Lexus reveals new NX SUV 11 | 04 | 2014
LEXUS HAS RELEASED first official images of the model it believes will lead its compact SUV battle against rivals such as Audi and BMW, the new NX.
Due to be officially unveiled at next week's Beijing , the NX — which will be available to order from Scottish dealerships in May, ahead of first deliveries at the end of the year — will go head-to-head against the Audi Q5 and BMW X3,Motor Show.
Clearly a bold and angular design, the production version of the NX is a toned down version of the dramatically styled LF-NX concept which appeared at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Externally, the NX features an enlarged version of Lexus’s now familiar family spindle grille: it's one of those, either you like it, or hate it looks. The grille is flanked by slim headlights and strips of LED daytime running lights.
The aggressive stance of the NX is further boosted by flared wheel arches which house 17in alloys in regular models and 18ins in F Sport models.
Related: Lexus to reveal RC300h F Sport
The NX also gets a heavily-sculpted bonnet, a sloping roofline, sharply creased lower body sides, and the continuation of the angular theme from the front to the rear of the car.
The five-seat premium-look interior — for which Lexus bosses say they've used sports cars as their inspiration — also adopts the angular design of the outside. There's full-leather finish for F Sport models, a thick-rimmed leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus a large central screen out of the dashboard for the infotainment display.
Passengers also have direct access to a wireless charging function for portable devices, such as smartphones. The interior also houses a touch-pad controller for the infotainment options, a head-up display and a information display that includes a G-force sensor.
Though Lexus has still to confirm what engine options will be available in the UK, around the world the range will include the Japanese manufacturer's familiar petrol-electric hybrid system in the NX300h.
There will also be a first for Lexus, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the NX200t, plus a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol in the NX200. All three powerplants will be available in either front- or all-wheel drive.
Related: Lexus previews new F model
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Jim McGill