News / 6 July 2023 / Michael Taylor

New Lexus NX launched in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

Lexus has launched the new NX in South Africa, ushering in a new generation of one of the company’s most popular models.

The NX is now available in five specifications from a starting price of R968,000.

“Lexus has carried out a total reinvention of the NX. Its ambition and commitment are demonstrated by the major advances in performance, handling, and efficiency – this is also reflected in the fact that 95% of the vehicle’s parts are new,” said the automaker.

Powertrains

The headliner of the new models is the 350h, which builds upon the brand’s fourth-generation hybrid technology.

It uses two electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, in tandem with a four-cylinder, 2.5-litre petrol engine resulting in a combined output of 179kW.

This new setup is 15% more powerful than the outgoing model, cutting its 0-100km/h acceleration down to 7.7 seconds while providing a limited top speed of 200km/h.

It also uses just 5.0 litres of fuel per 100km, thanks in part to an E-CVT transmission with paddle shifters, which monitors the vehicle speed, road conditions, engine power, and driver input to select the optimal gear ratio for the moment.

“Without the constraining effect of fixed gear ratios, the engine can be operated at its most efficient speed to either propel the car or charge the batteries,” said the manufacturer.

Other drivetrains include the 250 and 350, both of which utilize an eight-speed automatic shifter.

The 250 features a 2.5-litre, petrol plant generating 152kW and 243Nm, letting it reach 100km/h in 9.1 seconds while using 7.1l/100km on an average fuel cycle.

The more powerful 350, meanwhile, uses a turbocharged, 2.4-litre block to produce 205kW and 430Nm, allowing for an acceleration time of 7.0 seconds and a consumption of 8.1l/100km.

All versions of the NX are built upon Lexus’ Global Architecture K platform, which provides a low centre of gravity and an improved rear/front weight distribution, the automaker said.

The result is much better handling when combined with the AWD E-Four system, which can provide greater torque to the rear wheels when needed. The F Sport versions are exclusively available with adaptive variable suspension, too.

Features

The stated goal of Lexus’ design team this time around was “functional beauty” which has manifested itself in the form of a larger body with a wheelbase that has grown by 20mm.

The brand’s spindle grille is more upright and subtly framed than before, and the front and rear tracks have been widened to give a more agile and powerful stance.

Other exterior fitments include alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, automatic LED headlights, a hands-free electric tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, electrochromatic side mirrors, and a singular “lightning” reverse light.

The new NX is also the first model to feature the new “Tazuma” cockpit design – named after the Japanese word describing how a rider uses the reins to control a horse.

All sources of information, including the driver display, 14-inch infotainment screen, and heads-up display, are positioned in a curved space around the driver so as to minimize eye movements.

Controls like the keyless start, gearshift, dual-zone climate control, and driving modes are all placed on the same plane for intuitive and easy-to-reach movements.

The SE and F Sport grades also get an electronic door release, replacing the need for traditional door handles. This system links to the blind-spot monitors to prevent passengers from exiting if it is unsafe to do so.

All trim levels further have access to adaptive cruise control, a 10-speaker stereo, a reverse camera, heated and ventilated front seats, on-board navigation, a wireless charger, front and rear park distance control, hill assist, and synthetic leather upholstery.

The SE and F Sport will then add a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a heads-up display, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive headlights, and genuine leather seats.

Furthermore, the F Sport has a choice of an exclusive Poseidon Blue or White Nova paint scheme, with an F Sport Black, White, or Flare Red upholstery.