By Malusi Msomi

The new Lexus NX is now available for South African customers. Lexus claims that this second generation NX is more than just a Luxury mid-size SUV but it opens the next chapter for the Lexus brand. This comes in the form of design and powertrains and a leap forward in dynamic performance thanks to “Lexus Driving signature.” The new NX boasts a new multimedia system and next-generation Lexus Safety System. Additionally, the new model range comes with plenty of standard features like the Tazuna cockpit and 14-inch infotainment screen.

Power and model line-up

Lexus is offering two derivatives, with more coming in at a later stage. For now, customers have an option between the 250 EX and 350 F Sport AWD. The 250 EX is powered by a 2.5-litre normally-aspirated that produces 152kW and 239Nm while the latter produces 205kW and 430Nm from its turbo-charged 2.4-litre engine. There will be a trinity of hybrid models when these models launch later in the year in EX, SE and F Sport grades.

The entry level 250 EX comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with automatic high-beam, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and the human-centric Tazuna cockpit concept – with a 14-inch touch-display, DAB+ digital radio, “Hey Lexus!” natural speech recognition and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The flagship model (for the now) the 350 F Sport AWD come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels (unique design), tri-beam LED headlamps with an adaptive high-beam system (AHS), 17-speaker Mark Levinson, a digital rear-view mirror, leather trim upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic view monitor, opening and closing panoramic sunroof and F Sport-exclusive styling elements. The F Sport also features dark chrome exterior details and a unique F Sport design mesh grille. White Nova and Poseidon Blue are shades of paint that are exclusive to F Sport models.

In terms of interior trim, options include Hazel, Black and Rich Cream – for the EX grade models. F Sport models are exclusively available in F Sport Black, F Sport White and the newly available F Sport Flare Red.

Lexus offers nine exterior colours for the new NX – Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black, Terrane Khaki, Celestial Blue, Blazing Carnelian, Black and Madder Red.

Safety

The whole range comes standard with Lexus Safety System, which is the first for South Africa. These safety systems include Intersection Turn Assist (ITA) and emergency steering assist (ESA), parking support brake (PKSB), blind-spot monitor (BSM), dynamic radar active cruise control (DRCC) and lane tracing assist (LTA).

Pricing

Pricing for the new Lexus NX range is as follows:

• NX 250 EX R860,000; and
• NX 350 F SPORT AWD R1,075,400.

Prices include the Lexus Warranty Experience featuring the brand’s best-in-class 7-year/105,000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan.