2015 Lexus NX offers bold design, compact luxury

Thu, 10 Apr 2014

Meet the all-new NX, Lexus' entry into the space occupied by the likes of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Based off the LF-NX Concept and sharing much of the design language seen on the polarizing IS sedan, the NX looks to be a rather sporty Lexus crossover.

The big news here is under the hood: the NX will be the first Lexus to use a turbocharged engine. That's right, a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder can be found in both the NX 200t and NX 200t F Sport. There will also be an NX 300h, and if Lexus' nomenclature remains consistent, we already know all about that one. As of right now, there aren't a lot of details on either powertrain, although with the NX's Beijing debut still over a week away, here's hoping we know more soon.

As for that design... well, we're waiting to see it up close. The initial reaction from the Autoblog team has been mixed so far. Like the IS, there are plenty of sharp angles, while the front is dominated by the brand's spindle grille. Lexus' designers have refined the shape of the headlights, giving them a cleaner overall look than on the pioneering IS. In back, LED taillights come standard. According to Lexus, 17-inch wheels are the base rollers, while 18s are optional.

The interior, meanwhile, is a rather clean piece of design, with long, unbroken stretches of what looks like leather on the dash complemented with strips of wood or metal, depending on trim level. We're guessing that the black interior with red seats belongs to the F Sport model, which uses completely different buckets for the front passengers.

Take a look up top for a full gallery of studio images taken by our own Drew Phillips, and then scroll down for the press release and official gallery from Lexus.

All-New Lexus NX Compact Crossover Launches With Marque's First Turbo Powertrain
Available With Three Powertrains: Gasoline Turbo NX 200t, Naturally Aspirated NX 200, and Full Hybrid NX 300h
Lexus Enters Luxury Compact Crossover Segment
NX Reveal at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20

BEIJING – April 11, 2014 – There's a first for everything! The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand's first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features.

Lexus will maintain its role as the luxury hybrid leader with six hybrid models including the
NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus' luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the popular RX.

The Lexus LF-NX concepts, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, influenced the striking and emotional design of the NX. The sharply styled crossover will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20.

Chief engineer Takeaki Kato and his team developed NX as a luxury vehicle that provides versatility and details unexpected in its class to young, urban drivers.

Exterior Design

The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline.

As with all Lexus vehicles, the aggressive exterior starts with the spindle grille. Innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus' bold styling.

The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX's wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares.
The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels.

The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.
?
?Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.

The rear is punctuated by Lexus' signature 'L' shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design.

The NX 200t F SPORT will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance.

Interior Design

The NX's cabin combines the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with luxury materials that maximizes functionality. The combination of hard metallic surfaces and contrasting soft materials help create a unique interior.

A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.

Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance.

Technology

The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.

The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi- information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

By Brandon Turkus