From the impeccable IS compact sedan to the ultra-refined RX SUV, Lexus has always been the Priority Passenger Service (PPS) Club member - one of the most prestigious and luxurious membership for frequent travellers.
The carmaker has been, unfailingly, providing drivers (and passengers) with limitless luxury feel and, not to mention, a level of smooth and seamless drivetrain that's practically unmatched.
It is, thus, a bit of a disappointment when the recently launched Lexus NX, the compact SUV that shares parts with the Toyota RAV4, doesn't quite match up to the expectation - specifically in the cabin department.
Exterior
Still, while it has been downgraded from PPS to KrisFlyer Elite Gold, the Lexus NX accumulates the highest miles with its striking styling that's dominated by razor-edged lines, a bold spindle grille and sleek headlamps.
The carmaker has been, unfailingly, providing drivers (and passengers) with limitless luxury feel and, not to mention, a level of smooth and seamless drivetrain that's practically unmatched.
It is, thus, a bit of a disappointment when the recently launched Lexus NX, the compact SUV that shares parts with the Toyota RAV4, doesn't quite match up to the expectation - specifically in the cabin department.
Exterior
Still, while it has been downgraded from PPS to KrisFlyer Elite Gold, the Lexus NX accumulates the highest miles with its striking styling that's dominated by razor-edged lines, a bold spindle grille and sleek headlamps.
Unlike most model lineups, where smaller-built cars always share some form of resemblance with the bigger brethren, the NX looks nothing like the bigger RX. It forms an immediate youthful impression and yet possesses such an aggressive face.
Either way, the NX is sure to gain stares of envy from passers-by and jealousy from drivers of the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.
Either way, the NX is sure to gain stares of envy from passers-by and jealousy from drivers of the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.
Interior
Measuring 4,630mm tall and sporting a wheelbase of 2,660mm, which are both on par with competitors like the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, the Lexus NX feels spacious. Benches are also comfortable and supportive for long drives up North.
More importantly, the myriad of driving positions up front also means that pint-sized drivers like this writer here can sit higher, giving you a clearer view of the road ahead.
Despite sporting tacky plastic bits on the centre console and glove compartment, as well as hard surfaces that were never before heard of and found in other Lexus cars, the sense of luxury in the NX hasn't been lost.
Measuring 4,630mm tall and sporting a wheelbase of 2,660mm, which are both on par with competitors like the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, the Lexus NX feels spacious. Benches are also comfortable and supportive for long drives up North.
More importantly, the myriad of driving positions up front also means that pint-sized drivers like this writer here can sit higher, giving you a clearer view of the road ahead.
Despite sporting tacky plastic bits on the centre console and glove compartment, as well as hard surfaces that were never before heard of and found in other Lexus cars, the sense of luxury in the NX hasn't been lost.
In a way, the cabin isn't quite as radical as the exterior, but it nevertheless exudes a familiar yet modern vibe that will not be mistaken for anything else in this segment.
What has been lost, though, is the intuitiveness of Lexus' Remote Touch Interface (RTI). Unlike before, this said controller no longer works like a mouse. Instead, it has become a touchpad controller where clicks are sent through to your finger every time you select an option on the screen. You won't need time to get used to the system, but you'll certainly need time to get used to the awkward feeling.
What has been lost, though, is the intuitiveness of Lexus' Remote Touch Interface (RTI). Unlike before, this said controller no longer works like a mouse. Instead, it has become a touchpad controller where clicks are sent through to your finger every time you select an option on the screen. You won't need time to get used to the system, but you'll certainly need time to get used to the awkward feeling.
The Drive
The hybrid version of the NX here is certainly not one to have fun in but that's not to say the car feels lifeless. In the comfort department, the car delivers a ride like no other. Despite being fitted with biggish size 18 shoes, it'll send little or no vibrations to the cabin even over rough and broken surfaces. Insulation is also top notch, keeping external noises well at bay.
You can also choose to toggle the drive between Eco, Normal and Sport mode. In Sport mode, which we mainly kept the car in, power is delivered in a very linear and predictable manner. Throttle response is also the most immediate in this said mode, with all 194 horses and 210Nm of torque sent to all wheels readily.
In a way, the NX hybrid displays the kind of driving experience that owners of Toyota and Lexus hybrids will be familiar with. The petrol engine seamlessly kicks in when the silent electric motor is in play as the car accelerates off from a standstill. But that also means you can expect a loud droning noise when you floor the right pedal.
The hybrid version of the NX here is certainly not one to have fun in but that's not to say the car feels lifeless. In the comfort department, the car delivers a ride like no other. Despite being fitted with biggish size 18 shoes, it'll send little or no vibrations to the cabin even over rough and broken surfaces. Insulation is also top notch, keeping external noises well at bay.
You can also choose to toggle the drive between Eco, Normal and Sport mode. In Sport mode, which we mainly kept the car in, power is delivered in a very linear and predictable manner. Throttle response is also the most immediate in this said mode, with all 194 horses and 210Nm of torque sent to all wheels readily.
In a way, the NX hybrid displays the kind of driving experience that owners of Toyota and Lexus hybrids will be familiar with. The petrol engine seamlessly kicks in when the silent electric motor is in play as the car accelerates off from a standstill. But that also means you can expect a loud droning noise when you floor the right pedal.
During our time with the car, we were relatively frugal, constantly driving with a light foot. However, we only managed to clock some 10.8km/L - far from its stated fuel consumption figure of 17.5km/L.
Conclusion
While the NX300h isn't the most thrilling of the bunch, it makes up for it with its good looks and spacious cabin. Plus, being a hybrid makes it a sole contender in its class, which would make you quite the 'special' owner should you decide to get one.
But if you're not in a rush, it'll be wise to wait until the first quarter of next year when the turbocharged petrol-driven NX arrives. Hopefully it'll get enough miles to upgrade itself to PPS again then.
Conclusion
While the NX300h isn't the most thrilling of the bunch, it makes up for it with its good looks and spacious cabin. Plus, being a hybrid makes it a sole contender in its class, which would make you quite the 'special' owner should you decide to get one.
But if you're not in a rush, it'll be wise to wait until the first quarter of next year when the turbocharged petrol-driven NX arrives. Hopefully it'll get enough miles to upgrade itself to PPS again then.
