Lexus NX Review
What is it? Given the fact that Lexus was pushing its ‘self-charging hybrids’ before most of its rivals had even considered electrification, you might be surprised to learn that this new NX is the first time the brand has offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV). This second-generation Lexus NX has arrived with the firm claiming it’s 95 per cent new. It might look similar to its predecessor from the outside, but a lot of work has gone into the mid-sized SUV in an attempt to make it more competitive with premium rivals from the likes of Volvo and BMW. The new NX is also offered as a self-charging hybrid, but it’s the PHEV we’re testing here. This is Lexus’ best-selling model in the UK. What’s new? There’s a new-look exterior that’s pretty similar to the old one, some new powertrains, an improved interior as well as the promise of a more enjoyable driving experience. One of the key changes for anyone who’s used Lexus’ frustrating infotainment system is that the NX debuts a new version that sits within a redesigned interior. The whole car is also slightly larger than the old model and built on a new platform that Lexus reckons will make it better to drive. Lexus is also well-known for building safe, reliable cars, so it’s also keen to point out that the new NX gets extra safety and convenience technology. What’s under the bonnet? There are two powertrain options available, called 350h and 450h+, with both having a four-cylinder petrol engine at their core, paired to electric motors on the front and rear axle. The end result is outputs of 241bhp and 305bhp respectively, with the former being the regular hybrid and the latter the PHEV. The 350h is slightly slower, taking 7.7 seconds to complete 0-60mph, compared with 6.3 seconds in the PHEV. The battery is also considerably bigger in the PHEV, at 96kwh compared with 70, which gives it an impressive 47-mile electric-only range.
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Motoring
On our test with the car, though, we were left a little disappointed by the economy figures. Official measurements for PHEVs are pointless (the NX reads up to 314mpg, for example), but while we managed 53 per cent of our journey on electric-only power, our overall consumption in mixed driving conditions was about 36mpg. You really need to keep that battery topped up, because the petrol engine is thirsty. What’s it like to drive? First impressions behind the wheel are very good. Our test car is in F-Sport trim with big alloys, but it’s immediately apparent these don’t result in poor low-speed ride quality. Couple this with the smooth, silent operation of the electric motors and the NX feels incredibly refined from the off. When the engine does cut in it can be quite gruff, lacking the subtle refinement of other PHEVs. However, modern CVT gearboxes have largely moved on from the unpleasant droning and bizarre acceleration characteristics of old, meaning it’s no longer a weak link in the chain. How does it look? The firm’s angular design ethos and imposing front grilles make it stand out from the crowd. The spindle grille has been tweaked to be more upright, which has the benefit of allowing more air into the engine bay, while the chrome frame has been ditched. These sharp lines flow into a muscular rear end that makes the car look fairly compact, in contrast with the massive front. Perhaps the only criticism is that the styling has simply evolved, looking more like a mid-life refresh than a new generation. What’s it like inside? While the exterior feels like mild evolution, there are more obvious changes inside. The cockpit is familiarly Lexus, but feels like the overly complicated cabins of previous models might be a thing of the past. The good news is that the awful trackpad has gone, and in its place is a high-resolution touchscreen (9.8-inch as standard or 14-inch on higher-spec trims).
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