Lexus NX: all the info on the plug-in hybrid SUV

The Lexus NX is renewed and offers a second generation, equipping for the first time with a plug-in hybrid engine.

There is something new on the home side Lexus ! It had been some time now that we expected the arrival of a new generation of the NX. The brand had indeed unveiled a few weeks earlier a first teaser of the SUV, announcing a new version that was beginning to be delayed? And for good reason, the first generation was launched in 2014, then announced by the concept LF-NX, who was widely talked about at the time because of his tortured style to say the least. Restyled in 2017 with evolutions focusing mainly on the front end, the compact SUV was then given a little facelift, remaining quite subtle. Four years later, a whole new generation makes its appearance, which changes its style, obviously, but also its range of engines. Until then only offered as a simple hybrid, the SUV is indeed available for the first time in a plug-in hybrid. A real leap forward which should appeal to customers.

If the Lexus NX has never really been in lace, this new generation is still a cut above in terms of aggressiveness. Here again, it is especially on the side of the front that the changes are most visible, while the designers in charge of the project have worked to give even more character to the SUV. On the program, therefore, an enlarged and more vertical grille, now surrounded by optics in a single part now. At the rear, the changes are a little more discreet, but we note that the lights are now connected to each other by a light strip, very trendy. A detail that did not come out of nowhere, since it is already present at the back of the small Lexus UX. 2 centimeters longer, this new NX also gains in habitability, while the driving position has been extensively reworked. The new 9.8 to 14 inch touch screen is then associated with a digital handset, while it is possible to take advantage of Android andApple CarPlay sans fil.

An unprecedented rechargeable motorization

As you will have understood, this new generation of the Lexus NX is making a leap forward on all points, without changing everything. This is also the case under the hood, since the SUV remains in the continuity of the first generation by retaining a hybrid engine, while evolving quite significantly all the same. And for good reason, this time, the SUV switches to the plug-in hybrid, thus becoming the first plug-in model of the Japanese brand. A small revolution therefore, although customers should not be too disoriented either. Indeed, the engineers have in fact taken the technology already present under the hood of the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, as well as on its clone, the new Suzuki Across. The driver will therefore be able to benefit from some 306 horsepower, resulting from the alliance between a 2.5-liter petrol engine with Atkinson cycle and an electric motor. An evolution that we owe to GA-K platform which makes this configuration possible, while the simple hybrid 350h version is still available.

It then develops 242 horsepower, while CO2 emissions are down 10%, enough to seduce customers, at a time when this aspect is increasingly decisive in the purchasing process. It should also be noted that this new generation offers a Lexus Safety System + more advanced than ever, integrating devices capable of detecting trees, pedestrians or even poles. Pricing has yet to be announced, but they should undoubtedly be known in the coming weeks, as orders get ready to open.