Izah Azahari
Lexus Brunei launched the all-new NX yesterday, the first model of Lexus’ next generation.
Following the digital unveiling of the new Lexus NX by Managing Director of NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd Haji Ahmad Omar bin Pehin Dato Haji Husin the night prior, a public viewing was held at the Lexus Showroom in Gadong yesterday.
The all-new NX has been re-designed and re-engineered to meet the diverse and evolving needs and lifestyles of today’s drivers and extends Lexus’ leadership in sustainable luxury.
Lexus will be offering three different powertrains in Brunei, including Lexus NX 350 F Sport, and the Lexus NX 250.
The Lexus NX first premiered in 2014, based on the concept of ‘Premium Urban Sports Gear’. Since then, the luxury crossover has been well-received for its agile driving performance and sleek, distinctive design.
To date, over one million units of the NX have been sold globally, cementing the NX as one of the best-selling models in the Lexus line-up.
The all-new NX is the first model to introduce the next generation of Lexus based on the development concept of ‘Vital x Tech Gear’.
This concept combines vital dynamism with advanced technology, boasting fresh directions in exterior and interior designs, the use of advanced technologies for higher levels of safety, comfort, and convenience, and next-generation multimedia and connectivity on the NX.
“What you will see in this new NX is how engaged and connected you will be with your vehicle,” said the Managing Director.
The NX 350 F Sport features a newly developed 2.4-litre inline-four turbocharged engine, high-torque Direct Shift-8AT, and electronically controlled full-time AWD. As part of Lexus’ commitment to pursuing carbon neutrality, the engine features Lexus’ first centre-injection direct-injection system and close placement of the turbocharger and catalyst.
The transmission has been optimised for the turbocharged engine, which can generate high torque from low rpm. The newly developed shift control technology enables acceleration and deceleration that is faithful to the driver’s will and provides a pleasant shift schedule.
The Lexus NX suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front and a trailing arm, a double-wishbone design in the rear. The newly developed shock absorber maintains damping force at low speeds by careful design of high friction parts. By increasing rigidity and reducing unsprung weight, it contributes to a clean and responsive steering feel and a high-quality ride. The 20-inch and 18-inch wheels are equipped with Extended Mobility Tyres (EMT) to provide a high-quality ride while ensuring the ability to drive a safe distance in the event of a puncture.
With a design that signifies the next generation in Lexus’ design language, the new NX distinguishes itself by focussing on vehicle proportions that enhance an athletic image and align with the model’s driving performance and the clean simplicity of the new SUV’s technology.
The bodywork presents contrasting curved surfaces and sharp angles, with dynamic proportions that express the agility and a road-gripping look. Optimum packaging has been achieved with the use of the Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform, providing more cabin space and a generous load compartment.
Compared to the previous generation of NX, the overall length has increased by 20 millimetres (mm), the wheelbase by 30mm, the width by 20mm, and the height by 5mm.
The GA-K platform allows for the wider front (+35mm) and rear tracks (+55mm), which adds emphasis to the car’s powerful stance and accommodates larger diameter wheels and tyres.
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. In addition, the front fenders’ upward-flowing three-dimensional forms merge with those near the rear fenders to give a unique appearance.
For the Lexus NX F Sport, the exterior features include special 20-inch alloy wheels, a spoiler on the lower bumper, and front-side garnishes that deliver a sportier impression.
The interior is focussed on creating a welcoming, hospitable space for each occupant and, for the first time, fully incorporates the Tazuna Concept. First introduced in the LF-30 Electrified concept car in 2019, 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. This human-centred cockpit philosophy enables a more seamless and intuitive connection between the driver and car to help enhance concentration while driving.
