Luxury brands usually only lose out on the appearance of inexpensive compact models in their lineup. For example, Mercedes-Benz. What gave the most famous global premium brand replenishment in the form of GLA? Confused fans? Probably mostly just that.
OLD MAN KOZLODOEV SLIDES ON THE ROOF…
When Infiniti released the little EX crossover, I didn't hear the cheers either. Why rejoice? Now not only you, the old adherent of the brand, but some fledgling student will also be able to enjoy it. The identity of the brand is blurred, the values that true fans professed are lost. Let's face it, the whole life of the elderly is going downhill. Previously, they could exchange meaningful glances with their colleagues, fortunately - the same world-wise owners of Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Range Rover. Now, as soon as they look at the same driver of a brand that is native to the marrow of their bones, they are no longer met with understanding, but rather with a bewildered question: are you in general, a turkey, how did you find yourself here? At such moments, they want to go to the nearest cemetery and ask if there are empty seats. When the Evoque hit the market, it really was a blow to older Range Rover owners. By releasing the Audi Q3, the Germans burned out the inner world of Q7 lovers with napalm. Naturally, the Lexus NX 300, in turn, had to hit the RX 350 and LX 570. But it turned out the other way around. He ennobled the off-road line of the Japanese premium brand, and this is an absolute victory for the Japanese. Therefore, back in August 2014, we named the new product the star of the Moscow International Motor Show. Now we can discuss in detail why she received this high-profile title from us.
SLEEP WELL
Large models of premium monsters Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Range Rover, Audi have always been self-sufficient. They stood at the top of Olympus. Therefore, manufacturers did not need to make GLA, EX, Evoque and Q3 at all in order to achieve heights or show their special achievements in the automotive industry. At the same time, long "suitcases" Lexus always lacked something. For example, refined driving manners, or stylish design, or aesthetic trim. I am far from criticizing Lexus, just stating the fact that the brand is quite conservative and has not developed fast enough for the modern market. He rested on his laurels to a certain extent. You can reproach me, saying that just in the paragraph above I advocated traditional values, and now I advise you to catch market trends. Not really. Look at the new Range Rover. Is its design - which, of course, has an aesthetic component - in line with the ideas that populated the heads of the brand's adherents in the early 2000s? No, it's a complete reversal. Modern designers, working hand in hand with the marketing devils, are rubbing their feet on the preferences of people over forty, and it's disgusting. Now take a look at the Lexus NX 300. How much are people missing out on switching from the RX 350 and even the LX 570? Thank God no. They will only buy. This is what I mean by "market trends" and how they can be combined with traditional brand values. The author of the Lexus NX 300 project can sleep peacefully, and the Range Rover designer will someday be met at the entrance by a crowd of humiliated old people. They will beat the offender with thick leather briefcases and heavy ebonite telephones. I wouldn't want to be in his place.
HARMONY OF THE ELEMENTS
If you want to know what the great new Lexus is, remember two words - “ikebana” and “katana”. You won't need more. The first characterizes the interior. The second is about the chassis. In the NX 300, you immediately feel extremely comfortable in the sense that the surrounding interior has a simple, understandable human dimension. It doesn't look like an excavator console like the LX, nor does it flirt with modern concept art that few people understand like the RX. The front panel of the novelty consists of many elements, as if symbolizing different elements - earth, water, fire. Round, square, sharp. They are not heaped in a heap and not built in military ranks, but flow very naturally into one another, demonstrating the natural harmony of ancient Japanese art. Probably, in this ikebana there is something to complain about. But for a whole week I admired her and could not find the strength for a critical approach. She is wonderful. And she's mesmerizing.
JAPAN NOT EUROPE
The Lexus NX 300 rides almost perfectly if you compare it to its older brothers in the lineup. Given the well-known customer loyalty to this brand, it is precisely such comparisons that will be the majority on the market. Of course, if we had a couple of Audis or BMWs on hand, we would have witnessed an unequal battle for the sharpness and silkiness of the suspension, in which Lexus was relegated to the role of a whipping doll. But… here I will allow myself to pause and comment on my own statement. What are the Europeans doing, improving the chassis of their crossovers? They hone the design, correcting mistakes somewhere, and somewhere deciding to experiment. The Japanese have a different concept. Do you know how a katana is made? Has anyone changed the shape of this samurai sword? No, the craftsmen do not touch its “construction”, they work on the material. This is exactly what you feel behind the wheel of the NX 300. Japanese engineers have perfected the art of varying the stiffness of the suspension and steering. The NX 300 experience is similar to the RX 350. The suspension behaves exactly the same, it has no innovations (and is generally torn off from the RAV4), but it has been picked up such a rigidity that it fits smoothly into the range of all-wheel drive stamps. This is what I call working on the material.
BE CAREFUL ON THE ROCK
The hybrid version of the NX 300, that is, the one that ended up in our hands, is the most unsuitable off-road option. If you're going to do a lot of off-roading, choose a different package. Due to the massive batteries in the bottom area, the ground clearance is limited to 185 mm, and the approach angle is only 17.2 degrees. It has long been noticed that hybrid installations are still rather weak on the roads. Either their battery is not sufficiently charged for all-wheel drive, or the electric motor on the rear axle will not connect in any way, and electronic assistants poorly imitate wheel locks. In general, there are problems. Thankfully, they fail to outshine the excitement of the new Lexus-badged compact crossover. This is one of those cars that you can easily forgive even such shortcomings.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
The hybrid 300h is the most expensive version of the NX. For a lot of money, you get a 2.5-liter Atkinson engine and two electric motors with a total capacity of 197 hp. With. There is no mechanical connection between the front and rear wheels. A 67-horsepower motor-generator is located in the rear axle, which turns on as needed. The NX 300h draws its electricity from 204 batteries located on either side of the rear seat, closer to the car's center of gravity. The front suspension has classic suspension struts, the rear - double wishbones with separately mounted springs and shock absorbers. Moreover, oil shock absorbers are connected in a single circuit, which allows you to effectively change the settings. The presence of a common platform with the RAV4 is rather a negative fact, since a premium car requires a wider track and a long wheelbase.
Text: Dmitry Leontiev
Photo: Alexandra Strakhova-Baranova
Lexus NX 300h (Lexus NX 300h)
Thanks to the aristocratic design, the Lexus HX 300x crossovers inevitably become the center of attention. The expressiveness of the lines, the futuristic details of the frontal area, the original silhouette of the roof - the car's exterior symbolizes an ultra-modern look at the external image of the vehicle.
The luxurious interior, which the new model has, embodied all the experience of previous developments. Excellent ergonomics, an amazing level of comfort, a lot of useful high-tech innovations have become characteristic features of the interior. A number of consumers claim that buying a Lexus HX 300x in Moscow from an authorized Major Auto dealer prompted them to use intuitive innovations in the form of a well-designed navigation device, panoramic video cameras, a multimedia display, and a Remote Touch touch panel.
Options and prices Lexus NX 300h
Balanced equipment and prices Lexus NX 300h - another reason to look at this excellent model. Designed to be admired by all, it comes in AWD Executive and AWD Exclusive versions. The top-end configuration is characterized by the presence of a contactless access card, a panoramic roof, and a premium audio center.
Specifications Lexus NX 300h
The developers have provided impressive technical specifications for the Lexus NX 300h. Due to the adjustable adaptive suspension and full hybrid drive, the owner of this model will be able to fully experience its dynamics. This version is characterized by the presence of the Hybrid Drive, which combines a 2.5-liter gasoline unit with an efficient electric motor. The regenerative braking function, which is endowed with the Lexus NX 300h, does not imply the need to recharge the battery.
Buy Lexus HX 300x in Moscow from an authorized dealer
Major Auto showrooms feature all available trim levels for the Lexus NX 300h. When ordering the selected modification, our customers will be able to take advantage of favorable lending programs.
Hybrids have become harder to sell as fuel prices have fallen. With the cost of gasoline 60 rubles per liter, pay an additional 300,000 rubles. for a car with a combined power plant, maybe it makes economic sense. But when its price is halved, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for meager savings on filling a full tank is economically dubious at best. Perhaps that is why the manufacturer for 36,000 rubles. reduced the cost of the hybrid compact crossover Lexus NX 300h (photo is given later in the article). The model with AWD costs 2,377,792 rubles. against 2 413 726 rubles. for an identical car last year. But a cheaper front-wheel drive version costing 2,320,823 rubles. no longer available.
Model overview
NX300h, unlike last year, is offered only in all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, you can get a regular (and FWD) NX200t with the same amenities (both NX variants come in the same “fancy” version) for 2,050,000 rubles, and with AWD for 2,131,803 rubles. Thus, you can save up to 328,000 (FWD NX200t vs. AWD NX300h) and at least 240,000 rubles. (for AWD modifications). This saves a lot of money and makes sense, at least as long as fuel costs remain low enough.
The NX is a compact two-row crossover sold as the NX200t as a regular model and as the NX300h as a hybrid version. The latter option is the subject of this review. It's smaller and sportier than the popular RX350, and offers an almost equal amount of interior space for passengers (but less for cargo). The hybrid version is cheaper than potential competitors such as the Audi Q5, which starts at 3,067,554 rubles. Even with twice the cost of fuel, buying such an expensive model makes little sense.
Another possible and economically more reasonable alternative is the diesel version of the BMW X3. It costs 2,497,865 rubles. and provides real savings in a combination of city and highway driving at about the same level or even slightly more than NX, given that the latter's highway consumption (9.4 liters per 100 km) is higher than diesel BMW (8.3 L).
But the fact remains that until oil prices rise substantially, none of these models has an economic advantage over fuel-only options.
What's new?
According to owners, the price of the car has decreased, and a standard AWD has appeared. True, this happened due to a slight increase in fuel consumption ... In addition, a new Scout GPS link application has appeared, which allows you to broadcast navigation data from a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Advantages and disadvantages
The specifications of the Lexus NX 300h don't look green enough, as the average fuel consumption is 9.4 l/100 km. Externally, the car looks smaller than the RX350. As such, it's easier to park and steer, but it offers almost the same legroom in front and second-row rear. The model features a sleek exterior and interior, including driver-adjustable LCD gauges and feedback touch trackpad input. Compared to the Audi Q5 hybrid, the price is quite reasonable.
The disadvantages include: too much cost of the car; lower AWD mileage than the FWD version available last year; the fuel consumption of the regular version of the NX200t is slightly lower (12.8 liters per 100 km in the city, 10.1 liters on the highway), which cannot be said about its price; the elegant bodywork comes at the price of a narrow rear field of vision and a small luggage compartment, which is not very easy to access.
Lexus NX 300h: specifications and reviews
Instead of the 4-cylinder 2.0L turbo and 6-speed automatic that power the NX200t, the NX300h powerplant consists of a larger (but non-turbocharged) 2.5L engine backed up by two electric motors and a NiMh ) battery. A tandem powertrain powers a continuously variable automatic transmission with three driver-adjustable modes (sport, economy and normal). It's similar to what you'll find on the Prius, but with more power (up to 194 hp) and both petrol and electric engines delivering their best.
And it's not that much. The characteristics of the Lexus NX 300h do not allow it to accelerate to 100 km / h in less than 9 seconds, which is 2 seconds worse than the non-hybrid version.
Fuel economy is good - 8.6L city, 9.4L highway - but that's a little behind last year's figures, when you could buy a lighter version of the EPA-class FWD NX300h with 8.1L city and 9.1L highway. highway.
According to user feedback, the question of whether it was reasonable to increase the fuel consumption of the Lexus NX 300h is debatable. After all, people buy hybrids because they want to save money...or at least they're supposed to. The NX300h's current mileage without AWD isn't much better than rivals like the diesel BMW X3. In fact, the overall economy of the BMW is even better as it is better balanced.
City car
Hybrids are most effective at managing speed at low speeds and frequent stops in cities, where they can run mostly on their batteries, often without using a fuel engine at all. But on the highway, the engine runs constantly - and hard. This is because the combined power plant is usually smaller and less powerful (to save gas) in city mode. That's why highway mileage is higher for most hybrids than in the city - as opposed to most non-hybrid (and diesel) vehicles.
One thing to keep in mind: if the user drives a lot on expressways, then buying a combined system becomes even more reckless.
According to owner reviews, the NX300h consumes an average of 9.4 liters per 100 kilometers, although this value may vary in different conditions. City drivers will perform better, while motorway users will perform worse. Therefore, owners recommend taking a test drive before deciding whether to opt for a hybrid or stick to a purely gasoline (diesel) equivalent.
On road
The user loses speed (and some money) compared to the non-hybrid NX200t, in exchange for the potential benefit of overall reduced fuel consumption. But in general, the NX300h is not slow. Compared to the Prius, this is a powerful car.
The real problem is not the speed of the Lexus NX 300h. Owner reviews note the noise of the transmission, when it should provide the specified performance. When driving with frequent stops, it behaves quietly. You can glide comfortably on the electric drive, consuming up to 9.4 l/100 km, with the windows down and hearing almost nothing but wind noise.
But that all changes when Lexus exits city driving. With the gas pedal halfway down, the driver will hit 4000 rpm, which is not far from the relatively low limit of 5600 rpm, and stay there, all the while hearing the harsh sounds of mechanical misfortune. Further depressing the pedal for more acceleration increases the volume of the noise accordingly.
Part of the reason for this is an underpowered transmission. Lexus NX 300h weighs over 1800kg, which is too much for 194 hp. With. There is little spare power left. This means that when it is necessary to accelerate - even moderately - almost everything that it is capable of is required from the power unit.
Transmission
Automatic transmission (CVT) Lexus NX 300h for technical reasons requires maintaining high engine speeds. It is a good choice for hybrids because it works more efficiently than conventional automatic transmissions. Instead of a series of fixed gears (such as 6 speeds like the NX200t), the CVT has only one continuously variable gear. The transmission never upshifts or downshifts. Instead, a kind of burst is produced, like a turbine. This is great for economy: all other things being equal, a car with CVT, as a rule, travels 0.8-1.3 km more per liter of fuel than an identical model with conventional automatics.
The downside is that, as is common with hybrids, the engine is too weak. CVT usually keeps the engine within 75-80% of the redline during even normal acceleration, as well as when trying to maintain speed on a hill, when entering a highway or traffic junction.
According to reviews, users are willing to expect and accept less acceleration in economy cars and hybrids like the Prius, and many reviews of the NX300h are likely to find its acceleration acceptable. But the mechanical noises in the NX300h's powertrain could be a deciding factor, given that it's a Lexus that users are already used to with a quieter sound.
Tires
Lack of power and excess noise aside, the Lexus NX 300h, according to owners, gives a feeling of uninhibitedness and control, like other hybrids. The grip limit of the tires is reached long before the chassis collapses. Because the tires are quite tall and skinny (225/60 Michelins are designed primarily to reduce rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency), they don't provide much lateral grip. But when cornering, that lower threshold makes the NX300h more attractive. It is because of the low traction limit that extreme driving skills can be practiced at almost legal road speeds, which is more difficult to do in most non-hybrid sports cars equipped with modern sports tires. They are wider and provide better contact with the road surface. Their limits are so high that it is almost impossible to reach them without violating the legal speed limits.
As they say, driving a slow car fast is more fun than driving a fast car slowly. And this is just the case.
In addition, tires that look like pizza cutters will be useful in winter. Maybe even more than the standard AWD. They cut into the snow instead of ramming it from above. It's reminiscent of the good old VW Beetle, which drove great in the winter, not least because of its tall and thin tires.
Lexus NX 300h: design review
Previously, cars were divided into 3 categories: compact, medium and full-size. Recently, many models have appeared that relate to several of them at the same time. And the NX is a prime example of such a vehicle. It is compact in its external dimensions, but inside it can be classified as medium-sized, at least for humans.
Inside, there's nearly as much first- and second-row legroom as the Lexus RX350 mid-range crossover: 42.8" and 36.1" for the NX versus 43.1" and 36.8" for the RX. But the NX is 14 cm smaller (463 cm vs. 477 cm), which makes it easier to park and leaves a lot of free space in the garage.
Of course, you can't downsize without losing something. And that applies to cargo space behind the second row. The volume of the luggage compartment is 472 liters versus 1130 liters for the RX350. Even when the second row is folded down, the NX's cargo space is limited to 1,520 liters versus the RX's 2,270 liters. This is not enough in real conditions. The Audi Q5 of the same size (4.64m long, bumper to bumper) has 824 liters of luggage space behind the second row.
In addition, using the already small cargo volume of the Lexus NX 300h is hampered by a rather low roof (NX is 165 cm from the ground versus 168 cm for the RX), which limits the height of things that can be placed in it. Nevertheless, the trunk is quite enough to transport a dog or groceries from the supermarket. Users who require more luggage space may opt for the RX, while the NX will appeal to those who prefer more passenger space but can live with a smaller cargo area in exchange for smaller (and more parking-friendly) sizes. car.
The design of the NX is free and modern, and somewhat reminiscent of the RC-F super coupe - in particular, the LED lighting in the form of the Nike emblem and the spindle of the radiator grille protruding forward like the chin of a confident politician. The car looks great, but the rear view is limited. This could be corrected by folding or removing the second row headrests. But this cannot be done. They can be adjusted in height, but that's about it. However, do not blame the manufacturer for this. The government mandated these extra-high head restraints to protect passengers from injury in rear-end collisions to prevent whiplash. But the unforeseen consequence of this was poor visibility, which is a problem with almost every new car.
Control Panel
The center console of the Lexus NX 300h reviews are called too small and shifted too far back. It is difficult to reach it without turning around, which is difficult to do while following the road. Connecting accessories to the USB port located inside the console well and mounted vertically on the wall from the driver's seat is almost impossible. On the plus side, the console comes with a wireless phone charger and the latest generation trackpad is very well made. The input device gives you a physical feedback sensation, while the ergonomic cushion comfortably supports your wrist while you work.
The configurable LCD monitor is also very neat. After switching to sport mode, an analogue, but fully digital, red-backlit tachometer appears. In Eco and Normal modes, it is replaced by a power / charge indicator, which helps to minimize fuel consumption and increase battery life.
Is it worth buying?
What's better? Hybrid or powerful diesel? Or gasoline? Now the answer is obvious. It all comes down to reducing transport costs. At current gas prices, the amount spent on buying a hybrid is simply too high compared to the cost of a gas station (or a few hundred). To recoup the costs, you need to drive 110-160 thousand km.
But prices for gasoline and diesel fuel may rise.
And if a hybrid is being purchased for other reasons - such as quiet operation in urban areas or a desire to be environmentally friendly - then it may be worth the extra cost to get what you want.
Interestingly, Lexus does not offer a plug-in charging option (unlike BMW, which has invested heavily in this technology), which would allow the NX to run longer and faster on batteries, greatly improving the vehicle's efficiency. But adding such functionality would dramatically increase the cost of the model.
Conclusion
Economically, the Lexus NX 300h doesn't seem like a good deal at today's fuel prices, but there are other less pragmatic reasons to buy it (there's a demand for Porsche, too). And it is not known what could happen to oil prices next year.
For the first time, the Lexus NX 300h model (photos are posted below) was presented at the Moscow Motor Show in September 2015. The new crossover made a splash. "Smooth contours" is a phrase that categorically does not fit the car. Sharp edges and corners dominating the exterior resembled a double-edged samurai sword. The car seems to cut through space, aggressive front lines give the car the impression of swiftness.
Similarities and differences
The crossover has absorbed all the latest design developments. In terms of external parameters, the Lexus NX 300h is similar to the Toyota RAV4 all-terrain vehicle, but this impression is created only if you look at the car from a distance. Up close, there are dramatic differences. NX also consists of deeply upgraded units, different from the RAV4 mechanisms.
SUVs of the same type pass test drives with approximately the same parameters. When the Toyota RAV4 and then the Lexus En-X 300 were brought onto the track, one minute after the start it became clear that the 300 was simply out of reach for its classmate. Lightweight, maneuverable, torquey, the crossover showed impeccable dynamics.
Lexus NX 300h. Specifications
Overall and weight parameters:
- length, mm - 4630;
- height, mm - 1645;
- width, mm - 1870;
- wheel base - 2660 mm;
- - 185 mm;
- track - 1580 mm;
- equipped car weight - 1905 kg;
- total weight - 2395 kg;
- gas tank capacity - 56 liters;
- luggage compartment, volume - 475/1520 cu. cm;
- wheel size - 18R;
The Lexus NX 300h, whose technical characteristics can serve as a benchmark for E-class cars, is the best hybrid crossover of recent years. An off-grid recharge generator feeds the lithium batteries constantly, regardless of whether the car is moving downhill or going uphill, as long as the wheels are spinning. On electric motors, the car can travel five to six kilometers, and the hybrid engine operates in unlimited mode, subject to timely refueling.
Power point
The engine of the Lexus NX 300h hybrid is a four-cylinder unit, which is duplicated by two electric motors placed on the axles.
- type of the main motor - gasoline;
- arrangement of cylinders - in-line;
- power - 155 l. With.;
- torque - 210 newtonometers at 5400 rpm;
- fuel mixture injection - direct injection;
- ignition - contactless electronic.
hybrid traction
On the front axle of the Lexus NX 300h model, in addition to the regular internal combustion engine, an electric motor with a capacity of 143 hp is installed. With. and a torque of 270 Nm. The rear wheels are powered by a 68 hp electric motor. With. and a torque of 139 Nm. The total power of the hybrid power unit is 197 hp. With. when fully turned on.
Transmission
The transmission of the car is a stepless variator, which ensures smooth movement of the car on any road. The working modules of the device are divided into six conditionally switchable gears. A slight click indicates the inclusion of the first, second and third speed. The fourth, fifth and sixth (direct) are switched by a signal LED lamp. As an alternative to the variator, a five-speed automatic can be installed on the car. In this case, the speed of the car is limited, it develops 165 kilometers per hour.
Advantages of hybrid motors
The engines operate in interaction mode, the process is controlled by a computer. The electric motors can be turned off, but the batteries continue to recharge anyway. The triple thrust of the power plant is indispensable in urban conditions, when maneuvering is indispensable. The car becomes a powerful competitor for all surrounding cars and is able to leave all rivals far behind. After gaining speed of 120 kilometers per hour, the engines switch to cruising mode, as is usually the case on suburban highways. Relatively low fuel consumption allows the car to travel over four hundred kilometers at one gas station.
commercial value
Lexus NX 300h, technical characteristics (reviews do not leave much to be desired), chassis parameters, aerodynamic properties and comfort level of which make the car competitive and best-selling in its class, practically does not enter the dealer network, dispersing by appointment. In Russia, the cost of an SUV ranges from two to three and a half million rubles. The difference in price is determined by the configuration of the car.
Interior
Modifications The Lexus NX 300h AWD looks supremely elegant. Ergonomic seats with a wide range of adjustments allow you to sit comfortably. The backs are equipped with supporting rollers, high head restraints are reliable elements of passive safety. Salon Lexus NX 300h, the photo of which is presented in the article, can serve as a standard of elegance.
Powerful electric drives allow you to change the tilt of the rear seat, as well as automatically fold the seats. The floor in the cabin is flat, without a tunnel, which usually divides the entire lower part of the crossover in two. The luggage compartment is small, its volume is 475 liters. If necessary, the space used for the transport of goods can be more than doubled due to the folding rear seats. The cabin can accommodate up to 600 kilograms of net weight, while the additional pressure regulator in the rear brake system will turn on.
Safety
Crossover "Lexus NX 300" was conceived as a light SUV with a hybrid power plant. The creators abandoned the heavy channel frame and made the car body load-bearing. At the same time, a number of questions arose on giving the structure sufficient strength in terms of emergency safety. The principle of steel profiles was used, which were integrated into the doors, sills, fenders and bumpers. In the event of a collision, these tubular structures effectively absorb impact inertia and minimize damage. The interior at the time of the accident is practically not deformed, external attributes, doors, fenders and bumpers are easy to replace. The main engine, located in front, does not "fly" into the passenger compartment during a head-on collision, but seems to fall down thanks to the folding spars.
Of the passive safety devices of the Lexus 300, six emergency airbags located around the entire perimeter of the cabin can be noted. Layout: two frontal and four side elongated. In case of impact to the rear of the machine, elastic head restraints of a safety design are provided. The rear bumper is designed so that all the impact inertia will be repaid by viscous materials and a whole system of transverse and longitudinal pipes made of soft aluminum.
All seats are equipped with safety, on the back seat there are slots for attaching a removable child seat, which is included in the car.
Interior arrangement
The center console includes a full set of control devices, sensors, buttons, touch switches, toggle switches. Air duct deflectors, air conditioning and an analog chronometer are integrated into the middle part. At the bottom are the automatic gearbox selector and the traditional shift washer. These two mechanisms are mandatory installed on all Lexus hybrid models. At the top of the console is an 11-inch LCD display.
The cabin contains numerous devices that contribute to efficient driving, including an on-board computer, rain and light sensors, an audio system with a changer, power steering, electric exterior mirrors, central locking, servos for all windows, heated seats, adjustable steering column.
Sports modifications
The Lexus NX 5HYB CTV has become the starting point for several NX sports modifications. In total, four sports cars were produced. The difference between the first sport version of the Lexus NX 300h F Sport and the base model is quite significant. The "sport" type suspension is stiffer, the body kit is assembled from streamlined panels.
The Lexus NX 300h AWD F Sport sports car was equipped with a forced gasoline engine. The hybrid power unit did not fit the car according to the specifications, so I had to limit myself to an internal combustion engine. Further development of the electric drive did not give the desired results due to the limited resource of the batteries.
The F Sport modification has a daring and even aggressive appearance, the front end literally flaunts with a stylish mesh radiator grille and a bumper with a pronounced spoiler.
Speed characteristics
- The speed is close to the maximum - 180 km / h.
- Acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h - 9.4 seconds.
- Fuel consumption in mixed mode - 5.4 liters.
The Lexus NX 300h has a good dynamic transmission, a perfectly tuned CVT allows the crossover to realize all the possibilities of a hybrid installation. Smooth braking and impressive jerk when needed, changing gears, entering neutral - everything happens organically and naturally, without the slightest strain.
On the track, the En-X model behaves correctly, the driver does not have to make an effort. The car easily passes turns thanks to the standard system of course stability, confidently keeps the direction in a straight line. The base model has subtle signs of a sports car, it can be felt when sprinting jerks and in the manner of entering turns.
At the same time, perfect sliding on the Lexus NX 300h track is possible only if there is a road with impeccable coverage. The slightest bumps are given by sharp shocks, the body vibrates slightly. But as soon as the car is accelerated to a speed of 105 kilometers per hour, all unpleasant sensations disappear, and the crossover begins its smooth flight, as if the car does not touch the ground.
Customer opinion
Model Lexus NX 5HYB CVT 155 hp With. 4WD, reviews of which have always been only positive, is considered one of the best in the Lexus NX line. Owners first of all note the reliability of the chassis of the car, its strength factor has not decreased, despite the integration of two electric motors, the installation of which would inevitably weaken the structure.
The power of the power unit was to the taste of all buyers of the Lexus NX 300h without exception. Owner reviews leave no doubt about the correctness of the choice made - the car has a number of advantages compared to its predecessors. The hybrid engine gives the car dynamic properties that a conventional internal combustion engine cannot give.
The overstocking virus has been hitting the global car market for several years now. Each automaker has its own recipe for survival, but the development of niches in which some brands have not been previously represented is already a trend for many. Lexus in this case is not original with its NX compact crossover. When developing a new model, they pushed off from the fourth generation Toyota RAV4, borrowing some more ideas than technical solutions. In particular, the "cart" and the power unit of the initial versions of the NX 200 and NX 200 AWD are taken almost unchanged. But the more advanced NX 200t AWD and NX 300h, while maintaining the track and base, already have electronically controlled elastic elements and more complex kinematics.
The F SPORT interior differs from other trim levels primarily in metal pedals and an additional “F SPORT” badge on the steering wheel.
Hybrid modifications are one of Lexus' strong points. In the case of the NX, it is equipped with a 2.5-liter 155-horsepower petrol engine and two electric motors. Priority is given to the front axle: its electric motor is twice as powerful as the rear, and the gasoline engine is also connected only to the front wheels (via a variator).
The distribution of torque is controlled by complex electronics exclusively in automatic mode. The driver can only partially influence this process by selecting the driving mode: EV (only electric traction), Eco, Normal or Sport. The electronic "brain", of course, will take into account the wishes of the person, but as soon as it finds that the supply of electricity is not enough, it will start and connect the gasoline engine.
In Sport mode (the F SPORT package has an additional Sport +), the gasoline unit is connected more often and more actively, and on the left dial, instead of the power plant status indicator (Eco, Charge, Power), a more familiar and understandable tachometer appears to the eye of the mass driver.
The version of 300h F SPORT that has been on our editorial test differs from other configurations primarily in appearance. She has a cellular (the rest have horizontal slats) radiator grille and corresponding additional nameplates on the body and steering wheel, as well as 18-inch wheels 235/55 (other versions have 225/60).
But the “sporty” features are much more important: the already mentioned Sport + mode and the virtual gearshift paddles that are absent in other trim levels. More precisely, this is not the inclusion of any fixed gear, but the limitation of the upper part of the CVT gear ratio range. When switching to manual mode, the “fourth” (out of six possible) is switched on by default. For these and other sports "gadgets", the F SPORT equipment pays by the absence of such amenities already familiar in the premium segment, such as navigation or a rear-view camera.
The second row in terms of space is not outstanding, but comfortable enough. When landing the three of us, the main plus is the almost absent tunnel.
In my opinion...
Silently crawl out of the parking lot in EV mode and pour into traffic. Only on electric traction NX is able to drive a couple of kilometers. From the realization that I do not pollute the environment, it is pleasant to my soul. But I did not have time to amuse my pride, as NX enveloped the impenetrable smog of a nearby KAMAZ. This heavy truck comes from the USSR, and by today's standards, its exhaust approximately corresponds to the Euro 5 economy standards, only with a minus. Its driver, by simply shifting into gear with the gas, emitted more CO 2 into the atmosphere than a Lexus NX on the way home from work. Unpleasant!
Perhaps the NX will cheer you up with handling and dynamics? After all, Lexus' hybrid history has taught us that an electric motor (and there are two of them here) is combined with the most powerful gasoline engine in the line. I choose the Sport + mode (this is only for the F SPORT version). The total return of the hybrid system - 197 hp? It looks like fifty of them are frankly hacking. Moreover, the variator smooths out overloads. By again! Thank you at least for the sharp steering and suspension settings. True, the latter is not for everyone: the suspension transmits even the smallest irregularities into the cabin. As a participant in an amateur racing series, I like this information content to my liking, but most likely will quickly get bored. In the city and I do not need it.
In my opinion...
Somehow it happened that I fell in love with hybrids. No, of course, I wouldn’t buy such a car for myself due to the high cost and problematic operation in our conditions, but I was literally fascinated by the traction control process on a similar type of vehicle. Take, for example, the Lexus LS 600h that visited us this spring. Each press of the accelerator sent a genuine delight in my heart: the car accelerated, one might say, in a linear relationship with the amount of pedal travel. It is understandable: the electric motor built into the transmission chain with its almost ideal external speed characteristic levels out the delays of the hydromechanical “automatic” when switching to a lower one.
About the same I expected when I got behind the wheel of the newly made crossover Lexus NX. And at first he did not disappoint me. But only until the moment when it became necessary to spur the horses. With a sharp pressure on the gas, the car, although it did not stumble when searching for a lower stage, continuing uniform acceleration, but up to certain engine speeds, it did this with some laziness. Whether the lack of its traction affected the bottoms or there was a shortage of electric motor power - it's hard to say. In general, I am inclined to attribute this feature of behavior to the variator and the hybrid drive circuit. Here it is the same as that of the older brother in the family - RX: with two electric motors that transmit torque to different axles (in LS, the electric motor is interlocked directly with the automatic transmission). But here, as in that proverb: how much money - so many songs ...
In my opinion...
Like many car-sick people, I was looking forward to a personal acquaintance with a newcomer from the glorious Lexus family. Alas, I did not experience the expected delight, however, and obvious disappointment too. The artsy appearance, especially in the F SPORT version, is worthy of attention and attracts the eyes of onlookers. But this is already a repetition - the pioneer of this design was still the IS sedan.
The interior is also an amateur: stepped angular architecture today has a number of fans, but I am not one of them. That's what there are definitely no complaints about, it's about the quality of materials and ergonomics: the first is worthy of the declared price tag, and the second does not require violence against yourself while driving or using the main or auxiliary functions. In particular, in the F SPORT configuration, I was pleased with the audio control joystick - a puck and three buttons called the Lexus Media Display. Everything is simple, understandable to the touch. For example, in the top version of Exclusive, there is a Remote-Touch touch panel. In my opinion, the first, more conservative, option is preferable.
The NX 300h did not impress me on the go either. We must pay tribute to the uniformity of the dynamics of acceleration, responsiveness, information content and steering precision, as well as stability on the course. But there is no real drive expected by you and others. Gorgeous, but still "synthetics", but you want something natural, lively, evil, like the appearance of the car itself. And even the hard suspension (the F SPORT has its own settings) shakes up more in small pits than adds to the pleasure of fast driving.
In my opinion...
In the dealer parking lot, among other Lexuses, the ultramarine NX 300h looked like a space alien, by the will of evil fate, found itself in the same ranks with the Roman legionnaires. Or a blue bird, accidentally nailed to a flock of Sisars. A stranger among his own?! The design of the crossover is defiantly bold, beautiful and dynamic. Moreover, the impression of sportiness does not leave when you find yourself inside - a grasping steering wheel, perforated aluminum pedals, very comfortable, in our case, "sports" seats, a high tunnel that divided the cabin into two cockpits. But the designers also decided to give the interior more respectability by placing a branded analog clock on the center console.
And the Lexus NX 300h is a gadget lover: in the upper compartment of the armrest box there is a special tray for wireless charging of a smartphone. Cool! So far, this is still a very rare option. The crossover rides with a twinkle only in the sport mode Sport or Sport +. But the Eco mode will not suit everyone: the NX 300h reacts too sluggishly and with long delays to gas. But the car is driven very recklessly and reliably, at least on the highway. And the price tag on NX for the target audience is not frightening.
Outcome
In this case, the experts paid attention primarily to the driving and dynamic qualities of the NX 300h. Apparently, everyone was expecting a special drive, but they didn’t get it. Someone liked the uniformity of traction, someone scolded for insufficient dynamics, but in general, the newcomer, alas, was not surprised by anything. Therefore, personal assessments are reserved. Although, if you look at it, with handling, equipment, design and quality of finish, everything is in perfect order and corresponds to both the status of the brand and the price. But no more.
