Lexus Launches All-new ‘NX’ Compact Crossover SUV in Japan

Tokyo, July 29, 2014－Lexus’ first compact crossover SUV, the “NX”, went on sale today in Japan.

The NX combines sporty urban driving performance with the power of an SUV. Two variants－the NX 200t, the first Lexus fitted with a turbo engine, and the NX 300h, powered by a hybrid system－both offer responsive, engaging drives and excellent environmental performance.

The NX is priced¹ from 4,280,000 yen to 5,820,000 yen, including consumption tax. Lexus aims to sell 700 units per month in Japan.

Design

From the front, the NX makes a strong impression with the signature Lexus spindle grille. Working further back, the wheels are emphasized by fusing the powerful front and rear wheel flares to the solid, muscular vehicle cabin, expressing the powerful performance of an SUV. With its dynamic frame, use of synthetic leather, and metallic tones on the central instrument cluster and other components, the interior highlights the structural beauty and texture of a sporty, urban SUV.

Powerful, exciting drive

In line with the exhilarating performance of new Lexus models, the NX offers a sporty driving experience with an SUV's power. Lexus’ first 2.0-liter turbo engine features a twin scroll turbocharger and Dual VVT-iW² technology with expanded valve opening angles, and uses D-4ST³ technology to achieve optimum combustion efficiency, generating considerable torque from low RPMs－all providing smooth, exciting acceleration. The NX also comes with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission developed to match the new turbo engine, plus a Sequential Shiftmatic transmission with a paddle shift lever that recreates the feel of a manual transmission, as well as G AI-Shift control to optimize speed changes when cornering.

The F Sport grade takes the sporty driving performance to another level, thanks to standard inclusion of performance dampers and a NAVI/AI-AVS⁴ system to increase ride comfort and handling stability. It also comes with specially tuned suspension.

Driving performance supported by advanced equipment and excellent operability support

The hybrid system combines a high thermal efficiency 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an integrated high-torque motor to achieve class-leading⁵ fuel efficiency of 21.0 km/L under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism JC08 test cycle⁶.

The Radar Cruise Control with All-speed Tracking is linked to an idling-stop system for the first time ever in a Lexus. Radar Cruise Control is both convenient and environment-friendly, supporting the driver with initial acceleration after stopping by automatically starting the engine after detecting when the vehicle ahead begins to move.

The NX offers a number of safe driving features, such as forward wide-beam LED cornering lamps for night driving and a Panoramic View Monitor with Cross Traffic Detection, employed for the first time in a Lexus.

Other convenience-enhancing features include a new Remote Touch Interface with touch pad functionality, a Lexus-first wireless charger for smartphones and other mobile devices, and a color head up display for projecting important driving information onto the windshield in the driver’s view.

Assembly Plant

Miyata Plant, Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.

¹Manufacturer's suggested retail price; excludes recycling fees. Prices differ in Hokkaido.
²Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide
³Direct-injection 4 stroke Gasoline Engine Superior version with Turbo
⁴Navigation/Artificial Intelligence-Adaptive Variable Suspension
⁵Compared to luxury compact SUV segment; according to TMC research
⁶For standard front-wheel drive models and “I” package (front-wheel drive) models, but excluding vehicles weighing 1,770 kg or more due to the inclusion of manufacturer’s options.

For detailed information, please visit http://www.lexus-int.com/models/NX/

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