Lexus launched in Portugal the new NX
Lexus has just presented, in Gaia, the second generation of the NX, a mid-size SUV, which has, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid version. More than a restyling, a brand talks about a new model, as 95% of the pieces were developed from scratch.
The NX is available in 350h and 450+ (plug-in hybrid) versions and redefine the luxury SUV segment. A bet that, since 2014, the launch date of the first generation, has already earned the Japanese brand more than 175 million sales in Europe and one million worldwide.
Compared to the previous generation NX, the overall length has increased by 20 mm (4.66 m), the wheelbase 30 mm (2.69 m), the width 20 mm (now reaching 1.86 m) and the height 5 mm (1.60 meters).
The Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform creates wide lanes at the front (+35 mm) and at the rear (+55 mm) and allow you to mount larger wheels and tires (18 to 20-inch wheels and 720-diameter tires). 740 mm).
One grille has a new mesh pattern made up of U-shaped blocks and as more equipped versions for four-projector LED headlamps, with Lexus’ first Adaptive High Light System (AHS).
Each of the units contains 11 LED integrated circuits with the light output being controlled by a front camera.
Standard headlamps are dual-beam LED type with Automatic High beam (AHB). And at the rear, in addition to the LED light clusters and a full-width luminous blade, the brand’s symbol has been replaced by the Lexus name.
The NX is available in 11 colors and as NX F SPORT versions it features dark chrome exterior accents, a mesh grille and 20-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design inspired by those used in the LC, the high-end coupe, and two exclusive colors, Sapphire Blue and F White.
Two engines
The 450h+ version, the big news in the range, has a four-cylinder, 2.5-litre hybrid gasoline engine in an Atkinson cycle, a 134 kW front electric motor, a 40 kW rear electric motor, a hybrid gearbox and an ion battery lithium battery with a capacity of 18.1 kWh.
The total efficiency of the plug-in system, including electric motors and battery, is 309 hp / 227 kW, allowing an acceleration from 0-100 km / h in 6.3 seconds and a maximum speed, in electric mode, of 135 km / H. At the same time, it offers low CO2, from 20 to 26 g / km and consumes between 0.9 and 1.1 l / 100 km.
According to the brand, the NX has an electric range that varies between 69 and 76 km (depending on the level of equipment) in the combined WLTP cycle or 89 to 98 km in the urban cycle. Lexus points out that plug-in hybrid electrical technology maintains high efficiency when the battery is charged, at which point the hybrid self-charging system takes over.
Recharging the battery can be accomplished in about 2.5 hours using a current of 230 V / 32 Um and the 6.6 kW on-board charger.
The driver can choose from four driving modes for the plug-in hybrid system. The EV (Electric Vehicle) is the one in which the car starts, maintaining itself until the limit of its autonomy is reached, regardless of the pressure made without the accelerator pedal.
When the battery runs out, operation switches to HV (Hybrid Vehicle) mode.
Auto EV / HV mode automatically puts the hybrid engine into action when additional power is needed, returning to EV operation immediately afterwards.
Lastly, the driver can also select the HV mode to maximize efficient operation, automatically maintaining the battery’s state of charge.
Three driving modes can also be selected: Normal; Echo; and Sport. On F SPORT versions equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), the Sport mode is replaced by Sport S and Sport S +.
The driver can use the paddle control to select the Shiftmatic transmission, “S” design with the selector lever. This makes it possible to provide engine braking force in six stages with a gear shifting sensation similar to a manual gearbox.
The 350h uses the same 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle engine as the 450h+, with a maximum output of 244 hp / 179 kW (24% more than the previous model). The NX 350h is available with front-wheel drive or EFour electric four-wheel drive.
Performance
Lexus chooses that the new NVX combine driving comfort and precise steering, acceleration and braking responses, “with the utmost respect for the driver’s intentions at all times”.
A new platform ensures a lower center of gravity, an increase in the front and rear lanes and an improved balance in the weight distribution between front and rear.
According to the brand, professional drivers helped improve the car’s dynamic performance and “ensure the” feeling “of driving a Lexus in track tests at the new vehicle development facility in Shimoyama”.
One hundred forms of interaction
NX connectivity is faster, better and more capable, thanks to the latest multimedia technology with “always connected” services, software updates and functionality available over the air.
The Lexus quick that, “using smartphone, navigation, vehicle controls, multimedia functions and cloud connectivity, there are about a hundred ways for the driver to interact with the vehicle”.
The Lexus Link Connect system features a 9.8-inch screen with an anti-glare finish and Central Processing Unit at a storage speed 2.4 times faster than the previous multimedia system.
In addition to the touchscreen, there are accessible buttons that give access to frequently used functions. Menus and controls are included as icons on the driver’s side of the screen for easy access and the screen is divided into sections according to the level of detail of the information.
On the other hand, there are four USB ports on board (two in front and two behind the center console). Of these, three are of the USB-C 15 type. We can be used to charge devices; the second port on the front of the console is USB-A, suitable for connecting a multimedia device. Additional power information is provided in the center console and in the trunk.
Safety
The Lexus+ Safety System offers broader safety features and the Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) detects motorcycles and pedestrians and a new function that identifies high levels of collision with oncoming traffic or pedestrians crossing the road and cyclists turning into an intersection from the opposite direction.
The Driver’s Steering Wheel Triggered Emergency Assist to automatically control steering when there is a high risk of collision, helping to keep the vehicle stable and within its lane. A new function prevents unintentional sudden accelerations when driving to low lows.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been improved to more quickly recognize and adjust to the abrupt entry of a vehicle in front of the NX. Working in conjunction with Lane Alignment Assist you are prepared to follow a more natural line in corners and decelerate sooner depending on the trajectory.
The NX’s new electronic entry and exit lock system is linked to the Blind Spot Monitor to alert any vehicle approaching from the rear. If any risk is detected, a warning light is lit and a bell sounds, and if there is an attempt to open a door, the system cancels the release of the latch.
Highlight for the Panoramic View Monitor, which features a new “x-ray” view that does not display an image of the area under the car. The “x-ray” view can be displayed when the transmission selector is in the P position; the driver can switch between this image and the moving view of the Wide View Monitor using the screen mode toggle button.
The transparent floor view is created using previously captured camera images, so it is not a real-time image, highlights Lexus.
The NX350h range is divided into Executive, Executive Plus and Premium versions and prices accepted at 64,800 euros. The 450h+ starts with the Executive Plus version, followed by Premium and Luxury and costs from 68,500 euros.