Since then, over 170,000 units sold worldwide, a third of which concentrated in Europe, where construction quality and mechanical efficiency have proved to be its trump cards.
Now the blanket is extended with the second generation of NX, for the first time also offered in the Plug-in Hybrid version, the protagonist of the Ansa Motori test drive which joins the more traditional Full-Hybrid version.
Compared to the past, the overall length (466 cm), the wheelbase by 30, the width by 20 and the height by 5 mm have grown by 20 mm.
Measures to the advantage of perfect roominess even for 5 adults with luggage in tow, considering the luggage compartment capacity increased to 545 liters of minimum capacity.
The interiors relaunch the typical minimalist elegance of the Japanese house in a digital key, expressed according to the "Tazuna" concept, which indicates the control of the rider on his horse exercised with the reins.
In a word, ergonomics.
The physical buttons on the dashboard have been reduced and reorganized, while most of the functions can be managed both by the voice assistant and by the touch controls on the steering wheel.
With the Pro version of the new Lexus Link infotainment, the
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Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid
The exterior design, evolved but not revolutionized, hides 95% of the modified components to significantly improve comfort, performance, technology and efficiency.
These are the benefits deriving from the synergy between the GA-K platform and the fourth generation of the hybrid system, also available for the first time in the rechargeable version.
The NX 450+ is powered by a powertrain consisting of a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, flanked by two electric units for a total of 309 HP unloaded on all-wheel drive.
They allow you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, with emissions below 40 g/km.
The 17 kWh battery guarantees 60 to 80 km of zero-emission travel outside the city, up to a maximum of 98 km in urban centres.
As per the tradition of the Japanese company, the NX Phev also focuses on smooth running, in this case supported by a power that makes progression more incisive in the event of overtaking or on long stretches of motorway.
At low speed, thrust is guaranteed by the electric units, with the internal combustion engine ready to come into play when more power is needed.
It does so almost imperceptibly even when you sink on the gas, with the electric being decisive in canceling the dragging effect of the change between one gear and another suffered by the previous generation.
The set-up includes MacPherson suspension with double wishbones at the front and trailing arms at the rear,
Between bends, body roll is moderately contained, while the level of comfort offered by the Lexus NX remains at the highest levels also due to the excellent soundproofing.
With the battery charged, the consumption measured indicated 1.8 L/100 Km, achieved without traveling in "Eco" mode.
Once the energy was used up, the NX began to behave like a full-hybrid, managing to keep consumption below the 5 l/100 km threshold.
In Charge Battery mode, the excellent energy recovery system has restored 25 km of zero-emission travel in less than 20 km, making the use of the charging cable almost superfluous.
The price of the Lexus NX 450+ starts at 72,500 euros.
