Premiere Of The 2021 NX, Marks The Dawn Of A New Chapter For Lexus

Recently premiered was the all-new 2021 Lexus NX, a highly successful luxury crossover that offers elevated levels of driving performance, design, and advanced technology.

Lexus International’s chief engineer Takeaki Kato commented, “The development of the new NX was a series of new challenges for Lexus. We implemented "digital development" to ensure quality by evaluating the well-thought-out design structure under various conditions using computer models to check productivity. In terms of driving, professional racing drivers conducted an evaluation test drive at the Shimoyama test course to thoroughly train the car's body structure and control the driving force to inherit and evolve the Lexus driving flavor.”

In a nutshell, the 2nd generation NX will come packing with a new design, a new infotainment system and a significantly broader range of powertrain options.

“The powertrain line-up is diverse, including Lexus' first PHEV, a newly developed 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, and a newly developed electronically controlled full-time AWD, as well as a number of advanced technologies and a new generation of multimedia,” he added.

Speaking of which, the NX line-up starts off with the base NX250 that has the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder powertrain akin to the RAV4.

Paired to an 8-speed gearbox, it gets all the power transferred through either a front- or all-wheel drive, which produces up to 203 hp of power and 249 Nm of torque.

Topping that is the NX350h. It combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with two electric motors that’s capable of up to 239 hp of output, which is 20 hp more than the RAV4 hybrid.

Next up is the non-hybrid NX350. It sports a new 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo powertrain with 275 hp and 430 Nm of torque that has also been paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Ranging in at the top is the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid. It has been installed with an all-wheel-drive system with 302 hp of output akin to the RAV4 Prime. The 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain has an estimated electric driving range of 58 km (36 miles).

As for the build, the 2nd generation NX sits on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, which is the brand’s modular platform that's dedicated to larger vehicles, such as the RAV4. 

Thus, making the new Lexus larger all round with a stance measuring at 4,660 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, 1,640 mm in height and a wheelbase spanning 2,690 mm.

Exterior wise, the NX can be seen with a new modernized outlook. At the front end, Lexus’ signature spindle grille is present and better integrated than before. It has been paired to some complex side contours, which completes the whole commanding front layout.

At the back end, the NX incorporates a new ‘Lexus’ script across the tailgate’s full-stretched light bar. It has also gotten a neater and slimmer wraparound tail light structure that features signature ‘L’ graphics.

Inside is where the changes are most significant. The NX’s interior debuts a completely new infotainment interface. Also, the old touchpad controller has been swapped out and the new system now uses a centrally mounted touch screen and only a few physical knobs.

Comes standard in all models is a 9.8-inch touchscreen, while a huge 14-inch touchscreen has been made optional and the new system now features many of the climate configurations into the screen.

Furthermore, an F Sport package will be offered for both the NX350 and NX450h+ models that adds extra finesse, such as dark trimmings, a spoiler on the lower rear bumper and a set of black 20-inch wheels along with adaptive dampers.

Other than that, new optional amenities include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats and upgraded driver-assistance features.

The latter, which is Lexus’ latest suite of upgraded safety systems, features the following. First, is the Pre-Crash Safety (PCS). It assists in avoiding collisions with intersecting vehicles, oncoming vehicles when turning, pedestrians and bicyclists approaching from ahead also when turning right or left. 

Second is the Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA). It works when the system detects a vehicle approaching from either direction upon entering an intersection at low speed and displays an animation of the direction of the danger and a buzzer on the head-up display to alert the driver.

Third is the Radar Cruise Control (RCC) with All-Speed Follow Function. It provides preliminary acceleration in response to the turn signal when overtaking another vehicle. 

For instance, when a preceding vehicle in the target lane is traveling at a speed slower than the NX, the system will provide preliminary deceleration.

Fourth is the Lane Departure Alert (LDA).  The system deactivates the lane departure warning and restraint functions when it can be judged that the driver has made a deliberate maneuver to avoid a person or parked vehicle.

Fifth is, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA). It works in situations such as overtaking a vehicle in the adjacent lane or when there is a close distance between the vehicle and an off-road structure, the tracing position is offset from the center of the road to the avoidance side.

Sixth, the Lane Change Assist (LCA) works where the operation of the turn signal activates lane changing support, in the form of the system confirmation of the area surrounding the vehicle, steering assist, and the monitoring of vehicles in the targeted lane.

Number seven is Road Sign Assist (RSA). In addition to the existing ‘maximum speed’, ‘no overflow’, ‘no vehicle entry’ and ‘temporary stop’ signs, Lexus have expanded the scope of support to include ‘no turning’ signs. 

Eighth, Launch Delay Notification Function (TMN). Additional to the conventional warning functions, it extends by notifying you with a display on the meter and head-up display, as well as a buzzer, if your vehicle continues to stop even after the stop sign at the beginning of an intersection is lifted.

Ninth is the Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). It works by anticipating risks according to the driving situation, such as ‘pedestrians crossing the road’ or ‘vehicles may run out of control’, the system supports the driver to avoid getting too close to danger, leading to peace of mind for the driver. 

In addition, the system supports the driver's deceleration in response to a vehicle ahead or a curve ahead and reduces the need for frequent changes in pedal application.

Moreover, also installed are new systems that extend the safety or security and convenience of the vehicle. For example, the E-Latch System that replaces the latch/unlatch mechanism of the door with electrical control by switches delivers a smooth door operation and effortless feeling. 

Next, the Safe Exit Assist (SEA) with Door Opening Control. This system uses sensors from the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) to detect vehicles coming from behind. If it detects that there is a possibility of a collision with an open door, the indicator in the outer mirror will light up to alert the driver.

Coming in after that is the Advanced Driver Assistance Technology (Advanced Park) with Remote Function. This system has been enhanced to include in perpendicular parking situations, forward parking, backing out of a parking space and pulling out of a parking space.

Also, by operating a smartphone with a special application installed from outside the vehicle, the driver carrying a smart key can remotely parallel park and exit the vehicle. The system also supports forward and backward movement when removing luggage from the trunk.

After that is the Digital Key function system. It works by installing a special application on the smartphone, it then can be used as a key for vehicles that have this function. 

This allows you to lock, unlock and start the engine without operating the smartphone screen and even if you own several cars that are compatible with the digital key, you can operate them with only one smartphone.

Last is the Panoramic View Monitor, which combines images from cameras mounted on the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle, then displays them on the center display.

It also comes with a new function that displays images of the road surface taken in the past directly underneath the vehicle to help the driver understand the road surface and tire position underneath the vehicle.

Overall, the 2021 NX displays elements of an evolved Lexus ingenuity with a design that pursues ‘Simplicity’ rooted in technology and ‘Uniqueness’ in proportions, which contributes to a dynamic performance that can be expected on future new models.

Kato concluded, “All of this has been done with the full force of our team working together for the smiles of our customers. We hope you will experience the challenge of the new generation of Lexus and the new NX that we, the development team, have poured our passion into delivering."