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Lexus has announced the world premiere of the all-new NX, the first model of Lexus’ next-generation range. The NX, as well as the forthcoming model lineup, will better meet the diversifying needs and lifestyles of customers the world over, and in doing so, will promote the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Since its establishment in 1989, Lexus has been committed to the spirit of innovation and has continued to take on the challenge of providing new technologies and values to its customers. With the launch of the first-generation RX in 1998, Lexus created a new category of luxury crossover SUV and has been a leader in the realm ever since. In 2014, Lexus launched the NX, based on the concept of “Premium Urban Sports Gear.” Since then, the luxury crossover has been well-received by customers for its agile driving performance and powerful design. As of the end of April 2021, the NX has sold a cumulative total of approximately 1 million units in more than 90 countries and regions, and together with the RX, has grown to become a core global model for Lexus.
The new NX is the first model to introduce the next generation of Lexus and is based on the development concept of “Vital x Tech Gear.” This concept combines vital dynamism (Vital) with advanced technology (Tech). The new NX features improved linear response thanks to the strengthening of the car’s fundamentals, a design that attracts attention with athletic proportions, and many advanced, new technologies. Also, in order to establish the unique driving experience to be found in future electrified vehicles, Lexus focused on thoroughly improving driving control, aerodynamics, and weight reduction. In addition, based on the “Lexus Electrified” electrification vision, the new NX will be available as both HEV and―a Lexus first―PHEV, further accelerating the rollout of electrified vehicles. In addition, Lexus will respond to the diversifying needs of customers by offering a wide lineup of powertrains, including models powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated or a 2.4-liter turbocharged engines, among others.
Main Features
- The NX adopts a variety of powertrains to meet the diversifying needs of customers and to contribute to a carbon-neutral society.
- Available powertrains include Lexus’ first PHEV, an HEV-equipped with high-capacity battery, a newly developed 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine―all with high thermal efficiency.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on models equipped with PHEV and 2.4-liter turbo powertrains, whilst both AWD and front-wheel drive (FWD) are available on the models equipped with HEV and 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated powertrains.
- The evolution of Lexus’ unique driving signature, focusing on the control of driving force to deliver a sense of stability, power, and security.
- Lexus engineers have focused on developing a linear driving feel that possesses a direct steering communication between driver and vehicle. Extensive vehicle evaluation was carried out at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, thus enhancing the “Lexus Driving Signature” and ensuring the NX faithfully responds to drivers’ intentions.
- Newly-developed, electronically-controlled full-time AWD has been adopted for the 2.4-liter turbocharged model.
- The next generation of Lexus design is rooted in athletic proportions and contributes to an impression of performance and function, reflecting the diversifying needs and lifestyles of global customers.
- The NX displays elements of an evolved Lexus design language that pursues “Simplicity” rooted in technology and “Uniqueness” in proportions that contribute to a dynamic performance.
- The NX’s exterior design expresses a captivating form, modeling large surface units across a new, dynamic framework that has been realized through an all-new vehicle platform.
- The NX’s interior is the first to fully incorporate the Tazuna Concept, a cockpit concept that allows the driver to intuitively connect with the car and concentrate more on driving operations.
- The NX adopts the latest preventive safety technologies, as well as advanced convenience technologies, as part of the luxury brand’s human-centered approach.
- The next-generation “Lexus Safety System +” delivers cutting-edge safety technology by seamlessly partnering with and supporting the driver at all times.
- The Lexus-first e-latch system electronically controls the latching and unlatching of doors. This feature is combined with a blind spot monitor to provide a “safe exit assist function (with control door opening) , a world-first feature that helps to prevent accidents caused by door operation when the vehicle is stopped.
- A digital key that allows vehicle operation via smartphone.
- The NX can be equipped with a Lexus-first “Advanced Park” system. The remote parking function enables remote control from outside the vehicle via a digital key and assists with parking in unfamiliar or confined spaces.
Takeaki Kano, Chief Engineer, Lexus International, said: “The development of the new NX was a series of new challenges for Lexus. We implemented “digital development” to ensure quality by evaluating the well thought-out design structure under various conditions using computer models to check productivity. In terms of driving, professional racing drivers conducted an evaluation test drive at the Shimoyama test course to thoroughly train the car’s body structure and control the driving force to inherit and evolve the Lexus driving flavor.
“The powertrain lineup is diverse, including Lexus’ first PHEV, a newly developed 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, and a newly developed electronically controlled full-time AWD, as well as a number of advanced technologies and a new generation of multimedia. The attractive design and performance of our products have been achieved through the cooperation of our suppliers and many innovations in production technology. Planning, development, production engineering, and manufacturing are connected online across national borders in a difficult environment such as limited mobility, and for the first time for Lexus, production will be carried out at three locations around the world. All of this has been done with the full force of our team working together for the smiles of our customers. We hope you will experience the challenge of the new generation of Lexus and the new NX that we, the development team, have poured our passion into delivering.”
Lexus’ First PHEV Accelerates the Spread of Electric Vehicles
Based on its “Lexus Electrified” electrification vision announced in 2019, Lexus aims to continue providing customers with the enjoyment and pleasure that cars bring, even in this era of ever-changing mobility society. Doing so will necessitate the evolution of its vehicles’ basic performance. Lexus will therefore accelerate the spread of electrified vehicles (along with HEVs) by introducing the brand’s first PHEV powertrain in the all-new Lexus NX. The global core model will offer a practical EV range, powerful acceleration performance, and superior quietness.
Plug-in Hybrid System
The plug-in hybrid system used in the PHEV version of the NX is equipped with a thermally-efficient 2.5-liter inline-four engine, a high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion battery, and front and rear motors. The lithium-ion battery has an impressive power output of 18.1 kilowatt-hour (kWh), providing a class-leading EV range and power for daily driving. The driver can alternate at will among four driving modes (EV mode, AUTO EV/HV mode, HV mode, and Self-charge mode) at the touch of a switch. In HV mode, the engine and motor work together to achieve high acceleration performance. In addition, when AUTO EV/HV mode is selected with a destination inputted into the navigation system, Lexus’ first anticipatory EV/HV mode will automatically switch to HV mode on highways and other road conditions based upon data such as remaining battery power, route, and traffic information, all for the achievement of energy-efficient driving.
