Lexus launches ASEAN version of 2022 NX
Thailand first to receive all-new Lexus NX in Southeast Asia
Earlier this year, Lexus officially revealed the all-new NX. While it may still resemble the outgoing generation, it’s now underpinned by a new platform known as the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).
It’s set to make its Philippine debut this month. Lexus Philippines is even accepting pre-orders for the upcoming crossover already. Luckily, we won’t have to wait that long as it was just launched in Thailand today. Officially making its ASEAN debut at the 2021 Thailand International Motor Expo is the 2022 Lexus NX.
Starting with the styling, the NX gets a mild exterior redesign that gives it a more rounded appearance. Lexus toned down the sharp edges and creases in favor of smoother curves and rounded corners. It also gets a new spindle grille similar to the one found on the IS.
The rear, meanwhile, gets a new pair of LED taillights with L-shaped LEDs and a light bar that connects the two. But perhaps the most noticeable change is the lack of the signature ‘L’ badge on the rear. Instead, the new NX now has the ‘L E X U S’ name on the tailgate.
Size-wise, the 2022 NX measures 4660mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1640mm tall. As a result, the all-new crossover is now longer and wider by 20mm, and 5mm taller than the outgoing generation. The wheelbase has also been extended by 30mm to 2690mm.
Like the exterior, Lexus also changed up the interior of the NX. It now gets a driver-oriented, cockpit-style dashboard that features a center console angled towards the driver. When it comes to its features, it comes with a fully-digital instrument panel, a redesigned leather steering wheel, a two-tone interior finish, a heads-up display, and LED ambient lighting.
In Thailand, the 2022 NX comes with a large 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports Bluetooth, USB, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as navigation. Gone is the center touchpad as Lexus opted to let drivers simply use the touchscreen when going through the menus. The dual-zone automatic climate control panel has been redesigned and now features two new dials and a touch-sensitive panel that works with the touchscreen.
Under the hood, the Thai-spec NX is available with two engine options, a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain dubbed the 450h+ and a standard hybrid version called the 350h. Yes, hybrids are the only choices for Thailand. Starting with the PHEV, it uses a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine that makes 185 PS and 228 Nm of torque. It’s then helped along by two electric motors placed at the front and rear axles.
Combined, the NX 450h+ generates a total system output of 304 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Keeping the electric motors charged is an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows the NX to have a maximum electric driving range of 87 km. It’s also capable of achieving a top speed of 135 km/h on just pure electric power. To ensure grip at all times, the NX 450h+ benefits from the E-Four 4WD system.
As for the 350h, it gets the same 2.5-liter engine as the plug-in hybrid but only comes with one electric motor powering the front axle. It has a total system output of 240 PS and is also paired to an E-CVT.
To keep the occupants safe the NX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+. This gives the crossover a wide array of intelligent safety features that include; pre-collision system, adaptive high-beam system, lane-tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control (aka adaptive cruise control), and intelligent parking assist.
With the all-new NX now in Thailand, it won’t be long until Lexus Philippines also launches the new-generation crossover. But do you think we’ll get the plug-in hybrid 450h+ or will we only get the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the 350h hybrid? Watch this space.
