The new Lexus NX range has touched down in South Africa and we’ve uncovered local pricing. Here’s what you need to know, including how much this fresh-faced luxury crossover will cost you…
The new Lexus NX has made its way to South Africa, though the line-up interestingly comprises just a pair of purely petrol-powered models at launch in March 2022 [UPDATE: hybrids variants have been added in May 2022; see dedicated section below].
Whereas the outgoing three-strong range was topped by a hybrid derivative, the second-generation line-up features (for now) only the NX 250 EX and NX 350 F Sport, neither of which benefits from any sort of electrification. Considering Toyota South Africa Motors’ recent hybrid offensive, we’re guessing such a powertrain option is on the horizon.
Revealed in mid-2021, the new NX rides on a fresh platform, allowing it to sport a longer wheelbase, wider tracks and a lower centre of gravity. While the exterior design changes are fairly subtle, the cabin has received quite an overhaul.
Priced from R860 000, the NX 250 EX employs a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending 152 kW and 243 Nm to all four wheels courtesy of an 8-speed automatic transmission. This model will reach 100 kph from standstill in a claimed 9.1 seconds, before topping out at 200 kph. Lexus lists a fuel economy figure of 7.1L/100 km.
The NX 350 F Sport, meanwhile, uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol unit, which sends its 205 kW and 430 Nm to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic cog-swapper, too. Although it’s a little thirstier at a claimed 8.1 litres per 100 km, Lexus says it will reach three figures in 7.0 seconds. The NX 350 F Sport kicks off at R1 075 400.
Despite effectively functioning as the base model, the NX 250 EX is generously equipped, shipping standard with items such as a powered tailgate, tyre-pressure monitoring, a lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable (and heated) front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a 14-inch touchscreen system, a 10-speaker sound system and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The NX 350 F Sport upgrades to model-specific styling items (such as the F Sport grille and bumpers on the outside and the F Sport steering wheel, alloy pedals and shift lever on the inside), along with 20-inch alloys, adaptive high-beam LED headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, cornering lamps, sequential indicators, a digital rear-view mirror, genuine leather upholstery, an extra (Sport S+) driving mode, a panoramic sunroof, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and a 360-degree camera system.
Hybrid derivatives added to the range in May 2022
The freshly added hybrid derivatives are the NX 350h EX, NX 350h SE and NX 350h F Sport. The latest hybrid arrangement is build around Toyota’s familiar naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. With the help of an electric motor, total system power is pegged at 179 kW.
Lexus claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.0 L/100 km, along with a 0-100 kph sprint time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 kph. The company says the hybrid system design has been “improved” thanks to a new front transaxle and a compact lithium-ion battery.
How much does the new Lexus NX cost in South Africa?
Lexus NX 250 EX – R860 000
Lexus NX 350h EX – R888 500
Lexus NX 350h SE – R1 040 700
Lexus NX 350h F Sport – R1 065 500
Lexus NX 350 F Sport – R1 075 400
The new NX range includes a 7-year/105 000 km warranty along with a maintenance plan of the same length.
