At a time when the discussion in the Indian Auto space is centred around electric vehicles, Japanese luxury car maker Lexus is also embracing electrification but in its own way. The company says its all-new 2022 NX 350h hybrid, has been designed on the key pillars of electrification, design, driving signature, and advanced technologies. The Lexus NX was first launched in India in 2018 and with this new generation the company is introducing many connectivity and safety features to the Indian consumer.
Lexus NX 350H hybrid interior.
DESIGN
The new NX gets a new face owing to its refined spindle grille which gets an updated pattern and frame. Made up of tall U-shaped blocks, the grille is designed for a three-dimensional effect and creates a sense of depth. It is framed on top by the L-shaped daytime running lights (DRL), the three-eye LED projector headlamps. In the rear, the Lexus logo has been redesigned and the use of the L emblem has been replaced by a new, unified LEXUS logo located at the centre of the vehicle. The rear light bar lamps are constantly illuminated at night to function as a taillight and illuminate the rear brand signature. The newly developed E-Latch electronic locking system is inspired by the movements of opening and closing Japanese traditional sliding doors. It has been designed to allow the driver to open and close the doors naturally & effortlessly. The car is available in 8 colour options including the new Madder Red & Sonic Chrome. For colours exclusive to F SPORT models, the palette includes White Nova & Heat Blue.
INTERIOR
Lexus says The TAZUNA concept seen in the cabin is in line with a “human-centred” approach it is trying to take. Tazuna in Japanese means reins of a horse; based on the idea “Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel, Intuitive Interface”.The new NX 350h cockpit is designed to create awareness of what lies in front of the vehicle while facilitating smooth eye movements. The layout of information-related components leads the line-of-sight horizontally from the colour heads-up display to the meters, while components have been arranged to lead the eye from the head-up display to the centre display. In addition, driving-related functions are consolidated around the touch-sensitive steering wheel, for better driving control.The most notable update in the cabin is the introduction of Lexus Interface, with the integrated multimedia and digital support on the 14-inch touchscreen display. The car also offers wireless charging and smartphone connection to the user’s unique profile.
ENGINE
The 4th generation large-capacity hybrid system combines a highly efficient 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a high-output motor. Lexus says the engine, lithium-ion battery with enhanced battery performance, and hybrid system control with revised drive force characteristics ensure a high-level balance between good driving performance and excellent fuel economy. According to Lexus, to achieve the best-in-class dynamic performance, distinctive styling, and better utility of an SUV, an exceptional amount of detailing has been put together to build the right proportions. The Lexus driving signature supports deceleration, steering, and acceleration seamlessly connect under various driving situations, and linear response is faithfully executed according to the driver’s intentions.
SAFETY
With the new NX, the Lexus Safety System (LSS), is also here in India. LSS+ 3.0 has been updated to the third generation to enhance cognitive, judgmental, and operational performance. This enhances the coverage area to include response to head-on collisions and oncoming vehicles. In India, it comes with a range of advanced technology features including Pre-collision System (PCS) for vehicle detection with alarm, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control -All Speed, Lane Departure Alert & Lane Tracing Assist, Auto High Beam & Adaptive High beam System in Headlamps.
Additionally, Blind Spot monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) & Rear Camera Detection (RCD) is also available on the car. The new NX 350h has been awarded the highest rating of ‘5 stars’ by independent vehicle safety test organization Euro NCAP.
PRICES
The new NX 350h is available in 3 variants: Exquisite, Luxury, and F-Sport. While the NX 350h Exquisite is priced at Rs. 64.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the NX 350h Luxury has been priced at Rs. 69.50 lakh. The top-of-the-line NX 350h F-Sport will set you back by Rs. 71.60 lakh.
The writer is Senior Editor at carandbike.com