Lexus NX 350h Review: New Generation Model Gets More Power Along With Tech & Features — IN PICS

Lexus NX 350h Review

Hybrid is the way to go before we turn to full EVs. That's something we have said earlier as well since self-charging hybrids remove range anxiety and bring more efficiency when compared to a petrol-only car. Something is better than nothing? Instead of waiting for EVs, a hybrid, for now, can lower fuel consumption and you can drive one in electric mode for a short while too. The new Lexus NX is a hybrid luxury SUV and the new generation model gets more power along with a lot of technology plus features. The NX is one of the highest sellers for Lexus and in India too, it will compete in the high-end midsize SUV space. There is a lot of competition already but the new NX aims to stand out from the crowd. Let's see it for ourselves. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

The previous NX luxury SUV was a sharply styled aggressive-looking car and the same is applied to the new one but with more premium execution. The new NX is also bigger and looks much larger while the massive massive grille is beautifully styled too. Unlike the earlier NX, the DRLs are inside the headlamps which are LED projector units with a new lighting pattern. The side view gets strong lines and a lowered roofline which makes it more of a coupe SUV in design terms. You also get big 20 inch wheels that suit the rest of the design. The rear gets a bigger change with new LED tail-lamps connecting to a light bar and new Lexus lettering at the rear. With colours such as the red shown here, this is an SUV which gets a lot of looks and it's not a surprise as to why. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

The interior is all-new too while the cabin quality seems to belong to luxury cars at a higher segment. It feels like a Rs 1 crore plus car on the inside with the materials used or even with the features on offer. Immediately your eyes are drawn to the massive 14inch touchscreen which replaces the old touchpad. The new touch screen is super crisp and has a brilliant resolution plus the pinch/zoom function is quick/sharp. The instrument cluster is also digital while there are separate controls for the drive modes and other controls below. The steering too has capacitive controls while some other highlights include an electric door latch (for both outside/inside) which replaces the usual door handle along with the biggest/most clear heads-up display which can also be customised. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

Other luxuries include a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, 64 colors ambient lighting, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, electric front seats, electrically folding rear seats, and more. On the safety front alongside airbags, front/rear parking sensors plus the car also comes with Lexus Safety System which includes Pre-collision System (PCS) for vehicle detection with alarm, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control -All Speed, Lane Departure Alert & Lane Tracing Assist, Auto High Beam & Adaptive High beam System in Headlamps. Additionally, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) & Rear Camera Detection (RCD). We will test these systems later when we get the car again soon. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

The NX is reasonably spacious while headroom at the back could have been better. That said, the rear seat is offering ample space while practicality is well looked at too. Boot space, despite the sloping roofline, is enough in terms of swallowing large pieces of luggage. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

The drive starts off very smoothly with no noise at all since the NX can move along in EV mode for a very short time with enough charge. Hence, the big change with a strong hybrid such as this is that it can be driven only on electric power. The hybrid system contains a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators with the AWD system employing a second electric motor at the rear. You really do not feel the change from electric to hybrid and depending on the mode selected, the hybrid system works in different ways. Sport makes the petrol engine come in full force while you can cruise in normal or in hybrid mode. We recommend the eco/normal mode for everyday use. The petrol engine is very smooth and refinement is superb with next to no noise coming in. It is a calm driving experience. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

Compared to the earlier NX, there is more power and the hybrid system is also smoother/quieter. The gearbox is an eCVT which has been improved also. Add in a pliant suspension and comfortable ride, then the NX becomes an ideal everyday premium SUV. Our drive route was full of broken roads and we even did some off-roading- which the NX managed well. Lexus has also made the NX a lot tighter in terms of less body roll and better steering response which makes it more enjoyable to drive. That said, the engine getting noisy is the only thing that stops you from driving this hard - else it's a big jump in terms of dynamics over the earlier one. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

We guess, the NX is a capable, refined, and efficient luxury SUV that would be driven calmly and it would be a great long-distance cruiser with its refinement plus superb ride quality. A strong hybrid brings benefits to fuel efficiency too with 14-16kmpl being expected when driven sedately - a figure which is way higher than rivals. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

The NX is priced from Rs 64.90 lakh while the Luxury trim seen here is Rs 69.50 lakh. The flagship F-Sport with adaptive suspension is Rs 71.6 lakh. For your money, you are getting a stylish SUV with a lovely interior along with a long features list plus the hybrid powertrain makes it a 'greener' choice as well. The new NX is now a proper rival to the Germans and one of their biggest headaches right now... (Photography: Clinton Pereira)

What we like - Looks, features, interior quality, efficiency, refinement, suspension. What we do not like - Engine gets noisy when driven hard. (Photography: Clinton Pereira)