Daily Slideshow: A Fresh Makeover For the Lexus NX SUV
The Lexus NX has been a solid SUV choice from its inception, and the new models offer a bolder look.
1. Improving upon a legacy of elegance.
There's always real hype around this time of year for car lovers. There's a real fascination in finally getting to see what the newer and (hopefully) improved versions of our favorite cars look like. For a manufacturer as luxurious and style-oriented as Lexus however, that wonder is followed up by a question, namely: How will they realistically manage to outdo themselves this time?
Specs and performance upgrades are part and parcel with a fresh model year. For Lexus, it's far more interesting to talk about the style and aesthetics involved. For one, the brand has a strongly defined aesthetic; lovers and haters alike will talk about the infamous "spindle grille" as a chief trademark of Lexus. The new NX SUV follows this and other brand-associated patterns to a tee. Although someone hoping to see a major performance overhaul will probably be disappointed (why are they looking at a luxury SUV anyway?) Lexus went back to the design areas they're most known for and spruced them up. Love or hate the look, no one can deny they were bold with their aesthetics as always.
>>Join the conversation about the Refreshed NX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
2. A quick note on the name.
If you didn't know already, the "NX" part of this SUV's name stands for "nimble crossover." Suffice to say, the name fits the vehicle like a snug glove. More interestingly, the numbers beside the abbreviation refer to the engine capacity of a naturally aspirated engine. The thing is though, not one of the NX 2018 variations is NA.
Between the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine base model and the plug-in hybrid NX 300h, the engine outputs between engine types are still measured by the NA standard; it's a trick borrowed from the German auto industry.
>>Join the conversation about the Refreshed NX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
3. Edgier than the NX we know.
Considering the NX 300 is being updated from the past NX 200, performance was a question on peoples' minds for this overhaul. With a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine beneath the hood, the NX 300 reportedly doesn't actual mark much of a performance upgrade, at least in terms of raw specs. There's an enhanced suspension system as well; stronger shocks and springs apparently give the NX 300 a slightly better turn response and handling. Other than that though, the NX 300's engineering isn't all that different. The gas mileage isn't much different than what you'd get from your garden-variety SUV either.
That's not what makes the NX 300 interesting though. Because Lexus are all about luxury, the aesthetics play a more important role in determining whether a new model year is "successful" as a continuation or not. Past Lexus models have always looked distinctive and polished. Going in with the NX 300, it was never going to be about improvement so much as making change for its own sake. In a suitably modern fashion, they've updated it by making the design more angular and edgy. The spindle grille, head and taillights are a few of the features that have been rethought here.
>>Join the conversation about the Refreshed NX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
4. Options and customization galore.
One thing we love about Lexus is their propensity for offering specific options to suit a customer. Lexus have broken the NX 300 in two major categories: the base model and the 300h hybrid. The Lexus signature "F-Sport" trim will be available for this one too, further enhancing the edgy exterior. On the inside and out, Lexus will offer all of the typical add-ons you'd expect from a luxury brand. Get the F-Sport trim, and they take things a step further: this extra package comes with the ability to customize settings in the vehicle, tweaking everything from the air conditioning to the suspension response. In this way, Lexus are giving extra power to their customers, and we're very happy about it.
>>Join the conversation about the Refreshed NX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
5. It's what's on the inside that matters
The Lexus brand has always been about elegance and style; SUVs are typically domestic. With that said, interior aesthetics and comfort were always going to be at the top of the priorities list. Lexus did manage to improve upon many aspects of the NX interior. The center panel screen has increased in size. The dashboard has been amplified so that certain readings (such as the clock) are easier to see. Interesting enough, the clock can actually switch itself when it detects crossing over into a new time zone. Little details like this are proof that the engineers went over the finer details and really cared about making a nuanced product.
>>Join the conversation about the Refreshed NX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
6. Right around the corner
The Lexus NX may be in sight already, but the upgrades (including the bold F-Sport trim) will be hitting showrooms across the nation in January 2018.
The bold style of the new NX 300 isn't going to be for everyone. You might even hate the way it looks. Of course, that's always been part of the point and charm for Lexus. It's always been important that they stand out, and the aggressive styling here shows a real boldness on their part.
>>Join the conversation about the Refreshed NX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
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