Lexus NX300h, first look and road test in Madrid

Lexus has been committed to a thorough renewal of its entire range for some time. Proof of this is the new compact SUV, called NX, which will go on sale in Spain in the coming weeks, although orders are already being accepted.

At Highmotor we already had the chance to try it first-hand during a day in the Spanish capital, where we were able to draw our first conclusions.

Exterior design

The NX300h has very eye-catching exterior lines. With an angular, robust style, the front end proves that Lexus’s new image is much stronger than before. The large grille stands out, running from the bonnet down to almost the end of the bumper. Depending on the equipment chosen, it can come in two different finishes. The light clusters have an arrow-like look and, as on the IS, are split in two, since the daytime running lights (LED) sit slightly lower than the rest of the headlight.

The side features a very high beltline that gives it a very aggressive look, helped by the numerous creases and angles found across the bodywork. The glass area is not especially large, although it does not compromise visibility once you are seated inside. Alloy wheels are offered in several sizes, ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

At the rear, the angular lines carry through wherever you look. The lights stand out above all, creating a very appealing arrow-shaped look when illuminated. The bumper also shows angular lines, although the exhaust outlets are not visible. This detail is a signature of the brand’s hybrids across its hybrid models.

Interior design

As for the interior design, the angular exterior lines are reflected inside the cabin. The central part of the dashboard, which houses most of the controls, has a shape similar to the front grille. The seats have an enveloping design, offering remarkable comfort. If the NX fits the F-Sport trim level, the seats get 16-way electric adjustment and even more enveloping shapes.

Roominess is generally good, with more than enough space in the front row for both head and legs. In the second row, the space is considerable, although with the panoramic roof fitted, headroom is reduced to the point of becoming uncomfortable for people taller than 1.85 metres.

The boot offers outstanding capacity for the segment, especially considering this is a hybrid vehicle. It has a capacity of 550 litres and the option to fold the second-row seats completely flat, creating a practically level load floor.

Of course, absolutely all the materials used in the NX’s interior do justice to the premium SUV brand it belongs to. Even the few hard plastics found in the lower dashboard and door panels look solid and durable.

A special mention goes to the leather used on the steering wheel, gear lever and, above all, the seats. It has a superb texture, extremely soft yet firm at the same time. Personally, it left me really impressed, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who was surprised.

Dynamics and driving

The NX is one of the most dynamic Lexus models in recent years. To achieve this, the Japanese brand has put special effort into developing a powertrain that lives up to expectations. To start with, the chassis shows exemplary torsional rigidity, thanks to the use of high-strength steels and reinforced weld points in certain areas of the bodyshell.

The steering has electric assistance and offers a pleasant feel, although it is not the vehicle’s strongest point due to the lack of feedback. As for the suspension, Lexus has opted for a rather conventional setup, with a MacPherson strut front axle and a double wishbone rear, which ensures good behaviour at all times. The dampers can be adaptive (on the F-Sport and Luxury trims), going from 9 settings as before to 30, which means better responsiveness.

The NX300h is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle, producing 155 CV. It is joined by a 143 CV electric motor, and working together the total output is 197 CV to the front wheels. The NX can also be had with all-wheel drive (E-Four). In that case, a 68 CV electric motor is added to the rear axle, which acts only when a loss of traction is detected at the front axle. The gearbox is already a classic within the Toyota Group, as it is an e-CVT (continuously variable transmission).

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, whether front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Accelerating hard gives the impression that the engine is somewhat noisy and that it takes longer than it should to reach the desired speed, but this is a false sensation caused by how the transmission works. The NX300h’s average consumption is 5 litres with front-wheel drive or 5.3 with all-wheel drive.

Prices

The NX300h range, which can be purchased in Spain from this very Monday, starts at €37,900 for the ECO trim, followed by the Corporate (€40,200). The next equipment level is the Executive, with a starting price of €46,700. Lexus estimates that most sales will be of this trim. There are two higher levels, the F-Sport (€55,900) and the Luxury (€64,500), for those seeking maximum equipment regardless of spending a larger sum.

Source | Lexus
Photography | Daniel Valdivielso

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