover your Edge means challenging yourself to explore new possibilities. With that vision in mind, we created a simple, clean cockpit, sport driving performance further refined through electrification technology, greater charging flexibility and comfortable cabin where you can select illumination and fragrances to suit your mood.”

The styling keeps the NX’s Vital x Tech design theme fresh and contemporary with sportier, integrated look. Technically, this is the most advanced NX yet, adopting sixth generation Lexus hybrid technology. In the new NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid the new system delivers more power, an anticipated EV driving range in excess of 60 miles* and faster battery charging. At the same time, fuel and emissions benchmarks are raised and towing capacity is increased to 1,500kg. Likewise, NX 350h posts improvements in performance and efficiency, and secures the same towing strength, thanks to technical enhancements to its self-charging full hybrid system.  Both powertrains meet the forthcoming Euro7 standard and are anticipated to have the best CO₂ emissions performance in their respective class.

Close attention has been paid to the quality of the driving experience and honing the qualities of the Lexus Driving Signature – constant comfort, control and confidence. This is witnessed in a more rigid body, refinement of the driving position and touch points, aerodynamic detailing, reduced noise and vibration and revisions to the suspension, braking and all-wheel drive functions. Everything that really matters has been enhanced to raise quality all-round.

Customers further enjoy new premium equipment specifications, including the latest generation LexusConnect multimedia and Lexus Safety System + as standard. The new NX also marks the introduction of Lexus’s Sensory Concierge, which co-ordinates sound, lighting, climate control and in-car fragrance to create in-car ambiences to suit personal mood or type of journey.

The new NX will be introduced in the UK and Europe from spring 2027.

*Provisional figure for WLTP combined performance; all data tentative prior to homologation.

A SPORTIER, CONTEMPORARY LOOK

• Evolution of the NX’s Vital x Tech design theme creates a sportier, elegant appearance
• New frameless spindle grille seamlessly integrates with the bodywork
• All-new “all-weather” headlamp units and rear combination lights
• Calm and clean interior features new horizontally aligned instrument panel with 12.3-inch combimeter, 14-inch multimedia display and Lexus’s Responsive Hidden Switches
• Sensory Concierge provides a multi-sensory onboard experience, co-ordinating light, sound, climate control and fragrance

Lexus’s approach to revising the NX’s design was to deliver an evolution of the car’s Vital x Tech dynamic and sporty qualities, combining a more youthful exterior look with an interior that is comfortable and relaxing for both driver and passengers.

Exterior design

The NX retains its overall solid-looking form and silhouette but adopts new Lexus design elements that emphasise its wide and low proportions and create a more sporty, elegant and modern appearance.

The frontal treatment introduces a new frameless spindle grille that blends seamlessly with the bodywork and new headlight units to create a clean, focused effect. As well as being stylish, the grille has been precisely designed for aerodynamic efficiency.

New “all-weather” headlights are fitted as standard to all new NX models. These incorporate three-projector LED lamps with Adaptive High-beam System, cornering lights, fog lights and cleaners to ensure optimum performance in all conditions. They are housed in new-design units that also feature a slim upper daytime running light and turn indicators arranged as two parallel bars for high visibility.

At the rear, the NX introduces a new lighting arrangement that develops the light bar concept to present the tail and stop lights in a repeated L-motif, bridging a central illuminated Lexus logo. The result is a new look that gives Lexus a clear visual differentiation on the road.

The side view is distinguished by new sill mouldings and a new smoked finish for the multi-spoke alloy wheels – 18 or 20-inch according to equipment grade. The door mirrors and body mouldings have moved from chrome to a predominantly dark finish that creates a more cohesive appearance, accentuating the NX’s sense of solid, sculpted sportiness and powerful stance.

New colours have been introduced with a choice of nine exterior finishes in total: Sonic Platinum and Sonic Tellus, a rich khaki green. Titanium Carbide Grey is new solid grey shade, exclusive to the new NX F Sport.

In a design choice that amplifies the car’s contemporary, integrated look, Lexus has dispensed with bright chrome details on all models.

F Sport

The new NX’s sportier look is given extra impact in the styling of the F Sport models. The exterior commands attention with a contrasting piano black finish for the roof rails, roof spoiler, lower bumper and sills. The 20-inch wheels have a new, aerodynamic slim twin-spoke design and are both light in weight and highly rigid. New red brake callipers add a bold flash of colour. The extra details also include aero corners on the rear bumpers which contribute to the stable handling and aerodynamic efficiency.

Interior design

Significant changes have been made to the interior with the introduction of a new-design instrument panel, plus new centre and overhead consoles and upper door trims. The design is inspired by the all-new ES sedan and TZ, three-row luxury SUV. It shares a next chapter Lexus cabin architecture that blends Lexus refinement with contemporary character and creates a calm ambience.

The strong horizontal orientation of the instrument panel creates a roomy, open feel while also giving the driver an improved forward view. The new 12.3-inch combimeter, navigation display and new 14-inch multimedia screen are set on the same axis, so can be viewed with minimal eye and head movement, making for more focused and less tiring driving. The horizontal theme is emphasised by a continuous line of light extending from the instrument to the door panels.

The open, uncluttered look is enhanced by the Responsive Hidden Switches. This technology presents a smooth, unbroken instrument panel. The concealed switches illuminate and reveal themselves when the driver approaches the panel and respond with physical feedback when touched.

Interior colours (according to equipment grade) include a new Clay Red, together with Solis White, Hazel and Black. The NX F Sport models are available with a new, more vibrant Red upholstery. Interior trims include a new Dark Brown Oak wood for the Luxury models and a micro-geometric technical finish for the F Sport.

Business and Executive grades use a new Forged Bamboo which contains 55% bio-material – resin and fibre – that forms unique textures and patterns, so no two cars will look the same. Lexus chooses bamboo as a sustainable option that grows quickly and absorbs CO₂.  Forged Bamboo is also featured on the NX’s key fob.

Sensory Concierge

The Sensory Concierge, a standard feature on high grades, brings a new, multi-sensory dimension to every journey, synchronising the cabin illumination, music, climate control, fragrance and seat temperature to create a personalised cabin environment with ambiences to suit the travellers’ mood. It is Lexus first and a clear expression of the brand’s human-centred approach to luxury.

Selected using the multimedia system, it offers three experience modes Inspire, Radiance and Revitalise. These are amplified with further options for cabin illumination (with 50 different tones) and dynamic colour patterns that change over time, displayed on the multimedia screen.

The different ambiences are further heightened by a choice of in-car fragrances, developed in collaboration with Givaudan, a world leader in fragrance, beauty, tastes and well-being.

Equipment grades

The new NX is available in four equipment grades* – Business, Executive, Luxury and F Sport. All versions are equipped with the new “all weather” headlights (details above), power-adjustable, heated front seats, heated and power adjustable steering wheel and power back door. The new digital cockpit features a 12.3-inch combimeter and 14-inch multimedia display. The latest generation Lexus Safety System + active safety and driving assistance systems are also standard.

The NX 450h+ additionally comes with a new 1,500W AC outlet so the car can be used as a mobile power supply.

Key additional features for the Executive grade include a memory setting and electric lumbar adjustment for the front seats, front seat ventilation, hands-free kick sensor for the back door, rear privacy glass, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, wireless smartphone charger and multicolour interior lighting.

Additional specification for the Luxury grade includes 20-inch alloy wheels, smooth leather upholstery, heated rear seats, head-up display, automatic/remote parking and a Smart Comfort Package which incorporates the new Sensory Concierge (details above).

The NX F Sport is distinguished by its dedicated sports styling elements inside and out, including piano black exterior elements, 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels and exclusive paint and interior colour options.

Executive grade can be equipped with a panoramic roof and 20-inch wheel option. The Luxury and F Sport specifications can be extended with an option pack including panoramic roof, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system and a digital rear-view mirror.

*Specifications may vary according to local market.

POWERTRAINS

• Latest generation of Lexus hybrid technology
• New NX 450h+ expected to achieve more than 60 miles EV range; power increased to 303bhp (307 DIN hp)
• New DC fast-charging compatibility gives the NX 450h+ the versatility to maximise its EV driving performance on longer journeys
• Both NX 450h+ and NX 350h expected to have best CO₂ emissions performance in their class
• All new NX models gain a 1,500kg towing capability

The new NX adopts sixth generation Lexus hybrid technology in both its full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, bringing benefits in performance, efficiency and driver rewards. Most significantly, the plug-in hybrid system has the capacity to provide a much greater electric driving range, increased by almost 40 per cent to more than 60 miles*.

In the new hybrid systems, the power control unit (PCU) and transaxle are combined in a single, compact unit, following the same principle as the eAxle featured in Lexus’s battery electric vehicles. Saving 10kg in weight and 10cm in height, it helps lower the car’s centre of gravity, with a consequent benefit to stability and handling. Internally, using silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductors in the inverter reduces energy losses, helping achieve improvements in fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions.

Plug-in hybrid system

The focus for the new NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was to extend the EV driving range and optimise battery recharging to achieve greater efficiency and enhance the car’s versatility so that it can meet a wider range of customer needs.

It uses a new lithium-ion battery with capacity increased by 30% from 18 to 23 kWh. This supports an eight per cent increase in maximum output to 303bhp (307 DIN hp) and a reduction in 0 to 62mph acceleration time to 6.1 seconds. It also enables a valuable 1,500kg towing capacity.

The battery is fully integrated beneath the vehicle floor, which enhances its resistance to forces from the side and contributes to the vehicle’s increased overall rigidity. Using a transverse cell layout instead of a longitudinal design also contributes to greater lateral rigidity, while a lower battery mounting position achieves a lower centre of gravity.

The NX is the first Lexus plug-in hybrid model compatible with DC fast charging – standard on all grades. With a 10-80 per cent charge taking 30 minutes and a driving range of more than 60 miles*, it offers owners the versatility to be used day-to-day like a fully electric vehicle. A power-operated charging port lid adds convenience.

*Provisional figure for WLTP combined performance; all data tentative prior to homologation.

Self-charging hybrid system

The lithium-ion battery in the full hybrid NX 350h has the same structure as that used in the all-new ES 350h Hybrid offered in some European markets. Revisions to enhance the cooling of the electric current pathways help increase output, so Lexus has been able to reduce the number of cells, while maintaining a maximum 196bhp (199 DIN hp) output. The principal benefits are a reduction in the battery’s weight from 32.7 to 23.5kg and an improvement in 0-62mph acceleration (thanks to enhancements to electric componentry) and an increase in towing capacity to 1,500kg. Lexus anticipates the system’s efficiency will help deliver best-in-class CO₂ figures, maintaining the NX’s emissions leadership.

Provisional outline technical specifications

Figures in brackets indicate comparisons with the current model.

*1  Varies by region and specifications.

*2  Provisional value under development.

*3  Provisional value under development (WLTP mode).

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

• Further refinement of performance to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature
• Driving position is a key consideration, with lower seat, smaller-diameter steering wheel with increased adjustment and new accelerator pedal with linear operation
• First Lexus to be tuned for the European market at the Nürburgring circuit
• New measures to further reduce noise and vibration
• Increased body rigidity and improved ride comfort and stability

The new NX reinforces the qualities that define the Lexus Driving Signature, using electrified technologies to seamlessly connect drive, braking and steering performance so that the car responds faithfully to the driver’s intentions at all times.

The goal was to achieve ride and handling that evoke the NX’s essential Vital x Tech character with calm and secure performance – for example being able to make swift turns without disturbing passenger comfort. To achieve this, the vehicle’s development focused on body rigidity and moving heavy components lower and closer to the centre of the vehicle.

The NX was tuned on-track at Lexus’s Shimoyama development centre. For the first time for a new Lexus model, performance was then further refined at the world-famous Nürburgring circuit in Germany to produce chassis, suspension and steering settings specifically to suit the European roads and customer tastes.

The driving position

The driver’s seating position and their use of the steering wheel and pedals are the three direct contact points with their car. Lexus recognises the importance of these elements in making the driver feel more connected, enjoying greater control and a deeper dialogue with less effort.

The driver’s seat is unchanged from the previous NX, but it is set lower, closer to the car’s centre of gravity. The steering wheel is new, with a diameter reduced by 10mm and an increased range of telescopic adjustment so that it can be brought closer to the driver. The wheel’s cross-section has been fine-tuned to optimise grip and comfort.

As well as making it easier for drivers to find their ideal position at the wheel, Lexus has also made changes to the accelerator pedal. Equipped with an integrated sensor and having a lower friction coefficient, it is easier and more comfortable to use. Pedal movement is linear and acceleration feels more natural, progressive and easier to control.

Revised and retuned steering

A variable-rack steering gear with a more responsive variable steering ratio has been adopted for all new NX models, further improving the car’s manoeuvrability. The electric power steering system has also been thoroughly retuned to complement these changes. By delivering light, linear feedback, the new NX achieves a more natural and confidence-inspiring steering feel, even with its quick handling characteristics.

A calmer, quieter drive

Following Lexus’s “Always On” approach to constant refinement, targeted measures have been taken to further reduce noise and vibration levels, under acceleration, when cruising at speed and from wind and road. The result is a calmer and more refined cabin atmosphere.

The measures to control noise and vibration include a change in the shape of the engine block to make it more rigid. In addition, stiffeners are used to achieve greater rigidity in the fastening of the eAxle to the engine, and sound-absorbing materials have been added in the rear bumper, back door and centre pillars.

Enhanced ECU performance in the hybrid system enables better co-ordination of motor control significantly reducing engine start-up vibration when transitioning from EV to HEV driving.

Overall, engine and road noise have been reduced by around 20 per cent, with further improvements in quietness during high-speed cruising and reduced wind noise.

Increased body rigidity

Lexus has consistently strengthened the NX’s core, revising the frame and adopting more extensive use of laser welding techniques and high-strength structural adhesives. Greater rigidity delivers better ride comfort and less road noise and makes the car feel more solid and refined in everyday driving, especially on uneven surfaces.

In the new model, floor rigidity has been increased by around 25%, contributing to improved steering response and reducing body vibrations. The front suspension tower has been reworked and integrated with the front pillar structure, increasing rigidity by around 30%.

Aerodynamic management

Design details achieve precise airflow management, which further contribute to a stable and comfortable drive. They include an air curtain effect generated across the front wheels; increased rigidity in the side grille ducts; aero fins in the rear wheel houses, and rear aero corners on the F Sport models. These contribute to reduce rear-end lift at speed, delivering a greater sense of road contact and enhanced straight-line stability.

Ride quality and control

For improved stability and control and a flat ride feel, new shock absorbers are deployed featuring an ultra-low-velocity valve. This design provides strong damping force at low speeds to absorb small inputs from the road surface, keep the vehicle stable. As suspension movement increases, damping force is reduced, so the suspension can work more freely, enhancing ride comfort.

Precise management of braking force during cornering reduces body roll and yaw, resulting in more stable, predictable and confident handling.

Suspension tuning was carried out at Shimoyama and on-track at the Nürburgring, with further testing on public roads and on German Autobahns at maximum speed to ensure handling and ride comfort that feel natural and inspire confidence across a wide range of road surfaces and driving conditions.

Enhanced power control unit performance

The PCU delivers more precise control, enabling better co-ordination of the two electric motors. This reduces the level of shock when the engine restarts after a period of EV driving; the switch is executed smoothly with barely perceptible vibration.

Increased all-wheel drive operation

The new plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ has an extended all-wheel drive capability. Previously, AWD operation was enabled for start-off, cornering and when wheel-slip is detected, giving secure, stable performance. The operating parameters have changed so that AWD is available in a wider range of conditions, automatically providing secure, comfortable performance and power.

Relocated auxiliary battery

In its pursuit of refining the NX’s ride and handling, the auxiliary battery has been moved. Located beneath the deck board, it has been repositioned closer to the car’s centre of gravity, improving overall balance. This smarter packaging has also created an extra 26 litre of underfloor storage space in the load compartment.

DIGITAL COCKPIT, MULTIMEDIA AND CONNECTED SERVICES

• 12.3-inch customisable combimeter
• New generation LexusConnect multimedia system
• 14-inch touchscreen display synchronised with digital driver’s combimeter
• Introduction of new connected services bundles, giving access to new and advanced navigation, entertainment, information and vehicle security functions

The new NX is equipped with Lexus’s new digital cockpit, providing seamless co-ordination of the 12.3-inch combimeter and 14-inch multimedia display. The combimeter is customisable, with a choice of themes and meters to suit the driver’s preferences.

The latest LexusConnect multimedia system makes advances in all areas with four times faster processing speed, eight times greater storage capacity and a 256GB memory. The multimedia screen is ultra-slim, with a maximum 10mm thickness, contributing to the clean and open lines of the instrument panel.

One of the principal features is mirroring of the multimedia navigation in the combimeter mirroring. This makes directions easier to follow and reduces potential driver distraction.

Similarly, Lexus Safety System+ advanced safety and driving assistance features can now be easily accessed using the multimedia screen. The LexusConnect Driver Support menu lists all the available functions, with explanations and dynamic illustrations, and allows the driver to choose their safer driving options and performance parameters.

The new home screen concept, designed with European customers in mind, presents an intuitive interface with a quick settings menu, Road Sign Assist mute button, a new Notification Centre and customisable widgets. Integrated climate controls even allow the selection of in-car fragrance, in models fitted with the new Sensory Concierge (details above). This means the driver can have the information they want visible when they want, including weather conditions, messages, media options and more.

In the NX 450h+ there is a dedicated EV menu, with one-click access. This provides direct, streamlined access to all critical charging information and configuration options.

The LexusConnect Voice Agent’s appearance and functions have also been enhanced. Instead of taking up the entire screen when activated, the feature is now more elegantly displayed at the bottom. The system can recognise whether it’s the driver or front passenger speaking, understands a more natural language style and responds more quickly.

An Intelligent Agent service is also available on subscription. With expanded functionality, it can respond to a much wider and more sophisticated range of user prompts. For example, it can provide details of flight statuses, stocks and shares data, sports news and other general information.

Connected services and LexusLink+ app

The new generation LexusConnect multimedia’s increased memory supports a wider range of information, entertainment and security services to be offered. Users can personalise their connected services through subscription options, via the LexusLink+ app.

The established Standard Services bundle includes essential features with a 10-year pan-European trial period. These range from the LexusLink+ app’s driving analytics, hybrid coaching, “find my car” and hazard light activation, to cloud-based navigation with points of interest powered by Google, 3D maps and alerts for low emission zones – LEZ.

Remote Services are another key feature, also available for the same 10-year trial period. Some of the services operate four times faster than before, including setting of the climate control to heat or cool the cabin ahead of making a journey and door locking and unlocking using the LexusLink+ app.

ADVANCED SAFETY AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE

• All NX models equipped with latest-generation Lexus Safety System +
• Advanced active safety systems with new and expanded functionality, providing safeguards and warnings in a wider range of accident risk scenarios
• Greater support and protection from the latest generation of Lexus Safety System +

The new NX follows the all-new ES and TZ in being equipped with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driving assistance systems (ADAS). These operate proactively in a wider range of driving situations to support the driver and reduce the chances of an accident happening.

The developments include new and enhanced functions, with convenient over-the-air software upgrades as technologies evolve further.

Lexus Safety System + provides a much wider and deeper field of detection. Upgrading of the sensor has increased the horizontal viewing angle by 115 per cent and the detection distance by 170 per cent.

The driver is given clearer and more wide-ranging ADAS information with a new display in the combination meter. The Driving Assist Display can show up to six vehicles at a time, in real time: in its own lane, the NX and two vehicles ahead; in adjacent lanes, up to two vehicles to the left and right.  On the Luxury grade models, this information can also be viewed in the head-up display.

Enhanced accident prevention

The Pre-Collision System (PCS) operates in an expanded range of driving conditions and situations, and with shorter vehicle-to-vehicle distances than previously. Its functionality now includes Intersection Collision Avoidance Support, Emergency Steering Assist (ESA – also with active support) and low-speed acceleration suppression.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) features a new Map Connected Drive function. This enables the system to work in collaboration with map information to better anticipate acceleration and deceleration at T-junctions, roundabouts, stop and give way signs, toll gates and bends, giving smoother performance.

The latest development of the technology enables earlier recognition of vehicles cutting in in front, enabling gradual deceleration. The system can also predict an adjacent vehicle cutting in by recognising its turn signal.

Enhanced sensor accuracy also enables faster detection of the behaviour of the second vehicle ahead. When the second vehicle ahead draws closer, the DRCC will slow the NX smoothly, avoiding sudden deceleration.

Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist

The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is now able to detect roadside structures such as utility poles barriers, increasing its ability to prevent unintended lane departures when the road margins are indistinct. Safety during towing, an important aspect of SUV capability, has also been enhanced: Lane Tracing Assist and the Driver Emergency Response System can now operate while towing.

Emergency Driving Stop System

If the driver becomes unable to operate the vehicle, the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) slows the vehicle to a stop within its traffic lane and activates the hazard warning lights. The car is also equipped with a Driver Monitor Camera which checks the driver’s alertness and condition. It delivers a warning if it detects driver tiredness, loss of attention or other abnormal conditions. Its operation is used to enhance the EDSS’ performance with earlier detection of driver issues.

ENDS