With the multitude of new cars appearing every month, a model sometimes slips through the mesh of the ‘Back to Basics’ net. The Lexus NX is a good example of this. It has been on the market in its current facelifted form since 2017 and the new generation is already eagerly awaiting behind the scenes. Is the NX perhaps an interesting offer for that reason? Time to put the SUV in the spotlights.
Lexus NX 300h Ultimate Edition AWD
€ 66,690
Because the NX has never really seen the spotlights in our country. A total of 1,124 copies have been sold since its introduction in 2014. At the end of 2017, the facelift version was launched in the Netherlands, but since 2018 Lexus has only sold 337 copies of the NX. In any case, that makes it more exclusive than, say, a Porsche 911. When it comes to engines, Lexus offers one option: the 300h AWD. The NX has an extra electric motor on the rear axle in this variant. The combined power is 197 hp. The 300h without AWD is no longer on the price list, so in that sense the choice has become more limited.
Lexus still has plenty of choice in trim levels. The name ‘Ultimate Edition’ may suggest that everything is already on and on, but that is not the case with the NX. Above that are the Executive Line (€ 77,545), F Sport Line (€ 73,465) and F Sport Premium (€ 77,945). Whether you actually need these variants, however, is the question. The Ultimate Edition is already quite well equipped for an ‘entry-level’.
Wide palette
The word ‘boring’ does not immediately come to mind when talking about the sharp-lined design of the NX. The same goes for the color palette. The black in the photos is the only non-metallic color, but you don’t have to pay extra for metallic paint. This means that you can choose from striking colors such as ‘Morello Red’, ‘Blazing Carnelian’, ‘Terrane Khaki’ and ‘Celestial Blue’ at no extra cost. Of course, the more common colors white and gray can also be ordered for those who prefer to go through life a little more discreetly. The NX Ultimate Edition rolls standard on 18-inch wheels with a two-tone composition. In addition, you can choose from three other types of wheels, whereby it is striking that you have to add € 1,635 for 17-inch five-spoke wheels. More for less is quite unusual.
Lexus NX
The NX Ultimate Edition can also be recognized by the black frame of the grille and black mirror caps. In addition, it comes standard with LED headlights with cornering lights, parking sensors all around, a reversing camera, electrically folding, automatically dimming and heated exterior mirrors and privacy glass for the rear side windows and the rear window. You can leave the key in your pocket, because Smart Entry & Start is also available. You no longer have to make an effort to open the tailgate, as it is always electrically operable on the Ultimate Edition.
Buttons
The interior of the NX, with its large amount of buttons, is a considerable break from all touchscreens today occupying a prominent place in the interiors of many new models. The counters are also still analog, with a 7-inch display in the center for vehicle information. As standard, the seats are upholstered in Tahara imitation leather and the dashboard has a silver inlay. To keep the interior comfortable, two-zone climate control and seat heating are included. You have to adjust the seats manually, but the steering wheel is electrically adjustable in height and depth. On top of the dashboard is a 10.3-inch multimedia screen with integrated navigation and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto. Furthermore, the NX has an audio system with 10 speakers on board.
Lexus NX
When it comes to security systems, there is very little left to be desired on the Ultimate Edition. The Lexus Safety System + with adaptive cruise control, High Beam Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Crash Safety System and traffic sign recognition is standard. You also do not have to pay extra for the Blind Spot Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. In short, the NX is quite richly equipped as standard. The Executive Line adds for € 10,555 extra a heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable front seats, seat ventilation for the front seats, a heated and electrically folding rear seat, leather upholstery, Triple LED headlights with adaptive high beam assistant, a wireless charger for the smartphone and a head -up display to the standard equipment.
For those who prefer the sportier direction, there is the F Sport Line. For € 73,465 you get an F Sport bumper and grille, various F Sport interior accents, sports seats, an F Sport suspension and the electrically adjustable front seats, adaptive LED headlights and wireless charger for the phone that are also on the Executive Line. to sit. The F Sport Premium adds a few more things for an extra € 4,480 that are also on the Executive Line. A specific addition is the Adaptive Variable Suspension, which is standard only on the F Sport Premium. On the Executive Line it is an option of € 1,195. Other options include a panoramic glass roof or a sliding / tilting glass roof and the President Pack, which includes a 360-degree camera and a Mark Levinson audio system with 14 speakers. However, those options are not available on the Ultimate Edition, so you will first have to tick one of the more expensive versions.