All-New 2022 Lexus NX Finally Coming To PH This December

After making its debut earlier this year in June, the all-new, second-generation 2022 Lexus NX is coming to the Philippines this December 2021. This announcement was made by the Japanese luxury automaker earlier today, so if you’re in the market for a compact luxury SUV, you might want to wait until December first.

In 2014, Lexus debuted the first-generation NX, the brand’s answer to growing global customer demand for urban-sized luxury runabouts. Today, the NX seeks to redefine the compact luxury crossover by better understanding the consumer, as well as improving the servicing of their needs. Times and tastes have changed, and customers expect more from their vehicles. The small luxury crossovers of today are more than a means of travel. As vessels of thoughtful mobility, they play an important role in personal identity. The all-new 2022 Lexus NX builds upon this interpretation.

Just like the new IS, the 2022 Lexus NX was also developed at the Shimoyama Test Track, a fitting opening to the brand’s ‘Lexus Next Chapter’ which involves serving global customers’ needs by integrating human-centered advanced technologies, a mindfully crafted architecture, and the seamless application of the Lexus Driving Signature.

At its core, the Lexus Driving Signature (LDS) introduces a higher development standard for vehicle dynamics. Under LDS, all Lexus models share consistent, linear traits in their operation and behavior in order to forge genuine connections with their drivers.

The new LDS remains rooted in the Lexus pillar of Omotenashi, as the creative process aims to anticipate customer expectations. This is done through demanding testing and constant improvements–all the while leveraging the brand’s innate attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The next generation of Lexus design is rooted in athletic proportions and contributes to an impression of performance and function, reflecting the diversifying needs and lifestyles of global customers. While the all-new NX looks similar to its predecessor, the enhanced proportions and more dynamic stance are easily noticeable. It also debuts a number of firsts for Lexus’ design language.

Upfront, you get Lexus’s signature Spindle Grille that’s flanked by a pair of LED headlights. Below the headlights are vertical air intakes, while the front bumper of the NX can be had in two flavors. The F Sport variant gets a more aggressive lower front bumper along with sportier alloy wheels.

Moving at the back, and this is where we get to see a first in Lexus design. Rather than showcasing the “L” badge, designers opted in displaying the “Lexus” lettering instead. Above it are full-width LED taillights which first debuted in the refreshed Lexus IS.

While the exterior is more revolutionary, that’s not the case when it comes to its interior design. The all-new NX’s interior has now been angled towards the driver. Lexus calls this Tazuna Concept–a cockpit concept that allows the driver to intuitively connect with the car and concentrate more on driving operations. Some of the new features in the NX are the new Lexus Interface touch screen and the E-Latch push-button door handle. This feature doesn’t just make it easier to exit the vehicle, but it also integrates into the blind spot warning feature to prevent the unsafe opening of doors if a vehicle is passing by.

Four engine choices are available for the all-new 2022 Lexus NX, and at this point, we have no clue what kind of features or engines will be available to our market. The range kicks off with the NX 250, which means it gets a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force non-turbo gasoline engine that’s also seen from the RAV4. This engine produces 203 hp and 249 Nm of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and this lets the NX sprint from 0-100 kph in 8.3 seconds. Adding all-wheel drive (AWD) increases the acceleration time to 8.6 seconds.

Up next is the NX 350, which gets a new 2.4-liter inline-4 turbo gasoline engine that produces 275 hp and 430 Nm of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic. AWD comes as standard, and this lets the NX 350 accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 6.8 seconds.

For those who want excellent fuel economy should look at the NX 350h. This hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine and a more powerful electric motor compared to the previous NX hybrid. Total system output is now at 239 hp, which lets this electrified SUV sprint from 0-100 kph in just 5.7 seconds.

And then for the first time ever in a Lexus, the all-new NX is now available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Called the NX 450h+, this variant uses the same powertrain as the RAV4 Prime PHEV. Total system output for this powertrain is 302 hp, letting this compact crossover SUV sprint to 100 kph in just 6 seconds.

If you’re in the market for a compact luxury SUV, you might want to wait until December and see the all-new 2022 Lexus NX in person first.