5 Ways The New Lexus NX Will Be Better Than Its Predecessor

Published February 17, 2022
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3 min read

The new update will be packed with some much-needed safety features

Toyota’s luxury marque is set to revamp its entry-level offering in India, the Lexus NX 350h, with a new iteration. The next-generation luxury SUV gets a slew of new features and a more powerful self-charging mild-hybrid powertrain. It’s available for official bookings, and it’s expected to fetch a premium over the existing NX SUV that retails from Rs 58.2 lakh (ex-showroom) upon launch.

Here are five things you need to know about the upcoming compact luxury SUV:

More modern on the outside:

Don’t get us wrong – the current NX is a looker, but Lexus has swapped its Katana-cut body lines for softer curves and sharper features. The headlamps are larger with inset LED DRLs, and the reshaped grille and bumper lend the front fascia a cleaner, less-busy appearance. At the rear, the new rounded tail lamps are connected by an LED taillight element. The new NX is based on the Lexus GA-K platform that offers more cabin space and luggage capacity.

Quicker than the outgoing NX:

You can find the same 2.5-litre engine in the 2022 Lexus NX as its predecessor, but it’s been tuned differently. It now produces a combined total of 240PS and 250Nm, about 40PS and 40Nm more than before. The bump might seem marginal, but it makes for a much quicker SUV with a claimed 0-100kmph time of 7.2 seconds than the outgoing model’s 9.2-second acceleration time.

It still has a complex mild-hybrid AWD drivetrain:

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Its 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with two electric starter generator motors. The engine sends power to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox, assisted by one of the integrated motors. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, but the rear wheels aren’t mechanically connected to the engine. Instead, the NX SUV has a separate electric motor at the rear axles that powers the aft wheels in the most efficient way possible.

Revamped driver-centric interiors

Lexus has given the NX a new dashboard with a larger 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The touchscreen and climate controls are tilted towards the driver, and the centre console and most of the switches are redesigned. It also has a new 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch multi-information display for the driver. As before, you’ll get a panoramic sunroof, 8-way powered and heated front seats, and electronically opening tailgate.

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Beefed-up Safety

We already had a set of eight airbags and front and rear parking sensors in the Lexus NX. The 2022 model will add high-beam assistance and “approaching vehicle detection” to the front and rear parking sensors. In addition, it will likely be available with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assistance features comprising auto emergency braking, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. But the ‘3.0’ version takes safety a step further with its emergency steering assist and a new adaptive cruise control system that detects and adjusts speed according to the curves in the road. The new Lexus NX can even brake to prevent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian when turning left or right at traffic lights.