An Efficient, Safety Orientated, Performance Crossover

 

A significant message Lexus is putting out for 2022 is…”over the next four years, half of the twenty new, or updated Lexus models, will be Electrified”.  NX Hybrids are expected to be 23% of those sales.

 

For the majority of potential owners the winner I believe will be the 350h as its priced $500 below the gas version NX 350. The new pricing strategy will allow more customers to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid powertrain that provides superior mileage, combined EPA MPG 39 over the gas models MPG 25.  The marketing strategy of pricing 350h hybrid models below gas models I believe will be recognized as an industry milestone for converting customers to hybrid technology.

 

 

 Nos últimos anos, talvez muitos compradores em potencial de SUVs/Crossovers tenham deixado de comprá-los devido às suas qualidades de manuseio em ventos fortes e capotamento em comparação com os sedãs. A Lexus transformou a suspensão do NX 2022 em um ponto focal, abordando como a suspensão afeta a qualidade de condução, o manuseio, o silêncio e a segurança.

confiança geral do motorista.

 

 

 Veja como eles dirigiram. Para a classe de tamanho de veículo em que o NX compete, esse Crossover/SUV é ágil e muito capaz em estradas sinuosas. Tanto o 350h quanto o 450h+, em particular, inspiraram confiança para fazer curvas fechadas em alta velocidade sem que os pneus se esfregassem ou houvesse inclinação excessiva e rolagem da carroceria.

  

 

 A qualidade da direção foi excelente, sem nenhuma aspereza em lombadas ou superfícies ásperas. A cabine permaneceu silenciosa em velocidades de rodovia, proporcionando um ambiente próximo de casa para desfrutar da clareza do sistema de áudio.

  

Lexus’ redesigned its suspension systems to include Adaptive Variable Suspension on the NX F Sport models. While the NX F Sport was not available at the media presentation I expect it will satisfy owners seeking sports car handling relative to NX’s size. AWD is offered on the 350h and is standard on the 450h+.  AWD is a contributor to the overall handling qualities of the NX and should be a strong  consideration for those dealing with rain and snow.

 

 

A potência é fornecida por quatro trens de força distintos:

 

 

2.5L 4 cilindros

2.4L  Turbocharged 4-cylinder.

203 hp
275 hp

184 lb-ft de torque
Torque de 317 lb-pé

Automático de 8 velocidades
Automático de 8 velocidades

FWD ou AWD
AWD padrão

Combined EPA MPG 28         Combined EPA MPG 25

0-60 mph 8.2 sec (FWD).       Full time AWD

8,6 segundos (AWD)
0-60 mph 6,6 s

 

 

2.5L 4-cylinder Hybrid.          2.5L 4-cylinder
Híbrido plug-in

239 total system hp               302
hp total

CVT eletrônico
CVT eletrônico

AWD
AWD

Combined EPA MPG 39      Combined EPA MPG 84

0-6 mph 7,2 s
0-60 mph 6,0 seg

Estimativa de alcance EV de 37 milhas

 

 

The 450h+ is designated by a power budge on the hood to accommodate the 450h+ power plant. Owners will be able to run with and out run some sporty vehicles with 0 to 60 mph performance of six seconds flat in the 450h+.  The 350h comes in at 7.2 seconds which should be competitive but less than the 350 gas that turns a 0-60 mph of 6.6 seconds. All three of these models have the power necessary for safely passing on two lane roads.

 

The NX 350h has a fourth-generation hybrid drive with a two-motor transaxle/single motor rear differential and utilizes a lithium-ion battery. The 450h+ adds to those specs a 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery allowing for an estimated 37 miles of EV driving range. A full charge is achieved in 2.5 hours from a 240V outlet.  Many owners will appreciate that there is an optional 6.6kW on board charger.

 

 

If the latest connected services are a large part of your purchase decision, then NX has to be a top contender. The connected services are in five categories: Drive, Remote, Safety, Wi-Fi and Service. Each of these categories perform four to six unique functions. The connected services include Virtual Assistant. Navigation is cloud-based and Google powered.  The wireless charging is a simple welcome addition. The Lexus Interface has a 10-inch color Head-Up display standard with a 14” touchscreen optional. I found the Head-Up display useful and functional even with a blazing Arizona sun torching the windshield.

 

 

The digital rear-view mirror is unique and another of the many very functional safety systems in this newly designed NX 2022 line up. The new safety systems are so numerous that space does not allow me to properly address them. They include Remote Park and in particular Front Cross-Traffic Alert to prevent collisions when making left turns.  I did not have time to adapt to the Panoramic View Monitor display which was a distraction for me.

 

 

Digital latches exterior and interior are a first and unique in design and use. Not to worry if the battery dies as you can still open the doors. A power folding rear seat is available. With the front seats set for a six foot driver the rear leg room may be a comprise for some people. Cargo capacity has increased by 14%.  Standard wheels are 18” with 20” optional. To size up matters for your garage here are the critical NX numbers: overall length 183.5”, width 73.4”, height 65.3”.

 

 

Oito cores externas são oferecidas e três adicionais são exclusivas da linha F Sport. Há quatro opções de cores internas para o 350h e o 450h+, cada uma podendo ser selecionada em Nuluxe ou couro. O F Sport tem duas cores, mas elas só vêm em Nuluxe, não há oferta de couro.

 

 

Para os audiófilos, há um amplificador de 1.800 watts, com 12 canais que alimentam 17 alto-falantes do principal fabricante de áudio, Mark Levinson. Esse sistema me fez sentir como se eu estivesse em um cinema, assistindo a um filme de ação. A clareza e a revelação do sistema Mark Levinson superam o desempenho do sistema doméstico da maioria dos proprietários. O Lexus Premium Audio padrão, com 296 watts em 10 alto-falantes, tem a qualidade de som necessária para satisfazer a maioria dos proprietários.

 

 

Conclusão: Lexus like all manufacturers designing a new or replacement vehicle study the competitive leaders and look to top or match them. This is what Lexus has done with the new NX by stepping up their game in every category.  They have succeed, in particular in the major categories of Price, Performance, Technology and Safety.  The highlight model in the line for me was the NX 450h+ which I preferred over the larger F Sport RX. Lexus is making the transition into hybrids easier with the ‘Affordability Factor’ as a key element.

 

  

NX 250 FWD $37,950  –  NX 250 AWD $39,505  –  NX 350
$41,550  –  NX 350h $41,050  –  NX 450h+ $55,560

  

 

P.S. The author also drove the IS 500 on mountain and freeway roads back to the AZ Biltmore. This is one hell of a hot rod with a sleeper 5.0 liter motor pushing out 472 hp through AWD and a taught suspension. The press notes did not show a 0-60 mph, just know this IS 500 accelerates in an instant  rush of power. I was glad I moved to the third lane as I saw the motorcycle cop follow and pull over the Dodge Challenger that passed me …

 

… notes from The EDJE