Whistler, BC -- Global bling-pushing carmakers are all over the increasingly important and emerging compact luxury CUV segment and I offer up, as proof, the launch of said MKC, the
Porsche Macan, and the new NX all in under three weeks time. The stakes are very high as these vehicles are set to become the No.1 bestsellers for each brand.
Despite the global pressure, I walked away from the 2015 Lexus NX feeling underwhelmed. The scenery and the roads in British Colombia are breathtaking, but I quickly forgot what I was driving while coasting up and down the Sea-to-Sky highway. The cabin is the NX's high point, but the drive offers few remarkable elements. The vehicle's styling is sharp, but the F-Sport versions are by far the ones to consider. Then, there's the Hybrid...
What is a Lexus NX?
The 2015 NX will likely turn out to be a bestseller for Lexus, but somehow should be a better, more interesting product overall. The ex-compact RX may prove to be an issue at first given its stellar reputation. The NX's price will make all the difference.
This compact luxury crossover is aimed at the 35-45-year-old crowd looking for a versatile and efficient way to get around in style and, possibly, use as a first family car.
It shares a number of its components with the
Toyota RAV4 and the
Lexus CT200h.
2015 Lexus NX Price and Specs
Pricing is not yet available, nor is the NX, but is expected to hit all 37 dealerships by the 4th quarter of this year. Pricing should range between $40,000 and under $60,000 for the most lavishly equipped versions. Final details will be announced shortly before dealer launch.
There will be two versions of the NX, the 200t and the 300h. The first will be motivated by a Lexus-first turbocharged Atkinson-cycle 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that will produce 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission will be standard.
The 300h will borrow the ES300h's Atkinson-cycle 2.5L inline-4 pot engine that generates 194 horsepower. A CVT ‘box will work with it to get things moving.
AWD will be standard in Canada. The 200t's will split torque 100/0 or up to 50/50. The 300h will go up to a 60/40 from the 100/0.
The 2015 Lexus NX will be available in six trims for the 200t and a single uber-loaded version for the 300h.
Driving the 2015 Lexus NX
Fresh off the MKC launch and recent drive in a Macan, my expectations for the NX were high. Let's not forget that the RX is one of the best in its segment and, as such, the NX could not be “bad;” and certainly it's not, but it falls short of the expected mark. Underwhelmed seemed to be the word of the day.
I started my day with a Hybrid. Now, if a number of manufacturers are promoting hybrids as green-performance alternatives, Lexus seems to be doing the opposite. As the tested vehicles were American-spec prototypes, both my Hybrid and 200t were FWD examples. Despite this, the Hybrid felt laboured. Acceleration was adequate, if not meek-ish especially when climbing certain portions of the Sea-to-Sky. The CVT did what CVTs do, which is pin engine rpm near redline. The entire experience lacked the usual Lexus levels of refinement.
The 200t fared far better thanks in large part to the slick and smooth-operating 6-speed auto. The 2.0T pulls smartly and does not suffer from any lag, but is not especially powerful. It is no more brawny than the MKC's 2.0T and feels less powerful than the Evoque's and the BMW X3's. Bottom line: Among its competitor, it is average.
That's how the drive can be summed up, as well. The steering's nice and beefy, brakes feel OK, and the ride is not as well sorted as the RX's. There is no “fun” or enthusiasm to be found at the wheel of the new NX.
There are two F Sport versions. Sadly, I was only able to drive one for 5 minutes, and at very low speeds. The paddle shifters could have helped, as would have the sport-tuned suspension. Lexus expects that a large portion will be equipped as such.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Lexus NX
The contrast between the NX's driving characteristics and its exterior styling could not be greater. The 2015 Lexus NX features numerous exterior details, the most in-your-face being the spindle grille, which is subtly repeated in the rear. The motorcycle-inspired LED L-shaped daytime running lights (as seen on the IS and RC) are very modern and hip.
Furthermore, the flared fenders are ripe for male appeal while the fancy lit-up door handles scream female attention. I may have gone too far right there... And on the subject of the F Sport, the different, deeper, and more aggressive front bumper makes a world of a difference. Another reason to go F Sport.
The cabin is, in my opinion, the best part about the 2015 Lexus NX. The dashboard layout is contemporary, well designed and generally user friendly. The same cannot be said for Lexus' new version of its Remote Touch that now uses a touch pad as opposed to a “mouse.” I'll need more time with it.
The seats happen to be very supportive and comfortable, far more than the MKC's. Once more, the F Sport has unique seats, which are to die for. The trunk is capacious, but I do not think will hold as many golf bags (4) as Lexus says.
Comparing the 2015 Lexus NX
Currently, the 2015 NX deals with the Mercedes GLK, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Range Rover Evoque, the Lincoln and even the Porsche Macan. The Germans are strong, and revised Q5s and GLKs are not that far off...
I expected the NX to be a fun version of the great RX, but it turned out not to be. A weeklong road test is in order.
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