Lexus NX 300h Road Test Review

Exterior Design and Features of the new 2017 Lexus NX 300h

Drop dead gorgeous! That is what the new NX 300h is. Essentially a hybrid crossover SUV, the NX sports a very peculiar design unlike any other yet distinctly shaped Lexus. The angular front with sharp headlamps and a separated section for horizontal L shaped LED DRLs sets a fresh tone. I can't call this one contemporary but much rather I would say its way ahead of its time. Something common on the NX 300h is the signature spindle grille design which is distinctly Lexus.

The Japanese luxury brand is offering the NX 300h in two variants Luxury and F-Sport. Both get a unique pattern for the spindle grille. While the Luxury variant sports horizontal slats, the F-Sport gets a woven pattern rendering an almost 3D like impression. Sitting smack in the middle of the grille is the Lexus logo. A few brushed aluminum bits around the grille and front skirting finish up a futuristic looking facade.

From the sides, the SUV looks butch with protruding wheel arches surrounded by black plastic cladding. Adding to the unique design is the gently curving shoulder line which seamlessly emerges out after the A Pillar and dissolves into the C Pillar. The NX 300h rides on butch looking 225/60 R18 tyres which are proportionate to the SUVs size. Encased in the tyres are sleek looking 5 twin fin alloys with a machined and blacked out finish.

Another quotient which adds to the NX 300h's style is the massive fixed panoramic sunroof, but more on that when talk about the interiors. The rear section of the NX 300h is as edgy as the front with a tapering roofline ending abruptly in a spoiler on the tailgate. The L shaped stop lights in the tail lamps add a touch of symmetry to the theme of the NX 300h. The rear of the SUV sports a rather boxy look with smooth edges. Ample plastic cladding has been used on the lower sections of the bumper with brushed aluminum bits here and there.

Interior Design and Features of the new 2017 Lexus NX 300h

The theme inside the cabin is equally futuristic and looks more like the cockpit of a luxury jet. Stepping inside, there is a rich blend between technology and earthy materials giving the NX 300h a very unique look. Adding to this distinct appeal is the fixed panoramic sunroof which ensures an extremely open and airy feeling inside the cabin. The seating is plush with leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The dash and doors feature leather and wooden trims that blend well to create a plush feeling inside the cabin. The layout of the dash is ergonomic with most switches and buttons well within reach of the driver.

The Lexus NX 300h also gets a host of features that add a lot to the comfort and convenience this SUV has to offer. Lexus is offering a 10.3 inch infotainment display and to operate this is a touch pad on the centre floor console. Now I do admit this does make it more convenient to operate but decreases the ease of operation of the infotainment unit. Lexus is offering power adjusted seats which can be operated not only from the seats but also by the driver as well as from the boot. Other features include a Heads Up Display, kick sensors to release the tailgate, wireless phone charging, voice recognition, push button start/ stop and keyless entry among other features. A mention must also be made about the simply amazing 14 speak Mark Levinson unit which comes with impeccable clarity.   

 Engine & Performance of the new 2017 Lexus NX 300h

Powering the NX 300h is a 2.5 litre, 4 cylinder unit which has been mated to an e-CVT transmission. The hybrid SUV also gets two electric motors. The one powering the front wheels produces 140hp and 270Nm of torque while the motor powering the rear wheels produces 67hp and 139Nm of torque. Being mated to an e-CVT transmission the Lexus NX 300h is rather smooth and essentially that is what it has been designed to be. On many occasions while I was ambling around the city traffic in Goa, I noticed how smooth the NX 300h was to drive and when it came to swift overtakes there was ample power.

The engines power peaks at 5700rpm which lies high up in the band while peak torque kicks in above 4000rpm. The performance is linear and smooth. Lexus has also provided an option to drive in EV mode where the only source of power is the 204 NiMH battery cells in the NX 300h. When driving in electric mode the SUV is nearly silent and the ICE only jumps in on the driver's demand for more power. There is no great lag when power is demanded with the ICE taking charge in the blink of an eye. At cruising speeds this hybrid SUV it takes the juice from the batteries.

Lexus has also added the provision of drive modes. One can choose between Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+. When it comes to flat out performance the ICE engine combined with the electric motors do a fine job but in all honesty it is not very thrilling but much rather silent and elegant in its approach. The company has claimed a 0-100kmph time of 9.2 seconds. However in our runs we were able to best that with the NX 300h clocking a time of 7.92 seconds in Eco mode. In Sport mode the SUV reached 100kmph from scratch in a matter of 7.76 seconds while in Sport+ we were able to clock a time of 7.69 seconds. The braking performance of the NX 300h is also exception with the SUV coming to standstill from 100kmph in a matter of 6.61 seconds.

Verdict

The Lexus NX 300h is quite unlike any other competitor. It has the right bells and whistles to set it apart from a herd and definitely makes a statement where ever it goes. It is not a car that will give you an adrenaline rush but does pack enough performance to fare well against competition.