The second-generation model will be available in the Luxury variant priced at RM370,888 and F-Sport at RM389,888, both on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.
With dynamic and solid stance enhanced by chiseled character lines, the NX also gets a bolder front, offering a more purposeful look.
The character spindle grille features new mesh with criss-cross patterns while the front bumper splitter is finished in satin silver to create a sporty contrast to the gloss black of the grille.
The three-eye LED projector headlights feature a black extension that creates a more subdued impression and enhances the look of the L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs).
The signature L-shaped rear combination lamps now flank a centrally-positioned light bar that acts as a tail lamp as part of the new brand signature.
Power for the F-Sport is derived from a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 275hp and 430Nm of torque mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with AI shift control that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and match its shift pattern accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Luxury gets a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine producing a respectable 204hp and 243Nm of torque.
Power is sent mainly to the front wheels for maximum efficiency but an electronically-controlled full-time AWD system intelligently adjusts power distribution between front and rear wheels according to driving conditions.
Built on the Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform that has 30% improvement in rigidity over the previous generation, the new NX comes with improved cornering control and dynamic handling.
The improved platform’s strengths are achieved through various Lexus firsts including laser peening welding and the use of high-rigidity foam material among others.
The new NX also gets the Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) features that include Pre-Collision System (PCS) which even detects pedestrians and bicyclists, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with stop and go function and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).
Other features include Road Sign Assist (RSA) that reads posted speed limits, Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Parking Brake Support (PKSB) that suppresses engine power and apply autonomous braking when necessary during parking maneouvres.
The NX's cockpit also features the Tazuna Concept that draws on the relationship between a jockey and his horse where subtle movements from the rider is translated to instructions the horse intuitively understands.
Digital modelling and advanced computer design resulted in the repositioning of numerous functions within the cockpit.
A prime example of the Tazuna influence is the reduction of the number of switchgear items from 78 to 45.
Physical buttons are retained only for frequently-used actions while the multi-function buttons on the steering wheel now control other actions, allowing adjustments on the move.
The touch-sensitive buttons offer tactile response with the corresponding action being shown on the heads-up display so the driver’s focus is never removed from the road.
Many of the lesser-used functions have been embedded into the angled 14-inch touch screen that sits in the middle of the dashboard.
This intuitive and clear display panel is the largest in its class and offers drivers with a quick reference to key functions and connects to Android Auto or wirelessly to Apple Carplay.
Making its debut in the new Lexus NX is the use of an e-latch door opener that uses a convenient button to activate the door mechanism allowing a single action to open the door from inside, mimicking the action of opening a Shoji screen.
Lexus Malaysia president Ravindran K said the Lexus NX has endeared itself by combining an intuitive design and nimble performance in an attractively-sized package.
“It was unlike any other SUV in its segment and proved to be a very popular model here, making up one in three Lexus sold by Lexus Malaysia," he said.
