Lexus Europe has announced specifications for its variants of the NX, the Toyota luxury brand’s first entry in the fast-growing premium mid-size crossover/SUV segment.
It will launch the 300h version with 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle full hybrid powertrain, targeting sub-120g/km CO2 emissions, in October 2014.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The 200t, powered by new two-litre petrol turbo engine, will be launched in some markets in February 2015.
Front and all-wheel drive versions will be offered as well as F Sport models.
Trim levels vary by market – the UK gets five, priced from GBP29,495.
“The NX marks Lexus’s debut in the premium mid-size crossover market. It displays an edgy, contemporary design that’s aimed at attracting new customers, notably urban people with active lifestyles,” the automaker said.
UK buyers will be offered both powertrains and all-wheel and front-wheel drive versions.
The 300h will come in all-wheel and front-wheel drive versions; the 200t only with F Sport trim and AWD.
Technology will include a wireless charging tray for easy charging of mobile phones and other devices and the first application of a new remote touch interface with a touchpad control. Further features include a new panoramic view monitor, a comprehensive multi-information display (incorporating for the first time a G-sensor and boost meter), head-up display, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
The F Sport versions – 300h and 200t – have a bolder design, with specific features such as an individual treatment of the spindle grille, a lower front bumper, dedicated wheel design, black-finished door mirror housings, dedicated interior colours and trims and sports seats. Performance dampers are also standard.
Takeaki Kato, NX chief engineer, said: “The NX is a premium crossover, combining performance, numerous on-board technologies and alluring design.
“Luxury is epitomised by small but important details, as can be witnessed in the attention to detail in areas such as the feel of the switchgear, the arrangement of the courtesy lights, the metallic finishes for the wheels and other innovations that will set the standards for future Lexus models.
“Luxury touches apart, the NX was designed both to complement daily life and support active lifestyles at the weekend.”
Lexus said it focused on interior space and seating, ensuring ample overall headroom and a generous front to rear couple distance. The NX also has the claimed longest luggage area load length in its class.
The 300h uses a hybrid system control specially developed for the model, with the proven 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine, generator, motor and battery. Total system output is 195bhp/145kW. It is targeting CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km, which corresponds to combined cycle fuel economy of 54.3mpg.
Front and all-wheel drive versions have one or two electric motors respectively.
Features specific to the hybrid NX include sprung-weight damping control to increase ride comfort and handling stability by reducing pitching when driving on uneven surfaces.
The NX is the first model to use Lexus’ new two-litre petrol turbo engine. Maximum power is 235bhp/175kW between 4,800 and 5,600rpm and maximum torque is 350 Nm, available from 1,650 to 4,000rpm.
The engine has a claimed world-first combination of water-cooled cylinder head, integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbocharger.
It is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission that has been specially tuned for the NX. This uses a new, torque-demand control logic, calculating and maximising the required engine torque to deliver quick response to throttle inputs and high fuel efficiency.
In a first for the segment, the NX will be available with an all-speed adaptive cruise control, capable of matching the vehicle speed to the vehicle in front, down to a complete stop.
A head-up display will also be available.
