All-New Lexus NX comes with advanced safety, convenience features

The all-new NX possesses the latest Lexus advanced safety technologies and convenience enhancements based on the Japanese luxury brand's human-centered approach. Lexus announced the world premiere of the all-new NX, the first model of Lexus' next-generation range.

With the launch of the first-generation RX in 1998, Lexus created a new category of luxury crossover SUV and has been a leader in the realm ever since. In 2014, Lexus launched the NX, based on the concept of "Premium Urban Sports Gear." As of the end of April 2021, the NX has sold a cumulative total of approximately 1 million units in more than 90 countries and regions, and together with the RX, has grown to become a core global model for Lexus.

The new NX is the first model to introduce the next generation of Lexus and is based on the development concept of "Vital x Tech Gear." This concept combines vital dynamism (Vital) with advanced technology (Tech).

The new NX features improved linear response thanks to the strengthening of the car's fundamentals, a design that attracts attention with athletic proportions, and many advanced, new technologies. Also, in order to establish the unique driving experience to be found in future electrified vehicles, Lexus focused on thoroughly improving driving control, aerodynamics, and weight reduction. In addition, based on the "Lexus Electrified" electrification vision, the new NX will be available as both HEV and?a Lexus first?PHEV, further accelerating the rollout of electrified vehicles.

In addition, Lexus will respond to the diversifying needs of customers by offering a wide lineup of powertrains, including models powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated or a 2.4-liter turbocharged engines, among others.

Available powertrains include Lexus' first PHEV, an HEV-equipped with high-capacity battery, a newly developed 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine?all with high thermal efficiency.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on models equipped with PHEV and 2.4-liter turbo powertrains, whilst both AWD and front-wheel drive (FWD) are available on the models equipped with HEV and 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated powertrains.

Built on an all-new vehicle platform, the NX's interior is the first to fully incorporate the Tazuna Concept, a cockpit concept that allows the driver to intuitively connect with the car and concentrate more on driving operations. The word tazuna is derived from the "reins" used to control horses, and aims to enhance the joy of controlling a car at will by enabling better communication between the driver and their vehicle.

The NX adopts the latest preventive safety technologies, as well as advanced convenience technologies, as part of the luxury brand's human-centered approach. The Lexus-first e-latch system electronically controls the latching and unlatching of doors. This feature is combined with a blind spot monitor to provide a "safe exit assist function” (with control door opening) , a world-first feature that helps to prevent accidents caused by door operation when the vehicle is stopped. It also comes with a digital key that allows vehicle operation via smartphone.

The NX can be equipped with a Lexus-first "Advanced Park" system. The remote parking function enables remote control from outside the vehicle via a digital key and assists with parking in unfamiliar or confined spaces.

The newly developed NX suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front and a trailing arm, double-wishbone design in the rear. The newly developed shock absorber maintains damping force at low speeds by careful design of high friction parts. The F SPORT is equipped with the latest Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) as standard equipment to achieve both high levels of maneuverability and ride comfort.

Flush belt moldings with minimal steps from the door design surface to the glass surface are used to optimize over-body air flow and improve handling stability. On the underside of the vehicle, the dimples in the underbody engine splash shield generate micro-vortices that help enhance under-body airflow and contribute to driving stability at high speeds. The front bumper is shaped for improved air-flow and

downforce, and the rear bumper has an opening to balance rear suspension movement. Aiming to achieve quietness befitting a Lexus, in addition to optimizing sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials in various parts of the vehicle to reduce noise entering the cabin, the air flow and wind noise seeping into the cabin has been dramatically reduced (approximately 15% reduction compared to previous sound pressure level). Furthermore, in an effort to mitigate high speed wind noise, a revised weather strip and front door glass run shape have been developed to improve door sealing. For the front door glass, a new sound insulation material has been adopted. The engine hood uses a twin-lock structure, a first for Lexus, to suppress engine hood vibration caused by air turbulence, contributing to improved quietness.

The familiar Lexus spindle architecture has been deepened with a three-dimensional design that starts from the spindle grille and extends significantly toward the rear fenders. The hood has been extended to the edge of the front end while the grille surface has been raised vertically to strengthen the front end's mass. In addition, the more upright grille surface enables more efficient air flow, improving the cooling performance of the radiator. The chrome frame of the grille has been eliminated to better express the NX's proportions, while simplifying the assembly and reducing weight. The grille pattern is a longitudinal Ushaped block with a three-dimensional effect, and a slit-like opening is provided at the bottom.

The ratio of the driver and passenger floor is designed to create the optimal space. The meter and center display area contribute to driver comfort by ensuring a wide field of vision and tightening the driver knee space. The wide passenger area, including the top of the console, provides passengers with ample space. The layout of the information system components leading from the heads-up display to the gauges and from the heads-up display to the center display allows for smoother, less distracted eye movement while driving. In addition, the start button, shift lever, and drive mode select switch are placed around the steering wheel where they can be handled more naturally, so the driver can operate them smoothly without losing his or her driving posture.Newly adopted is the Touch Tracer Operation, an operation method that combines the headup display with touch sensor switches on the steering wheel. When the driver touches the touch sensor switches on the steering wheel, the operation guide is displayed on the head-up display (or on the meter when the head-up display is off), allowing more intuitive operation without the need for a driver to look at their hand and keep eyes forward. In addition, the head-up display offers three modes with different information and layouts to allow customers to enjoy driving while maintaining a clear view of the surrounding road conditions. The driver

can change the mode according to the driving situation. In addition, the layout and graphics of the gauges have been redesigned to ensure that the driver receives the information they need while driving.

With the adoption of a large touch display, many functions are integrated into the soft switches in the display.

The newly developed steering wheel inherits the shape that Lexus has always insisted on, which is easy to grip and operate, while the horn pad has been downsized and the spoke design has been changed to improve the sporty feel.

The shift lever is newly developed for the shift-by-wire function. Sixty-four colors of interior illumination are used to accentuate the beauty of the interior shapes and materials, coloring the entire cockpit.