After high anticipation, the Lexus NX 350h has finally arrived. The newly launched SUV replaces the Lexus NX 300h. The Lexus NX 350h comes to India via the CBU route and is offered in three variants — Exquisite (Rs 64.90 lakh), Luxury (69.50 lakh), and F-Sport (Rs 71.60 lakh) (all prices, ex-showroom). 

Exteriors

Design-wise, the new Lexus NX 350h SUV still sports the signature Lexus grille, flanked by now sharper-looking LED DRLs. At the back, the LED tail-lights now connected by a horizontal light bar. Overall, Lexus seems to have taken a minimalist approach here, with cleaner lines and softer curves on the bodywork. 

Interiors and Features

Step inside, and you’ll notice a 14-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard, along with a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. Also new here is a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch driver’s display. Smartphone connectivity here is offered via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Convenience features include 64-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof and 8-way powered and heated front seats. To up the luxury feel, Lexus has replaced the inside door handles with an ‘E-latch,’ which essentially allows for the opening and closing of doors via a push of a button. 

Safety here is taken care of by Lexus’ Safety System+ and it includes a pre-collision warning system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic high beams. It is further aided by eight airbags and front along with rear parking sensors.

The NX 350h SUV for 2022 is also a bit bigger now, at 4,660m long, 1,865mm wide, 1,640mm tall (an increase of 20mm, 5mm and 30mm, respectively). For additional legroom, the wheelbase has been expanded to 2,690mm. 

Under the hood, the Lexus NX 350h packs a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine with two electric motors. In tandem, they deliver 244hp, which is an increase of 40hp over the NX 300h. Transmission here is handled by a CVT gearbox, delivering power to all four wheels. Lexus claims the NX 350h can sprint from 0-100kph in 7.7 seconds, compared to the NC 300h’s timing of 9.2 seconds. 

The Lexus NX 350h facelift rivals the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Audi Q5.