The Lexus NX 350 F-Sport aims to impress anyone thinking of buying a German alternative.
Yesterday, we got to drive the all-new Lexus NX around the Sepang International Circuit and experience the new-generation luxury model’s many facets. Order books for the all-new, 2nd generation Lexus NX are open for Malaysian customers and two variants will be available here – the NX 250 Luxury and the NX 350 F Sport. The former sports the familiar 2.5L naturally-aspirated petrol motor. The model we tested was the NX 350 F Sport, which features a new 2.4L turbocharged petrol motor with an 8-speed conventional automatic gearbox and an all-wheel drive system.
This T24A-FTS engine is a new motor in the Toyota Dynamic Force engine family and makes its debut in this particular model. The power figures are amazing with 275 hp at 6,000 rpm and 430Nm of torque coming in between 1,700-3,600 rpm, giving this Lexus compact SUV the kind of performance that exceeds what is typically offered by their German counterparts. For context, the most powerful petrol-powered BMW X3 in Malaysia has just 249hp and 350Nm of torque available.
Our drive of the Lexus NX 350 F Sport had us put it through its paces through a tight slalom on three times. Even in Comfort mode, the SUV showed great poise, confidently carving through the cones without rolling about. In Sports and Sports+ modes, pedal and steering response was even more nimble, giving us even more confidence to chuck it around at higher speeds.
In our quick test drive of the Lexus NX 350 F Sport, we also found power delivery to be linear, predictable and relentless. The gearbox and engine are perfectly tuned to deliver sport-SUV performance and perhaps make a few base model Macan owners sweat a little when they look in their rear-view mirror. All the while, the NX didn’t feel uncomfortable nor did it sound too loud. We’re quite impressed with what the engineers have been able to do at Lexus and we think this model will prove to be extremely popular with discerning Malaysian customers.
Other little things to note about the new NX.
- The door handles inside and out feature a new ‘E-Latch’ system which allow the doors to be opened in one motion.
- The interior door handle features static discharge to lower the risk of a fire when refuelling the NX.
- This is the first Lexus to not feature the badge on the rear. Instead the ‘Lexus’ script is emblazoned across the tailgate. Future models from the brand will follow this design cue.
- The spindle grille returns but for the first time it is not framed with a chrome surround. Instead, a gloss black surround trim is used for a sportier look.
- The daytime running lights get brighter the harder one accelerates.
- There’s a cover underneath the engine with dimples that help with airflow on the NX.
- The arch mouldings are finished in body colour for the first time.
- A 14″ touchscreen replaces the Remote Touch interface.
- The construction of the NX integrates tailor welded blanks and roof centre reinforcement on top of the GA-K’s already over-engineered structure.
