All-new Lexus NX ushers in 'new era of luxury'

MANILA: Lexus has officially unveiled the all-new 2022 NX, the first Lexus to feature the new plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) system, along a new Lexus Interface multimedia system  specifically designed for the North American market.

In a statement, Lexus Vice President for Marketing Vinay Shahani said, “The all-new Lexus NX sets a new standard in the luxury crossover market with class-leading innovations in electrified powertrains, infotainment, driving dynamics, styling, and safety. The 2022 NX includes the most technological vehicle changes since we launched Lexus 32 years ago. With the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system and a variety of customizable features, the NX is an exciting first step in a series of 20 all-new or updated Lexus vehicles by 2025.”

The all-new NX is designed with a lower center of gravity and stronger stance. It sports a new grille pattern and frame that creates a more integrated feel to the body of the vehicle. It also sports a polished spindle grille, new full-width blade tail lamps, and Lexus rear badging. The spindle grille is made of tall U-shaped blocks that create a three-dimensional effect and a sense of depth while exhibiting a strong impression. The luxury crossover is also equipped with three-projector headlamps surrounded by L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs).

The Lexus logo on the rear has been restyled to provide a modern impression. Instead of the L emblem that is seen on the previous-generation model, it now sports a new, unified Lexus logo mounted on the center of the vehicle. Aside from the rear combination lamp and the L-shaped lamp on the rear fender, the NX is also equipped with light bar lamps that are constantly lightened at night to serve as tail light and emphasize the rear brand signature.

The NX comes in six different color variants: Redline, Cloudburst Gray, Grecian Water, Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultra Sonic Blue Mica 2.0.

The 2022 NX is the first NX to feature a seven-inch multi-instrument display (MID) and an optional 10-inch heads-up display (HUD) which are developed to provide vehicle information, alerts, and updates within the driver’s line of sight. The high-definition screen makes the MID’s single meter layout easier to read. To ensure that the driver’s eyes are kept on the road, most driving-related controls are equipped on the steering wheel.

The cabin is also equipped with newly designed heated front seats. It also features increased headroom and legroom brought by the Lexus GA-K platform. Aside from the standard cabin noise reduction, customers can also request to add the nature-inspired thematic ambient illumination, an optional feature that wraps the interior in a choice of 14 themes and 64 colors.

The all-new NX is the first NX to be equipped with a panoramic moonroof that allows both the front and rear passengers to experience stargazing or let in additional airflow with just one push of a button.

The Lexus NX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo gas engine that generates an estimated 275hp and 317lb. ft. of torque. The powertrain is mated to an eight-speed transmission that incorporates a performance-vehicle experience to a crossover utility vehicle. This combination results in a zero-to-60mph time of 6.8 seconds.

The NX is the first Lexus model to use laser peening welding and high rigidity foam to improve torsional rigidity, and to have a twin hood lock that enhances front lateral rigidity and improves the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Lexus also offers the NX 250 variant, which is motivated by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with start/stop functionality. It gets an eight-speed transmission and comes in FWD and AWD options. The engine produces an estimated 203hp and 184lb. ft. of torque, which results in zero-to-60mph times of 8.2 seconds for FWD and 8.6 seconds for AWD.

Meanwhile, the NX 450h+ variant comes with the new PHEV system that enables a manufacturer-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only. It is powered by a new high-capacity lithium ion battery that achieves the EV output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine. When mated to the new hybrid transaxle, the engine is able to achieve a zero-to-60mph time of six seconds.

The NX 450h+ also features a high-output, high-efficiency system developed to reduce power loss when transforming from AC power to DC power, resulting to shorter charging times. Using the maximum charging current of 240V, the NX 450h+ can be fully charged in around 2.5 hours when plugged with the optional 6.6 kW expedited onboard charger. Meanwhile, the standard 3.3 kW onboard charger can fully power the vehicle in 4.5 hours.

For a confident and sporty driving experience, the NX 450h+ uses an electronically controlled, full-time AWD system. The system allows the driver to control the vehicle as intended by maximizing front and rear torque distribution based on the driving conditions.

The hybrid variant also comes with a predictive efficient drive feature that monitors the driving habits, analyzes real-time traffic reports using the navigation system, and predicts the expected roadway ahead to optimize charging and discharging of the hybrid battery. The more kilometers the vehicle is driven, the more data is collected to help optimize fuel consumption.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive System combines the D4-S fuel injection 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators. The combined 239hp and manufacturer-estimated 36mpg results to a zero-to-60mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The 2022 NX also features the all-new North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system that comes with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen with human machine interface (HMI) that enhances user interaction through sight, touch, and voice while balancing accessibility needs. The optional 14-inch touchscreen comes with integrated automatic climate control functions.

The Lexus Interface introduces a new virtual assistant that lets the occupants interact with the multimedia system. It is designed with dual microphones, improved noise cancellation, seat detection, and speaker location capabilities to enable a voice-first approach providing front-seat occupants with an interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone, and other vehicle settings such as climate control and window opening/closing.

The Lexus Interface also comes with a User Profile feature that allows the driver to save customized settings in the cloud and access it in other vehicles with Lexus Interface. Once a profile is created on the Lexus App, the driver can use a Bluetooth handheld device, smart key, or manual login to access it.

The all-new NX also comes with a digital key feature that allows the driver to lock/unlock and start/stop the vehicle using a smartphone when within Bluetooth proximity.

The vehicle also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It is also equipped with a new wireless charger which can be stowed away to maximize storage.

The 2022 NX is also the first model to come with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 which includes risk avoidance emergency steer assist, left turn oncoming vehicle detection/braking, right/left turn oncoming pedestrian detection/braking, pre-collision system with oncoming vehicle detection, dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, road sign assist, lane assistance, and intelligent high beam.

The Lexus NX also comes in an F Sport variant that features active variable suspension (AVS) and front and rear performance dampers to deliver a sportier driving experience. The NX F Sport comes with various exclusive features including a unique meter, sport seats, and a newly developed steering wheel. Customers can also request to add the luxury package that includes a 14-inch touchscreen, unique headlamps, and 64-color interior illumination.

The NX F Sport also features a dedicated F Sport grille and front and rear bumpers, 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels framed by color-key overfenders, black roof rails, and daylight opening garnishes.

The 2022 Lexus NX will be produced starting the third quarter of 2021. Pricing and other details will be announced soon.

Photos from Lexus

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