An exceptional crossover SUV

A rich blend of technology and earthy materials giving the Lexus NX 300h a unique look.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Lexus India

The soon-to-be-launched Lexus NX 300h is essentially a hybrid crossover SUV with an angular front that has sharp headlamps and a separated section for horizontal L-shaped LED DRLs. Its spindle grille design is signature Lexus, consistent with the other models.

The Japanese luxury carmaker is offering the NX 300h in two variants: Luxury and F-Sport. Both get a unique pattern for the spindle grille. While the Luxury variant sports horizontal slats, the F-Sport gets a woven pattern rendering an almost 3D like impression.

Sitting smack in the middle of the grille is the Lexus logo. A few brushed aluminum bits around the grille and its front skirting make for a futuristic looking facade.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Lexus India

From the sides, the SUV looks butch with protruding wheel arches surrounded by black plastic cladding. Adding to the unique design is the gently curving shoulder line that seamlessly emerges after the A Pillar and dissolves into the C Pillar.

The NX 300h rides on 225/60 R18 tyres that are proportionate to the SUV's size. Encased in the tyres are sleek-looking five twin-fin alloys with a machined and blacked out finish.

Another quotient that adds to the NX 300h’s style is its massive, fitted panoramic sunroof. The rear section is as edgy as the front with a tapering roofline ending abruptly in a spoiler on the tailgate. The L-shaped stop lights in the tail lamps add a touch of symmetry to the theme of the car. Ample plastic cladding has been used on the lower sections of the bumper with brushed aluminum bits here and there.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Lexus India

Inside, there is a rich blend of technology and earthy materials giving the NX 300h a unique look. The seating is plush with leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The dash and doors feature leather and wooden trims that blend in well to give the desired posh feel to the cabin.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Lexus India

Lexus is offering a 10.3-inch infotainment display, which is operated with a touch pad on the centre floor console. There are power-adjusted seats that can be operated not only from the seats but also by the driver, as well as from the boot. Other features include a heads-up display, kick sensors to release the tailgate, wireless phone charging, voice recognition, push button start/stop and keyless entry among. The car is fitted with 14-speaker Mark Levinson unit that has impeccable clarity.

Powering the NX 300h is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder unit, which has been mated to an e-CVT transmission. The hybrid SUV also gets two electric motors. The one powering the front wheels produces 140hp and 270Nm of torque, while the one powering the rear wheels produces 67hp and 139Nm of torque. Being mated to an e-CVT transmission, the Lexus NX 300h is very smooth. This is essentially what the crossover SUV has been designed to do.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Lexus India

Lexus has also provided an option to drive in EV mode where the only source of power is the 204 NiMH battery cells in the NX 300h. When driving in electric mode the SUV is nearly silent and the ICE only jumps in on the driver's demand for more power. There is no lag as the ICE takes charge in the blink of an eye. At cruising speeds, this hybrid SUV takes the juice from the batteries.

Lexus has also added the provision of different drive modes. One can choose between Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+. In the Sport mode, the SUV reached 0-100 kmph in a matter of 7.76 seconds, while in Sport+ we were able to clock a time of 7.69 seconds. 

Reports: Motown Indiawww.motownindia.com 

Engine: 2,494cc, in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine
Power: 194bhp@5,700rpm
Top speed: 180 kmph
Torque: 210Nm@4,200-4,400rpm
Transmission: E-CVT
Tyres: 225/60 R18
Price: Rs 6 million (estimated)