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The Lexus NX hybrid accelerates the proliferation of electrified models that put a halo of green around the brand.
Japanese automakers have gained an undisputed reputation for exceptional quality and extreme reliability in the auto industry. Nonetheless, it's hard to imagine that Japanese luxury was once a foreign concept for the U.S. consumer. Lexus stepped up and has remedied this misnomer over the last two decades through upscale sedans and SUVs. As a result, Lexus has become one of America's leading luxury brands, and it has gone a step further to put a halo of green around its brand.
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The Lexus NX is one of the SUVs in the current lineup that Lexus chose to include in the 'Lexus Electrified' initiative, a plan that will accelerate the proliferation of electrified models. In addition to regular gasoline trims, Lexus offers the second-generation Lexus NX in two hybrid variants: the first-ever Lexus plug-in hybrid and a base hybrid model. As we explore this next chapter of Lexus, here are ten reasons why you should buy a Lexus NX Hybrid.
The Lexus NX Hybrid carries forth the brand's concepts of 'Premium Urban Sports Gear' and 'Vital x Tech Gear' designed to attract attention through athletic proportions and advanced, new technologies. The powerful exterior design results from these ideas, characterized by the L-shaped daytime running lights and an updated grille pattern with a frame that integrates well into the SUV's body.
The centrally-placed Lexus logo is notably redesigned to exude a more advanced and modern expression in the rear. Other design cues include a full-width rear combination lamp and L-shaped lamps on the rear fender. Besides functioning as a taillight, the light bar lamps are constantly illuminated at night to illuminate the rear Lexus signature.
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For the first time in the Lexus brand, the hood features a twin lock system. Despite this being a technical upgrade, it improves the aerodynamics of the Lexus NX Hybrid, not to mention adding front lateral flexural rigidity.
Adoption of the Lexus GA-K platform affords the NX Hybrid a practical interior with increased head and legroom compared to the previous generation model. Optional interior features include heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, black open-pore wood trim, and an ambient lighting system with 64 unique color choices.
The new platform also means additional cargo space in the second generation, which translates to 643 liters of space behind the rear seats. Although the room increases to a practically acceptable 1,328 liters with the rear seats down, the NX Hybrid has a below-average space compared to other rivals in the luxury SUV class.
Lexus incorporated the 'Tazuna' concept for the NX Hybrid's interior design, a meticulous driver-centered cockpit concept that allows the driver to intuitively connect with the technology in the car while concentrating more on driving. The center stack boasts a 9.8-inch touchscreen with an impressive range of multimedia features within easy reach. At the same time, dial controls remain present for frequently used functions such as media volume and climate control.
A 7-inch multi-instrument display or an optional 10-inch head-up display are well-designed and visible to convey relevant information, alerts, and updates within the driver's line of sight. Other driving-related functions are cleverly placed on the steering wheel, providing intuitive operation for the driver with eyes pinned on the road.
Interestingly, Lexus developed an all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system specifically for the North American market. The eye-catching 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen infotainment flaunts a new Human Machine Interface to balance accessibility needs and enhance interaction through touch, sight, and voice. A Voice Assistant allows users to interact with the multimedia system, a voice-first approach that utilizes dual microphones, seat detection, noise cancellation, and speaker location capabilities.
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With integrated Google POI data and 100% cloud capability, the interface offers accurate directions and mapping, not forgetting over-the-air updates. The interface allows for a User Profile feature to retain personal settings and experience that drivers can access on the go on any Lexus Interface-equipped vehicle.
The NX Hybrid comes with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive driver-assist and safety feature suite. Driver assists include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management.
Compared to the old system, the contemporary suite adds Road Sign Assist, Pre-collision System, Intelligent High Beam, and Lane Assistance. The NX Hybrid also features a Digital Latch System to enable smooth door opening, Safe Exit Assist alerts to avoid the risk of accidental contact with cyclists or vehicles, and an optional Digital Mirror for a clear view of obstacles behind the SUV.
The Lexus NX 350h boasts a Lexus Hybrid Drive system that pairs a D4-S fuel-injection 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric drive motor-generators for 240hp. The powertrain features an AWD system that employs a third, independent electric drive motor to drive the NX 350h's rear wheels when necessary to ensure optimal traction.
The top-spec NX 450h+ is available with the first plug-in hybrid system ever fitted in a Lexus, combining a hybrid transaxle with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine for 304hp. Derived from the RAV4 Prime, this exciting powertrain option relies on a high-capacity 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery for an estimated 36-mile range on electric power only.
The Lexus 350h comes with a drive-mode selector that offers four presets: Eco mode, Sport mode, Sport+ mode, and Custom mode. Eco is the smoothest driving mode with slowed engine and gearbox response time, Sport offers more responsive throttle inputs, Sport+ sharpens the responses even further, and Custom allows the driver to customize the available preferences.
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The Lexus NX 450h+ allows the driver to toggle between four drive modes: EV mode, Auto EV/HEV mode, HEV mode, and Self-Charge mode. EV mode lets the car run on electricity stored in the traction battery, Auto EV/HV enables the vehicle to automatically shift between hybrid or pure electric depending on the available charge, HEV lets the SUV run on the hybrid powertrain, and Self-Charge allows the traction battery to charge using engine power.
Lexus offers the NX Plug-in Hybrid with an optional F Sport package, a handling package that turns up the driving dynamics with a sporty feel. The package includes an Active Variable Suspension, solenoid-actuated shock absorbers, and front and rear performance dampers to amplify the NX 450h+ sporty dynamics.
Besides performance, the F Sport package equips the NX 450h+ with a dedicated F Sport grille and front/rear bumpers. Additional interior features include exclusive dark graphite aluminum ornamentation, a newly-developed steering wheel, sports seats, a special meter, aluminum pedals, and scuff plates.
Unsurprisingly, the Lexus NX Hybrid offers solid fuel economy estimates that illustrate the automaker's hybrid leadership. The NX 350h offers an EPA-estimated 41mpg city, 37mpg highway, and an impressive 39mpg combined. On the other hand, the NX 450h+ offers a combined 36mpg on gas and a combined 84mpg-e with the plug-in hybrid system engaged.
Lexus fitted the hybrids with a Predictive Efficient Drive system that couples with the navigation system to learn drivers' habits. The system analyzes real-time traffic reports and predicts the expected roadway to optimize the charging and discharging of the hybrid battery. As the system accumulates knowledge of driver behavior, it can anticipate where and when the SUV is likely to slow down or stop to increase regenerative braking.
Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.