2023 Lexus NX 350h Takumi
With the launch of the second generation NX, not only is Lexus taking on the established diesel set with its latest selfcharging hybrid four-wheel drive SUV, but for the first time it’s embracing plugin hybrid technology and launching a more powerful 304bhp edition to compete with other premium PHEVs.
And if that’s not enough, there’s an entry level front-wheel drive NX for those that don’t need the off-road capability. This year, Lexus is 33 years old, or 32 if you count when the first cars – the GS 300 and LS 400 – arrived in the UK. During the last two turbulent years, Lexus new car registrations have remained static at a little under 14,000 units, but it’s important to note that the figure is two thirds more than the Japanese luxury firm was achieving 10 years ago. And with a brace of new models, including this new NX, a replacement RX and new RZ, as Yazz and the Plastic Population once sang, “the only way is up…”
The latest NX shares a platform and engine with the Toyota RAV4, but that’s where the similarities stop. The Lexus is longer and lower than the Toyota it’s based on, and also narrower. The styling is a brilliant evolution of its predecessor, but with the firm’s latest design language, including L E X U S spelt out along the tailgate, slim lighting and an audacious front grille. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in upmarket materials with squidgy surfaces and is dominated by the 14-inch touchscreen. Separate controls are embedded into the screen to control the ventilation system, answering criticisms that too many functions are crammed into touchscreens these days. The Lexus way is child’s play to use. What isn’t so easy is when you want to find the interior door handles, as they’re integrated into the door armrests. It took us some time hunting around until we found them.
On this top-of-the-range Takumi model, there’s a brilliant 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system, along with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. The instruments are crystal clear and an amalgamation of the best in analogue and digital displays, making the information incredibly easy to read at a glance. There’s a stylish central console that gives a clear division between driver and passenger, with a tray that doubles up as a QI wireless smartphone charger, and an additional tray above it, in addition to a nicely proportioned area underneath the armrest, large door pockets and a good-sized glovebox. Head and legroom is decent both front and rear, even when there’s a panoramic roof fitted. Even the chunkiest and long legged rear passengers will be seated in comfort, with room for two, three at a squeeze. Moving to the boot, there’s 525 litres of carrying capacity, and this can be extended to 1,436 litres by folding the rear chairs down. Rather handily there’s extra storage underneath the boot floor.
With a combination of a 188bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine and 234bhp from the twin electric motors, we’re surprised that the NX doesn’t feel perkier than it does, with sufficient performance, rather than feeling fast. The continuously variable transmission has been improved compared to its predecessor, and there are less occasions when it revs away in an undignified fashion, but nearly always when you’re demanding extra power in an instant. It’s better if you adopt a more relaxed driving style, giving time for the system to catch up. The engine can sound a little raspy if you’re driving in a press on manner, but in the main it’s demure and quiet, in the same way that there’s little sound from the tyres, road and wind. The steering is decently weighted and communicative, making it easy to thread through the city. There’s tidy handling as you traverse roundabouts and tight corners, with only a modest amount of body lean. And the suspension is nicely pliant, with only the biggest bumps threatening to upset occupants.