For example, the NX 450+ as it’s known by its official name has received a suspension lift to make room for those chunky all-terrain tires that are wider than those found on the standard model. The showcar adopts an attractive bronze paint (Iron Oxide) combined with matte black accents noticeable on the plastic body cladding of the wheel arches.

The large roof rack expands the crossover’s practicality and gives it a more outdoorsy vibe at the same time. Toyota’s premium division doesn’t go into any other details, but it’s safe to say the ground clearance and suspension travel are substantially more generous to help the electrified NX better tackle bumpy roads. Of course, it’s still based on a unibody platform, so don’t go into thinking it’s now a veritable off-roader like a Jeep Wrangler or a Ford Bronco.

Positioned at the top of the NX’s range, the 450+ combines a gasoline 2.5-liter, inline-four engine with two electric motors for a total output of 302 horsepower. It enables the all-wheel-drive crossover to cover the 0 to 60 mph sprint in six seconds. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 18.1 kWh and provides enough juice for 37 miles (60 kilometers) according to the EPA rating while the total range stands at 550 miles (885 kilometers).

As a final note, the NX PHEV Offroad Concept shares the spotlight at TAS with the ROV Concept. It’s labeled as a Recreational Off Highway Vehicle powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-liter engine that feeds on compressed hydrogen.

Source: Lexus

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Shown here in various configurations, including the F Sport variant, the 2022 NX features an updated spindle grille and new headlights incorporating the daytime running lights that used to be separate on the outgoing model. Speaking of lights, the rear end of the Japanese posh crossover now features a full-width LED light bar on the tailgate to give the illusion of a bigger vehicle.

Gone is the “L” badge at the back as the tailgate now proudly carries the full “LEXUS” lettering with the characters spaced out to make the company’s name more visible when viewed from behind. Customers will be able to pick from several fresh body colors, such as Grecian Water, Redline, and Cloudburst Gray. Opt for the F Sport model and there are some exclusive shades, including Ultra Sonic Blue Mica 2.0, Obsidian, and Ultra White.

More significant changes have taken place inside the cabin where the entire dashboard has been redesigned. Thankfully, the much-criticized touchpad has been eliminated, replaced by an all-new touchscreen infotainment system measuring 9.8 inches as standard, and upgradable to 14 inches. It’s joined by a seven-inch digital instrument cluster lending the NX’s interior a far more modern layout. At an additional cost, buyers will be able to order a 10-inch head-up display, a first for the crossover.

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to powertrains. The base model carries the NX 250 moniker and uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (250 Newton-meters) of torque. It works with an eight-speed automatic transmission to send power to the front wheels, enabling a sprint to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. You can also have it with all-wheel drive, in which case the sprint is completed in 8.6 seconds.

Step up to the NX 350 and you’ll be rewarded with a completely new turbocharged 2.4-liter engine linked to an eight-speed auto. It pumps out an estimated 275 hp and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) and completes the sprint in 6.8 seconds or half a second quicker than the model it replaces.

Next is the NX 350h, which uses a 2.5-liter engine and a pair of electric motors for a combined output of 239 hp or 20% more than before. Lexus says the electrified version will return 36 miles per gallon, which represents a massive increase of six mpg compared to the previous vehicle. At the same time, it’s also 1.5 seconds quicker to 60 mph, with the task taking 7.2 seconds.

The range-topping model goes by the name of NX 450h+ and utilizes a PHEV system. Toyota’s luxury division claims it will cover up to 36 miles (58 kilometers) solely on electric power, courtesy of a new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack. The combined output has yet to be announced, but Lexus says it’s the “EV equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine.” The inline-four, 2.5-liter engine at the core of the PHEV system enables the flagship NX to hit 60 mph in six seconds flat.

As far as charging is concerned, it takes around two and a half hours to replenish the battery using a maximum charging current of 240V provided the NX 450h+ is fitted with the optional 6.6 kW charger. Use the standard 3.3 kW charger and it will take four and a half hours to fully charge the battery. It’s worth mentioning this PHEV version has a full-time, electronically controlled AWD setup.

Lexus will commence production of the second-generation NX in the third quarter of 2021 and kick off deliveries before the year’s end, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Source: Lexus

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Thankfully, Lexus will revamp the Toyota RAV4’s fancy sibling soon as the wraps are coming off the second-generation NX on June 12. To ease the wait, a teaser image gives us an idea of what to expect from the rear end design where the posh crossover is getting a wide LED light bar stretching across the entire width of the tailgate to meet the taillights. You’ll also notice the company’s badge has been replaced by “LEXUS” lettering in the center of the tailgate.

Details about the underpinnings have not been disclosed, but the new NX should continue to be mechanically related to the RAV4. We’re hearing the NX 350h hybrid will be joined by a more potent 450h+ version with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, presumably carried over from the RAV4 Prime (rebadged as a Suzuki Across in Europe). If that’s the case, expect a combined output of 302 hp and 353 lb-ft of torque.

In the Toyota version, the PHEV punch is good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in a remarkable 5.7 seconds. The plug-in hybrid system encompasses a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine working together with a pair of electric motors, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), an 18.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, and an all-wheel-drive system. To get an idea about fuel economy, the RAV4 Prime returns 38 miles per gallon in the combined cycle and has a pure electric range of 42 miles.

The rumor mill also indicates Lexus is introducing a completely new infotainment system, one that will thankfully come with a touchscreen. An entirely digital driver’s display is also expected, along with other tech goodies varying from a head-up display to a wireless charging pad.

Full details will be disclosed in a week from Saturday when we’re expecting to learn about the electrified powertrains as well.

Source: Lexus

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