If it were not for the full-scale war of 2022, then today the new Lexus NX crossover would be a bestseller in Ukraine – I am 100% sure of this and even a little more. That’s just what should be the bestseller named Lexus NX? And in general – what can this car offer? Especially in the NX 350 F Sport version?
Positioning the Lexus NX
It’s simple: the Lexus NX is a premium mid-range crossover. At the time of the debut of the first Lexus NX , he opened this segment for his brand, which brought him popularity: more than 1 million copies were sold. Today there is already a more compact and affordable Lexus UX , so when changing generations, the creators made the new Lexus NX larger, more powerful, more technologically advanced.
The history of the Lexus NX model has two generations, and for them the global positioning has not changed: premium crossover, medium size. However, the new car has become slightly larger and much more powerful than its predecessor.
How the Lexus NX 350 F Sport crossover rides
I don’t have a single comment on how the Lexus NX rides at all. The undercarriage springs pretty well on our roads. It “springs”: there is no excessive softness and rolliness, there is no stone rigidity. The car rides confidently and works out bumps even on 20 wheels – potholes and pits “somewhere down there” are felt, but they are all rounded and covered. The situation is similar with the steering. Here, the average severity of the steering wheel, adequate average reactions to the turn, there is no frightening sharpness or drifts / skids. Everything is smooth and predictable. Like acceleration: we started off smoothly, drove slowly, imperceptibly switched to a higher gear.
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In a word, I don’t have a single comment on how the Lexus NX crossover rides at all. But I have comments on how the Lexus NX 350 F Sport drives. Where is the “turbo” thrust at low and medium speeds? With the promise of 430 Nm in the range of 1700-3600 rpm, the car really only starts to “drive” from 3.5-4 thousand, and the full engine “opens” closer to 5-6 thousand. And where is the sportiness of the F Sport name? Yes, in the S + mode, the suspension can be “squeezed”, but this does not make the steering more sensitive, the rolls do not completely disappear – and there are still few driver emotions in the relationship between the driver and the car. Once again: I have no comments on the Lexus NX as a whole as this model; but it is from the version of the NX 350 F Sport that I expect more – in dynamics and sensations.
How cool it looks! The Lexus NX crossover is not afraid of sharp lines and expression in design, while managing to maintain a “fresh” look for several years – remember the example of a first-generation car at the end of its career. The F Sport package externally means its own front bumper with extended side “cheeks”, the original grille, black 20-inch wheels, a lot of logos, a rear bumper with a special lower insert. However, to what extent does the actual driving character of such an appearance correspond? Everything is not easy, although Lexus is trying: the turbo engine “wakes up” at high speeds, and the credit “hundred” is given in 7.5 seconds.
I liked the look of the Lexus NX even in the first generation of the model, but the interior betrayed its age. But in the second generation of the Lexus NX, the cabin took a huge leap forward in terms of design and feel. However, why is everything so “rich” for the driver (steering wheel and instruments, large display, “automatic” handle), but for the passenger it is already “poor” (just a solid panel)? After all, Lexus can! Take a look at the door card: how skillfully they combined the leather upholstery, decorative insert, hidden lighting. Also take a look at the black glossy finish: yes, it will get dirty – but how neat and elegant the lines are displayed at the bottom of the front panel. Shine!
Behind a sufficient supply of space, also good finishes, there is an adjustment of the angle of inclination of the backrest and heated seats. However, “climate” is missing; and this is said for the most expensive version of the Lexus NX – why is that? After all, the Lexus NX claims to be a family car very well: it is proved by a rectangular trunk with a large loading opening and a well-thought-out underground organizer.
The main thing that attracts attention in the cabin of any Lexus NX is the huge central display. But in the F Sport version , the red and black seats with “named” logos and a sports steering wheel still attract attention. Considering large details, do not forget about small things – for example, door cards or beautiful decor. At the back, everything is fine, but it is asked to add a “climate” block to the seat heating. But in the trunk, everything is fine without reservations.
Is there any innovation in the Lexus NX model
For lovers of technical details, I suggest (I even strongly advise!) To look into the first report – “acquaintance” with the second generation Lexus NX car : there is a lot written there. In short, the main change for the Lexus NX in general is the transition to the GA-K platform, an increase in the proportion of high-strength steels (steels with a tensile strength of 1180 MPa and 1470 MPa are used), different methods of joining parts (welding and glue, “laser rivets” ). The main change under the hood is the expansion of hybrid versions: the traditional hybrid NX 350h plus the first for the model PHEV hybrid NX 450h+ (309 hp and 18 kWh battery).
But the presented NX 350 test car is not a hybrid. Under the hood, a 4-cylinder 2.4-liter gasoline engine is installed here, which combines a turbine, D-4ST fuel injection (injection in the center of the combustion chamber), Dual VVT-i variable valve timing system. Such a “350th” receives an 8-st. “Automatic” Direct Shift and permanent all-wheel drive with the possibility of dynamic torque distribution. All this technology is also new for the Lexus NX.
The load-bearing body received more high-strength steels, fully independent wheel suspensions and ventilated brakes “in a circle” were used. New engines have appeared, the range of hybrids has been expanded – including the first PHEV hybrid: with an indicator of 309 hp, it is the most powerful in the Lexus NX range . But there is no such car in Ukraine (yet?) and the laurels of the most powerful version are transferred to the NX 350 version, as a test copy: 279 hp here. and 430 Nm. The F Sport package brings more than just the exterior and interior, but also adaptive AVS suspension control , an expanded range of driving modes (adding Sport + with its own dashboard design), and body roll dampers.
Another feature of the new Lexus NX is its Lexus Link Pro display, around which, in fact, the central part of the cabin is built. A 14-inch touchscreen monitor was located on a separately protruding monument, at the bottom of which there was still a place for a couple of physical controls: adjusting the volume of the audio system, “climate” temperature selection rings, turning on heating, etc.
Of course, the car is equipped with various active safety systems – the Lexus Safety System + (LSS + 3.0) package is included in all trim levels of the new Lexus NX crossover. And this means the presence of: frontal impact prevention systems, traffic sign recognition, lane control and lane keeping assistance (including traffic with adaptive “cruise”), emergency braking after a collision, etc. New is the E-Latch system: electronic opening / closing doors for the safe exit of the driver and passengers.
The clarity of the picture is good, the colors are saturated, the simple menu is instantly understandable and does not overload the eye. But there is a problem: the display sometimes “sticks” and does not keep up with quick commands – for example, when you enter the navigation address. Such a display is put only by the “older” version of the car. By the way, about this…
The price of the Lexus NX car and its competitors
The Lexus NX crossover is presented in Ukraine in only six versions. But these are successful combinations of four engines and several trim levels – there are plenty to choose from!
The model line opens with the Lexus NX 200 version: a 2-liter gasoline engine (173 hp), front-wheel drive, an automatic D-CVT variator. Such a car is available in the Urban package: adaptive cruise, rear-view camera, heated steering wheel and front seats, power trunk lid, 2-zone climate control, 9.8-inch Lexus Link Connect touchscreen display, Lexus Premium audio system with eight speakers , Smart Entry access, front and side airbags, air curtains, 18-inch wheels, etc. The price of the Lexus NX 200 Urban is from 1.7 million UAH. or about $42 thousand.
The Lexus NX 250 is a step up: already a 2.5-liter engine (207 hp), all-wheel drive, a traditional 8-speed automatic. Plus, the extended Business package, which adds: a ten-speaker audio system, seats with full artificial leather trim, a hill-descent assistance system and an off-road Trail Mode, wireless smartphone charging, etc. The price of the Lexus NX 250 Business is from 2 million UAH. or about $50 thousand.
The next step is a hybrid version of the Lexus NX 350h: a 2.5-liter petrol engine plus an electric motor, a total output of 243 hp, E-Four all-wheel drive, a hybrid automatic transmission. This car is available in one of three trim levels. Firstly, this is the Executive package: everything is similar to Business, but tinted windows have been added, monitoring of “blind zones” of rear-view mirrors, control of approaching cars from behind, etc. The price of Lexus NX 350 h Executive is from 2.2 million UAH. or about $54 thousand.
Secondly, the Executive + package with additions in the form of seat ventilation, memory settings for the driver’s seat, electric steering wheel adjustment, combined leather upholstery, etc. The price of the Lexus NX 350 h Executive + is from 2.31 million UAH. or about $57 thousand.
Finally, the third is the Luxury package: plus 20-inch rims, AHS adaptive high beam, all-round visibility, windshield projection, 14-inch touchscreen display, Mark Levinson audio, cross-traffic detection function, automatic lane change system when driving on the highway, all-round visibility, panoramic glass roof, automatic parking system, etc. The price of Lexus NX 350 h Luxury is from 2.74 million UAH. or about $68 thousand.
Finally, at the top of the line is the Lexus NX 350 F Sport crossover: a 279 hp turbo engine, all-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic. The F Sport package is roughly comparable to the Luxury version described above – the differences are only in a couple of equipment points. Moreover, they are compensated by the original appearance (bumpers, radiator grille, rims) and its own interior (seats and steering wheel F Sport, perforated leather), as well as interesting technology (AVS suspension, front and rear body damper, additional Sport + mode). The price of the Lexus NX 350 F Sport is from UAH 2.97 million. or about $73 thousand.
The F Sport version is not only the sportiest, but also one of the highest in the model hierarchy. Therefore, there was a place for a panoramic glass roof, double soundproof windows, a surround view system, data projection on the windshield ( HUD ). By the way, please note: the purpose of the buttons on the steering wheel may vary depending on the current situation.
Who are the competitors? I open the last article on the Lexus NX and just read a good half of the list: Audi Q5 , BMW X3 , Mercedes GLC, Infiniti QX50 , plus add the Volvo XC60 . Europeans are traditionally good driving manners, high technology (you can even find “pneuma”), the presence of diesel versions. The Japanese Infiniti attracts with its price offer, and with the advent of the Infiniti QX55 , also with its design. And we can also mention the DS 7 (Crossback) and Alfa Romeo Stelvio : for lovers of originality.
An impressive list of competitors! But which one is completely new? Only Mercedes GLC and Infiniti QX 55 , a couple more cars went through a planned facelift. While the Lexus NX crossover literally sparkles with “novelty”: the perception from the exterior and interior is very strong. Believe me – this is an important and significant quality in this segment. In the absence of global failures, it is the “novelty effect” that can be decisive when finally choosing a Lexus NX for purchase.
Lexus NX 350 F Sport fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance
City fuel consumption was stable around 12-12.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The promised “11+” is quite realistic to get, but only with a very smooth and accurate ride. And vice versa: as soon as they “stepped” on the pedal, we immediately get “13+” in the city. On the highway at a speed of 80-90 km / h, the car consumes 6.5-7 liters per 100 km, at a speed of 110-120 km / h, the consumption increases proportionally – about 8.5 liters per 100 km of track.
The general warranty for the car is three years or 100,000 kilometers. An extended warranty is also available – up to a maximum of 10 years or 160 thousand kilometers. Scheduled maintenance should be carried out once a year or 15 thousand kilometers. The cost of basic maintenance is UAH 5.5-6 thousand, extended maintenance (depending on the mileage and the list of necessary works) will cost UAH 12-19 thousand.
Vehicle and maintenance prices are as of November 2022, MOT prices are for Kyiv.
The safety of the new Lexus NX
The car passed the Euro NCAP crash test cycle and received the maximum five-star rating. Among the comments are only increased loads on the chest of the driver and the risk for the heads of the driver / passenger (in case of a side impact). But otherwise – protecting adults, protecting children, protecting pedestrians, triggering security systems – the new Lexus NX crossover deserved very high marks.
Bottom line: is the new Lexus NX a potential bestseller?
The Lexus NX 350 F Sport test car presented in particular is, first of all, a hostage of its name. From the index “350” and an almost 300-horsepower engine, you expect better dynamics. From the designation “F Sport” you expect more sportiness in habits. And the Lexus NX 350 F Sport is a hostage of its price: for $70-75 thousand (which is a lot even for the older RX model), you are waiting for some kind of magic. What do you get?
You get a comfortable crossover for every day: optimal dimensions and sufficient interior space. You get a cool design on the outside (this was in the first generation of the model) and inside (but this was added in the second). You get high-quality finishes, modern equipment, successful initial-medium versions, a wide selection of hybrids. Yes, you get a lot! Moreover, in the case of the Lexus NX200 or Lexus NX250 versions and Lexus NX 350h hybrids, all of the above advantages are given for much less money. Therefore, I remain confident that the new Lexus NX will become a bestseller! Only I am betting on other versions of the model – and I look forward to meeting them.
Pros:
Appearance – recognizable style, defiant appearance
Salon – modern in design and high quality in finishing
A wide range of modifications for motors and trim levels
Minuses:
For the NX 350 F Sport version – expectations are too high, which are not always justified
Specifications Lexus NX 350 F Sport
Body – crossover, 5 doors, 5 seats
Dimensions – 4.66 x 1.87 x 1.67 m
Wheelbase – 2.69 m
Clearance – 195 mm
Trunk – from 520 liters (5 seats) to 1411 liters (2 seats)
Load capacity – 610 kg
Minimum curb weight – 1760 kg
Engine – R4 2.4 liter petrol turbo engine
Power – 279 hp at 6000 rpm.
Torque – 430 Nm at 1700-3600 rpm.
Specific power and torque – 159 hp per 1 ton, 244 Nm per 1 ton
Drive – all-wheel drive
Transmission – 8-st. “automatic” (classic hydromechanical automatic transmission)
Dynamics 0-100 km / h – 7.0 s
Maximum speed – 200 km / h
Passport consumption, city – 11.1 liters per 100 km
Passport consumption, highway – 6.4 liters per 100 km
Test car tires – Bridgestone Alenza 001 235/50 R20
The minimum price of a car is from UAH 1.7 million. or about $42 thousand.
