A fresh new life for Lexus’ NX

Bridging the gap between the UX and RX models, the second-generation Lexus NX is now available to order in South Africa. 

The new Lexus NX launches locally with two models; NX 250 EX and NX 350 F Sport with a trinity of hybrid models earmarked to join the range before the end of the year. The EX derivative ushers buyers into the range with a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with 152 kW and 239 Nm of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels thus giving the EX a 9.1-second sprint time to 100 km/h. 

The Lexus NX F Sport wields a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 205 kW and 430 Nm paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission that channels power to all four wheels. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h 7.0 seconds.

The NX range can be had in nine colour options; Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black, Terrane Khaki, Celestial Blue, Blazing Carnelian, Black and Madder Red with the F Sport adding bespoke hues in the form of White Nova and Poseidon Blue. 

There are three trim upholstery colours for the EX trim; Hazel, Black and Rich Cream – will be available for the EX grade. The F Sport can be had in F Sport Black, F Sport White and the newly available F Sport Flare Red.

The Lexus NX 250 EX is fitted with 18” alloy wheels, LED headlamps with automatic high-beam, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and the human-centric Tazuna cockpit concept - with a 14” touch display. 

The system allows DAB+ digital radio, "Hey Lexus!" natural speech recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The NX 350 F Sport adds distinctive design 20” alloy wheels, tri-beam LED headlamps with an adaptive high-beam system, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic view monitor, opening and closing the panoramic sunroof and F Sport-exclusive styling elements. A 14” touch-display, satellite navigation, high-grade digital instrument cluster plus colour head-up display, 17-speaker Mark Levinson, also form part of the package. 

The exterior boasts dark chrome exterior details plus a unique F Sport design mesh grille. The front and rear bumpers feature fresh new designs and now incorporate larger side vents cut into the front bumper. 

Underneath, the NX 350 F Sport spawns a standard Adaptive Variable Suspension, five-stage Drive Mode Select and performance dampers front and rear.

The models retail from R860,000 for the NX 250 EX and R1,075,400 for the NX 350 F Sport. They are sold with a seven-year/105,000 km Warranty and full Maintenance Plan.