In its second generation, the Lexus NX 350h has improved in everything. The Japanese crossover shines by offering a luxurious interior, high ride comfort and amazingly low fuel consumption that makes it one of the best buys in its segment.
On this occasion we put under the magnifying glass the second generation of one of the most successful Lexus models, the NX. A family crossover that stands up to traditional German premium models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. To do this, the new Lexus NX It has its own weapons.
One of these weapons is design. Lexus has evolved the “L-finesse” style of the previous model to offer a more sophisticated and personal proposal, with a body with curved surfaces contrasting with sharp angles. The characteristic double arrowhead grille is not missing, which in the new NX has an integrated frame and gains in verticality. It is the focal point from which all other design elements flow.
Along with the grille, it is accompanied by stylized LED headlights that now have an adaptive function, a novelty in the Japanese brand. Unlike the previous model, the lighting functions are part of a single optical group. In the side view, this model stands out for the alloy wheels up to 20 inchesshort overhangs and a very vertical rear window.
The rear is characterized by taillights complemented by a bar that runs the width of the vehicle and the appearance of the name “Lexus” in the center of the tailgate. In short, a modern and sophisticated design. Forming part of the D-SUV segment, the Japanese crossover has dimensions marked on 4.66m long, 1.85 m wide and 1.64 m high. In the range it is located between the UX and the RX.
For the first time the NX range is divided in two. There is a non-plug-in hybrid or hybrid variant self-recharging as Lexus says, which already existed in the previous model and also the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid version which proudly boasts of being Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid. In this test I am going to focus on the non-plug-in hybrid version, which is the one that will concentrate a greater volume of sales, that is, on the Lexus NX 350h.
It has the same name as the same version of the previous generation but it changes practically everything. It has a new platform (the GA-K global architecture), a new hybrid system, … in short, compared to the previous model, 95% of the parts of this NX are new. That shows how hard Lexus has been to make this generation better at everything.
A cabin brimming with quality
Inside it impresses but before accessing the passenger compartment I am going to mention one of the things that most dazzles me about this car and it is how the doors open. The Lexus NX has the E-Latch electronic opening and closing system. That means that when we pull the handle there is no mechanical movement. The handle does not move, there is a kind of button integrated in the inner part that makes the door open very delicately. But the operation inside is even more exquisite.
On the inside panel of the door there is not a handle but a button and without noise, without effort, the door can be opened. The smoothness with which it opens I have not experienced with any other car. It is also a much more natural and ergonomic way of opening because the movement accompanies the door. As if this were not enough, the safe exit assistant linked to the blind spot monitor detects if a vehicle or cyclist is approaching and, if so, prevents the door from opening to prevent accidents.
It is often said that what is important is on the inside and if so, the new NX has a lot to say. You will not find another Lexus with this cabin because it is the first model of the Japanese brand that uses the Tazuna concepta new interior design philosophy whose key is an enveloping driving position that unifies the design of the door, the instrument panel and the center console.
Everything in this interior shows a lot of care and a high quality of execution with soft materials, wood inserts or leather upholstery with various colors to choose from. The equipment available on the NX 350h is extensive as expected in a luxury car and you can enjoy heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a brand new 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound systema wireless charging base for smartphones, an ambient lighting system with various colors to choose from or a digital interior mirror.
In front of the driver is a handmade leather steering wheel with touch buttons and a digital instrumentation with a 7-inch screen whose information is complemented by a head-up display that projects the data directly on the windshield. To the right is one of the largest screens that can be found inside a car.
Indeed, it draws attention to huge 14-inch screen Lexus Link Pro infotainment system. Despite its large size, it is easy to touch even the most remote areas without separating the back from the back of the seat. Another ergonomic detail is that the touch screen is combined with some physical buttons for the most frequent functions, a very successful solution.
This is the best multimedia system Lexus has created to date. It works very quickly, it is fluid, it has an intuitive handling and integrates an intelligent voice assistant. Of course enjoy connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It receives wireless software updates and the navigation system is connected to the cloud to display up-to-date real-time information on traffic conditions or fuel prices at service stations.
This family-oriented crossover has some very spacious rear seats at all elevations to the point where three adult passengers will do reasonably well. Under the seat is the high-voltage battery of the hybrid system so as not to reduce any space in this second row.
Unlike other cars, the rear windows go down completely and also the electric windows act very smoothly, they have a silent operation showing two speeds to guarantee that delicacy. It is another demonstration of Lexus in its search for a pleasant operation of each element.
Other comfort details for users of these seats are the air vents, the two USB-C sockets, the folding armrest and the pockets behind the front backrests. I can’t forget to mention that the squares at the ends are heated. There is no denying that the second row is well resolved.
Before driving this hybrid version of the Lexus crossover, it is necessary to review the available cargo space. The tailgate is electric and has a hands-free function giving access to a 554 liter trunk. Everything is very well finished, there are some hooks, a 12V socket and a compartment under the floor. Of course, the load volume can be expanded by folding down the rear seat backrests to achieve up to 1,436 liters of capacity.
How efficient is the Lexus NX 350h?
Time to press the power button on the NX 350h. Lexus has been a manufacturer very committed to electrification for years and, while other brands are launching their first hybrid cars now, under the hood of this NX is what is already the fourth generation hybrid system from Lexus. Experience is a degree and it shows, for example, in consumption.
The NX is a big, powerful crossover so a noticeable power drain is to be expected. Hybridization achieves the wonder that consumption is amazingly contained. During the days that it has accompanied me on my tours, the consumption that I have been obtaining with this electrified car has been around 5.5 l/100 km. It seems to me a formidable data for a vehicle of these characteristics.
The hybrid system uses a four-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery with 1.6 kWh capacity and an e-CVT transmission. In total it develops 242 hp transmitted to the ground through a system of front or all wheel drive depending on the version. Four-wheel drive is achieved by adding a second electric motor acting on the rear axle.
The Japanese manufacturer has not only made an effort to make a more efficient model but also more comfortable. It is very pleasant to drive, I would even say relaxing because it runs smooth as silk in most circumstances. And above all it is very quiet, especially in those phases in which it circulates in 100% electric mode. In addition, there is a button on the console that forces the system to scroll in zero emissions mode if there is sufficient charge in the battery.
Compared to the previous generation, the new NX has a stiffer chassis, a lower center of gravity and better steering feel. If you like to do dynamic driving frequently, it is advisable to choose the F Sport finish. It adds some aesthetic and equipment elements but the interesting thing is that this version includes a Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). Thanks to it, by putting the exclusive Sport + driving mode, the damping hardens and makes this crossover more agile and fun.
In addition, the NX has the third generation of the Japanese brand’s active safety systems and the highest rating in the Euro NCAP tests. The Lexus Safety System+ 3 complemented by the extended safety package includes, among other things, pre-collision system with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane keeping and change assistants, cross traffic alert and traffic signals.
The Lexus NX 350h is for sale at Spanish dealers from 51,300 euros not including discounts or promotions. The manufacturer’s warranty is three years or 100,000 km but with the Lexus Relax program customers can extend this coverage up to 10 years or 160,000 km.