2018 Lexus NX turns heads in Shanghai with a sharper look and enhanced performance

• An evolution of the NX’s sporty, sophisticated styling
• Sharper handling performance with a smoother overall ride quality
• Standard Lexus Safety System +, provides an even safer driving experience

TORONTO, ON (April 19, 2017) – From the time it was introduced in 2014, the Lexus NX was destined for success.  Offering crossover-luxury-vehicle seekers exactly what they had long been desiring—a stylish and spacious compact with exciting driving dynamics and excellent fuel efficiency, it was well-received instantly, but not even Lexus could have predicted that it would become a worldwide sensation: The NX dramatically outperformed sales forecasts in every one of its markets around the world, and for 2018, Lexus intends to keep the proverbial wheel rolling with an updated model that the brand revealed today at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Bold New Exterior Styling Refinements

For the 2018 NX, Lexus designers thoroughly enhanced the design essence of the original model, which has garnered universal praise for being one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment. The entire front fascia has undergone a complete refresh, with the upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers redesigned to more fluidly blend into the hood and front doors, resulting in a sleeker overall shape and excellent aerodynamics. The new NX’s available premium headlamps with triple projectors are similar to those equipped on the LC luxury coupe and help give the NX’s face a sportier aura. Also of note, satin and smoked chrome trim elements have been applied to the grille treatment in addition to new vertical elements added to the grille’s inner portion.

NX’s Exterior Designer, Shin Kamiura from Lexus Design Division, said “Starting at the spindle grille, the way the front edges connect to the front fenders results in a much bolder expression than before, clearly highlighting the NX’s style design architecture. We’ve also altered the shape of the lower front bumper to better support the spindle grille, and relocated the fog lamps to the corner of the front bumpers, resulting in a front fascia with a stronger and more aggressive presence.”

The 2018 NX rear end has received styling touches to help match the sportiness of the front. The lower rear bumper cover now involves elements of the grille’s spindle motif and has been broadened to enhance the vehicle’s wide stance and low-center-of-gravity look. In addition, the NX’s revised taillights have been elongated, and the black garnish has been revised to better emphasize the “L”-shaped lenses. Also, the new NX features larger chrome-tipped exhaust tips that are integrated into the vehicle’s revised bumper cover design and new rear underbody spoiler. For the NX Hybrid, a slotted sectional piece with an L-shaped satin chrome border blends flawlessly into the underbody spoiler.

One new high-grade aluminum 18-in. wheel option has been added to the mix, featuring a bright machined-finish with dark metallic paint to express a three-dimensional design with an increased sense of depth.

The Interior: A True Driver’s Environment with Added Convenience

The interior of the new NX has also been slightly reworked to enhance sportiness and luxury with the benefit of enhanced control interfaces. Amongst other noticeable improved interior elements, the center dashboard display has gone from 7” - 10.3” with an 8” audio display monitor.  Also, the HVAC control panel design has been dramatically simplified by replacing the small section of buttons with four easy-to-operate toggle switches adorned with tiny “Ls” on their surface. Rear-seat passengers will now be able to set the temperature in their own compartment via a switch on the rear console. The analogue clock features a cleaner, simpler design than before with an outer ring that’s more pronounced. It has also been slightly enlarged for better readability and now includes satellite control, which automatically sets the time in different time zones.

Nearly all the controls and switches inside the new NX, including the drive mode selector, shift knob and door handles, now have a metallic satin finish, enhancing the premium look and feel of the cabin. Even the audio knob and window switches feature a metallic coating.

On the center console, the remote touch interface pad has been enlarged and redesigned for easier operation, and the palm rest has been reshaped for maximum wrist comfort. The wireless charger tray has also grown in size to accommodate larger smart phones. In addition, the USB ports have been more optimally positioned in the center console, and their amperage has been increased for faster charging. For models equipped with the Heads Up Display (HUD), the unit is now integrated into the upper instrument panel, resulting in a smooth dash surface that looks identical to those of non-HUD-equipped models.

The 2018 NX adds the convenience of a sensor foot-operated rear hatch that can be used when the user’s hands or arms are full. 

World-Renowned Takumi Craftsmanship

Lexus has become known for its high level of artful craftsmanship through its TAKUMI masters. For all 2018 NXs, this unparalleled skill and attention to detail is showcased in the revised needlework on the vehicle’s leather surfaces, which are stitched perfectly straight, and not at a slight angle as you would find in other products. This intricate pattern can only be executed with the help of hand-operated machinery equipped with special needles that are resistant to overheating and thread breakage.

“Even if it can’t be immediately seen, an acute attention to details, such as the way the stitching of materials create a subtle pattern, can be felt spiritually to make a difference to the customer. That is the essence of the TAKUMI way that elevates the entire construction of a Lexus,” said Takeaki Kato, the Chief Engineer of the NX.

Superb Performance with Enhanced Handling and Added Safety

Powering the NX 300, formerly called the NX 200t, will be Lexus’ powerful and fuel-efficient turbo-charged 2.0-liter inline-4, while the NX 300h’s hybrid drivetrain will continue with a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors, offering guests class-leading power and fuel economy. Both drivetrains offer customers a richer, sportier engine sound and exhaust note that is reproduced through the speakers by Lexus’ Active Sound Control (ASC). The “t” designation has been removed from the name as turbo-charged engines have been adopted by other models in Lexus’s lineup. (Lexus will be initiating this name change to its other turbocharged models in the coming months.).

While the NX’s straight-line performance will essentially remain the same, significant improvements have been made to the vehicle’s suspension tuning to enhance ride and handling. The springs, stabilizer bars and bushings have been retuned for improved turn-in response and steady-state cornering. Also, new shock absorbers improve the quality of the NX’s already smooth ride. But the biggest new change to the NX’s chassis is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), now based on the advanced system found in the LC 500, which offers a range of up to 650 instantaneous compression and damping adjustments (up from 30) to more precisely control overall handling stability and control.

The 2018 NX features reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), thanks to a combination of suspension tuning and the addition of strategically placed sound deadening within the vehicle’s body.

Already one of the safest vehicles in its class, the new NX will include the brand’s innovative Lexus Safety System +, which integrates active safety technologies, such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). It will also be equipped with Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS).

The NX F SPORT

The most athletic NX trim level, the performance-minded F Sport, will continue to be distinguished by its pronounced mesh grille with jet-black plating and exclusive wheels that feature a bright machined finish with black solid paint. Inside, it will receive specially textured Naguri aluminum ornamentation, yet another example of TAKUMI craftsmanship, which provides a high sense of elegance and sporty flair. The new Flare Red interior colour seating surface treatment is exclusive to the F Sport, as are the separate readouts for turbo boost and G forces for the HUD display.

“For the new NX, we made bold refinements to the design, elevated its performance and added new features to enhance its comfort and convenience. The new NX still possesses the same elements that have made it popular in the past—a sharp design, everyday convenience and driving pleasure that will satisfy all enthusiasts—but the vehicle as a whole has evolved dramatically, as you’re bound to see and feel when you first experience it,” Kato said.

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 39 dealers across Canada. Guests have access to a wide range of luxury and performance vehicles with a total of 12 Lexus nameplates available in Canada, including the largest luxury hybrid lineup of 6 hybrid models. Inspired by great design and passion for innovation, Lexus is committed to delivering the highest quality products, services and experiences to meet the needs of luxury guests. The Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s (TMMC) award-winning Cambridge South plant. For more information about Lexus and Lexus products, please visit: www.lexus.ca.