Lexus NX Customization Options Available in Japan

As a followup to yesterday’s post, it turns out Lexus Japan offers color-coded wheel arches for the NX: It’s a ¥151,200 ($1,275 USD) option, and just one of the many customizations Lexus Japan offers. There’s also a door garnish, door handle garnish, plated side door molding, and a chrome trunk lip: I was also pointed …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2015

Custom Color-Coded Lexus NX Spotted in Japan

An eagle-eyed reader in Japan spotted this Lexus NX with color-coded wheel arches: No information on if this was a custom job or an aftermarket accessory — hopefully someone out there has more details. I’ve always wondered how the NX would look without its dark grey wheel arches, and to be honest, I don’t know …
Kevin · January 21st, 2015

Lexus Increases NX Production to 10,000 Units Per Month

Lexus has increased production of the NX compact crossover to 10,000 units per month in order to capitalize on the vehicle’s impressive launch. The initial expectation was for 80,000 NXs to be sold worldwide in 2015, but the forecast has now been raised to more than 100,000 units. The NX is produced at Toyota Motor …
Kevin · January 18th, 2015

Video: New Lexus NX Commercial for Superbowl XLIX

Lexus returns to the Superbowl advertising game with a commercial for the new NX compact crossover: The commercial was created by Walton Issacson — Variety talked with one of the ad agency’s founders about the spot: The Lexus ad is remarkable for what it lacks. The spot features no surprise appearances by a movie star …
Kevin · January 15th, 2015

Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the 2015 Lexus NX 300h

Jeremy Clarkson has reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h for The Sunday Times: So, a crossover hybrid with an N in its name and low-rent underpinnings from a company that’s capable of turning out a howler from time to time. This is not looking good. But here’s the thing: it does…It’s one of those cars …
Kevin · January 6th, 2015

Lexus USA Releases Two NX F SPORT Commercials

Lexus USA has released two commercials for the NX compact crossover: These first two ads will begin airing on network television today, and will be followed by two additional commercials shortly thereafter.
Kevin · January 5th, 2015

The Lexus NX: Focus on the Details

Some interesting details on the Lexus NX development have been shared by Australian website GoAuto: Items such as body shake induced by windscreen wiper movement and changes in vehicle geometry due to differences in tyre tread were studied and addressed for the utmost refinement under a system dubbed microscopic force control. The engineers said almost …
Kevin · December 15th, 2014

Lexus NX 200t AWD: By the Numbers

Car & Driver has put the Lexus NX 200t AWD to the test and reports the results: The numbers we got at the track won’t exactly light your hair on fire, the NX accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and hitting the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds at 92 mph. That 60-mph time …
Kevin · December 10th, 2014

Lexus NX Receives Five Star Safety Rating in Europe

The Lexus NX has received a Euro NCAP five-star rating with scores well above the necessary minimum, making the new compact crossover one of the safest vehicles in its segment. Testing focuses on four areas: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist technologies — here are two NX crash-test videos: Here are the …
Kevin · December 4th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus RC F SPORT, NX F SPORT, and IS F SPORT All Together

Ace photographer Ste Ho pulled together the Lexus RC F SPORT, NX F SPORT, and IS F SPORT for a tidy little photoshoot: There’s a great shot with all three models together: (Before seeing all these models side-by-side, I would have said the spindle grille was different on every vehicle — surprised by how similar …
Kevin · December 3rd, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Richmond, British Columbia

Not content to wait until the first NX SUVs reach North America, OpenRoad Lexus in Richmond, British Columbia have imported a NX 200t F SPORT from Japan to build on interest shown by prospective customers. To further promote the new model, the dealership also commissioned photographer Matt Kwok for a massive gallery. Exterior Interior Details …
Kevin · November 12th, 2014

10,000 Lexus NX Orders in First Month of European Sales

Right out the gate, the NX 300h has been a huge hit for Lexus in Europe — 10,000 orders have been placed across the continent in the very first month of sales. (For perspective, Lexus sold 43,281 vehicles across Europe in 2013. In a single month, the NX has sold nearly 25% of last year’s …
Kevin · November 10th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus Vehicles at SEMA 2014

Lexus USA has released details on some of the tuned cars that will be shown at SEMA tomorrow in Las Vegas — here’s a breakdown of the information so far, along with a whole heap of images. Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT Custom Rocket Bunny wide body kit designed by TRA-Kyoto · Enkei custom …
Kevin · November 4th, 2014

Lexus Chief Engineer Wants NX F High Performance Crossover

Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato shares some interesting details in an interview with Australian website GoAuto: [The 2.0-litre turbo] engine looks set to provide sparkling performance in the NX 200t, but an even more potent version has not been ruled out by Mr Kato – an amateur motor racer in his spare time. He …
Kevin · October 28th, 2014

Car & Driver Reviews the 2015 Lexus NX 300h

Steve Siler from Car & Driver has [reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h]( Steve Siler from Car & Driver has reviewed the 2015 Lexus NX 300h: Hushed as a prep-school library, the NX300h lets a mere 71 decibels of noise into the cabin at wide-open throttle and only 68 when cruising at 70 mph (the …
Kevin · October 28th, 2014

New Lexus NX Commercial from Australia

Lexus Australia has released their new NX commercial, and it’s a good one: (Really like the end screen graphics on this commercial — very nice spindle grille to Lexus logo transition.)
Kevin · October 27th, 2014

Lexus NX Scores High in Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award Rankings

The Lexus NX was a finalist in the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award rankings — here’s a quote from Jonny Lieberman’s write-up: The looks were obviously polarizing, and that’s exactly the point. You don’t make your mini-ute look like a mashup of a Cylon and Predator because you want a wallflower. [Editor Angus] …
Kevin · October 22nd, 2014

Lexus USA Releases NX 200t & NX 300h Pricing

USA pricing for the Lexus NX was announced today, with the NX 200t starting at $35,405 and the NX 300h at $40,645. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models, and adding all-wheel drive will add $1,400 to the price of the NX 200t and $1,590 to the NX 300h. Standard features include power seats, a …
Kevin · October 16th, 2014

Lexus NX 200t & NX 300h Performance Tested by Motor Trend

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend has posted the first third-party performance figures for the Lexus NX, and has this to say: Here’s the big takeaway: While not an athlete, the NX is still a pretty groovy little trucklette, never mind the hybrid version that will only account for 10 percent of total sales. Going up …
Kevin · October 15th, 2014

Is Lexus Planning a Sub-NX Compact Crossover?

Lexus International president Tokuo Fukuichi discussed the possibility of a crossover smaller than the NX with Australian website GoAuto: Meanwhile, discussing a possible sub-NX crossover for the Japanese luxury brand to compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1, Mr Fukuichi said it would depend on whether Toyota had the appropriate platform to share. “We …
Kevin · October 14th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Seattle

Lexus Europe has released a massive collection of NX photos as part of their press launch in Seattle — I’m going to break the photos up by model, starting with the NX 200t F SPORT. NX 200t F SPORT Exterior NX 200t F SPORT Interior
Kevin · October 13th, 2014

CAR Magazine Reviews the 2015 Lexus NX 300h

CJ Hubbard at CAR Magazine has driven the 2015 Lexus NX 300h, and the resulting review speaks for itself: Combining one of the boldest SUV design statements ever with a sophisticated twin-motor E-Four hybrid four-wheel drive system, the NX is the best real world Lexus yet. The NX has a sense of style and purpose …
Kevin · September 30th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX & World Tennis Star Agnieska Radwanska

Agnieska Radwanska, the number five ranked woman tennis player in the world, has modelled with the NX F SPORT as part of her sponsorship deal with Lexus: There’s also this behind-the-scenes video from the photo shoot: Lexus has sponsored Radwanska since 2012, when she faced off against seven-time champion Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final. [Source: …
Kevin · September 26th, 2014

Custom Lexus NX F SPORT Designed by Will.i.Am

The custom Lexus NX F SPORT designed by musician Will.i.Am was revealed at an event last night in Paris — let’s start off with the official images: The exterior reminds me of the custom-built IS F SPORT from SEMA last year — the wide-body is well-integrated, and the white carbon wheel arches works well: It’s …
Kevin · September 25th, 2014

Lexus NX Nominated for 2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year

The Lexus NX has made the short list for the 2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year, joining 11 other vehicles including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford F-150, Porsche Macan, and Toyota Highlander. Next up, the award judges will choose three finalists from the group before naming a winner at the 2015 North American International Auto …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2014

Initial Lexus NX Orders in Japan Surpass Yearly Sales Goal

The Lexus NX is set to make a big sales impact in Japan — in just over a month, 9,500 orders have been made at dealerships. This is 1,357% of the expected sales goal of 700 units per month, meaning a full year’s inventory has already been sold. It’s important to note that the final …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2014

Limited Edition Lexus NX Designed by Will.i.Am to Debut This Week

The limited-edition Lexus NX designed by musician Will.i.Am will be unveiled this week as part of Paris Fashion Week, and the above image has been released as a teaser for the custom model. (Going from the image, the NX exterior looks unchanged — it does appear that a custom color has been used, and the …
Kevin · September 21st, 2014

Lexus Europe Releases NX Commercial with Will.i.Am

Lexus Europe have released their new NX commercial featuring Will.i.Am: There’s also a behind-the-scenes look at how the commercial was created: Overall, the concept is great — the commercial takes the sharpness of the NX and applies it to the rest of the world. Clever. (Not crazy about the tie-in with Will.i.Am, as I’m not …
Kevin · September 17th, 2014

Lexus Not Considering CT F or NX F High Performance Models

Lexus F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi has dismissed the idea of a high-performance CT hatchback — from Motoring Australia: “He is not interested in building with front-wheel drive configuration,” [Yaguchi-san’s] interpreter told motoring.com.au. Asked if F could develop an all-wheel drive version Yaguchi replied via his interpreter: “Basically they have to consider taking whatever is …
Kevin · September 10th, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX Surround View Panoramic Monitor in Action

While unavailable in North America, the Lexus NX will have an available 360° panoramic view monitor in some markets around the world — here’s a quick demonstration of the system in action: The camera system works with four high-definition cameras in each corner of the vehicle, giving a full overview of the surroundings — very …
Kevin · September 9th, 2014

Giant Foam Obstacle Course at Lexus NX Launch Event in Japan

Lexus had a giant foam party at the Tokyo Tower last week to launch their new Japanese NX commercial — here’s some video from the event: My friend Danny was also in attendance, and sent over these photos: Automotive News writer Hans Greimel attended the event: While now a cringe-worthy memory for most hipsters in …
Kevin · September 1st, 2014

Lexus NX Commercial from Japan

Lexus Japan has released a commercial for the new NX compact crossover, and it has that same quirky cleverness seen in their recent campaigns: There’s also this behind-the-scenes look at all those bubbles:
Kevin · August 26th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX in Japan

Japanese website Response has an excellent photo gallery of the Lexus NX: (The NX is destined to be a huge hit in Japan — dealerships in the country have already taken 6,500 preorders.) [Source: Response.jp]
Kevin · August 14th, 2014

Lexus RC & Lexus NX Nominated for European Car of the Year

Despite not yet being available for sale, both the Lexus RC & Lexus NX have been nominated for the 2015 European Car of the Year award. The annual award is decided by a jury of automotive journalists representing publications throughout Europe. There are currently are 32 candidate vehicles — a shortlist of seven nominees will …
Kevin · August 13th, 2014

First Production Lexus NX Rolls Off Assembly Line in Japan

Earlier today, the very first Lexus NX rolled off the assembly line at Miyata factory in Kyushu, Japan — here’s video from the line-off ceremony: A Matador Red Mica NX 200t F SPORT and Eminent White NX 300h were the first to be built — here’s some footage from the assembly line: [Source: Lexus International]
Kevin · August 8th, 2014

Video: Guided Tour of the Lexus NX

For anyone looking at purchasing a Lexus NX in the USA, this two-part video with Ming-Jou Chen of Lexus College is an excellent overview of the new crossover: (The new door handle is a real improvement over the current design — very stylish and functional. Look forward to seeing it on other models.)
Kevin · August 5th, 2014

Will.i.am to Design Limited Edition Lexus NX

Lexus Europe has teamed up with artist Will.i.am for the NX crossover marketing campaign — the first collaboration is a music video for the song “Dreaming about the Future”, which features the NX heavily: Will.i.am will star in the very first European NX commercial later this year, and will also be designing a limited edition …
Kevin · August 4th, 2014

New Lexus NX F SPORT Video from Japan

The Lexus Japan website has been updated to include the NX crossover, and this F SPORT driving video is part of the new marketing:
Kevin · July 31st, 2014

2015 Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by Modellista Japan

Official Lexus tuner Modellista has released images of their new NX body kit The body kit consists of a front under spoiler, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with a design that changes depending on the NX 200t or NX 300h. A rear spoiler add-on and 19-inch aluminum wheels are also available. Modellista has also …
Kevin · July 30th, 2014

Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by TRD Japan

Official Lexus tuner TRD Japan has released images of the world’s first NX aero parts: The kit is made up of a front under spoiler, rear diffuser, and a quad-exhaust muffler setup: There’s also aluminum forged 19-inch wheels: As with all things TRD, these aero parts are not cheap — the front spoiler is reasonable …
Kevin · July 29th, 2014

Comparing the Lexus NX & Toyota RAV4

How similar is the Lexus NX to the Toyota RAV4? As Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato explains to Automotive News, 90% of the parts used are different: From the center to the rear is basically new, with no commonized parts. The front bumpers and crash box are totally different. But while the inside rocker panel is …
Kevin · July 28th, 2014

Lexus Considering a Compact Crossover Below the NX?

Lexus is considering a crossover even smaller than the NX, according to an Autocar interview with Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven: Uyttenhoven said the launch of a small SUV was “not impossible” for Lexus and such a model “made sense” for the brand, but he stopped short of confirming it for production. Lexus is …
Kevin · July 18th, 2014

Kelley Blue Book Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jack Nerad from Kelley Blue Book has a positive review of the 2015 Lexus NX: Designed to look like it was poured from a single batch of molten metal, the all-new NX isn’t just the right size, but it is also so filled with technical innovation and engineering sleight of hand that it is hard …
Kevin · July 16th, 2014

Video: Car Advice Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Car Advice Australia have published their video preview of the Lexus NX: There’s also a text review for a more in-depth assessment of the new compact crossover: The German brands have worried about rival Lexus models since the LS made a noise in 1989 with its hushed refinement. The Lexus NX isn’t going to upset …
Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Up Close with the Lexus NX

Lexus Europe released a rather artistic set of NX photos on their Facebook page: Included in the photos is the best shot yet of the NX panoramic roof: Disappointing that this option won’t be coming to North America, it looks great on the NX. [Source: Lexus Europe Facebook]
Kevin · July 10th, 2014

Driving the 2015 Lexus NX

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. I posted a technical overview of the new model on Monday, and now it’s time for some personal impressions. Lexus describes the new NX compact crossover as Premium …
Kevin · July 9th, 2014

Road & Track Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Ben Stewart of Road & Track has published his first impressions of the 2015 Lexus NX: It may not be as aggressive as other F Sport models, but the NX 200t F Sport is still the one you want. It gets beefy strut tower braces that aren’t like any you’ve ever seen before. Instead of …
Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Autoweek Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Blake Z. Rong of Autoweek has driven the 2015 Lexus NX, and preferred the hybrid to the new turbo: Despite all the fanfare of the 2.0-liter, direct-injection, 235-hp, 258-lb-ft torque, 17-psi of boost, 0-60 in seven seconds dead (in AWD form: 7.2 with the FWD drivetrain), twin-scroll-turbocharged engine in the NX200t…we’d go for the hybrid …
Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Extensive Video Review of the 2015 Lexus NX

Just finished watching the extensive 23-minute Lexus NX video review from Alex on Autos and really enjoyed it — if you’re interested in the new Lexus compact crossover, I recommend you sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a whole heap of detail:
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Motor Trend Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend was one of the auto journalists that drove the 2015 Lexus NX last month: Color me a convert. The NX’s ride is first-class, a strong engineering feat for a vehicle with such a small wheelbase. This is particularly true of the non-F Sport model. The steering is properly weighted and …
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX & NX F SPORT Preview

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. The following is a technical overview of the new model — my personal impressions will posted on Wednesday. As the vehicle that established the luxury crossover market, the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Massive Photo Gallery of the Lexus NX & NX F SPORT

Before the first reviews of the Lexus NX compact crossover start showing up on the Internet tomorrow, here are a new set of official photos presented without comment. (Big shoutout to David Dewhurst Photography for an amazing job with these images!) NX 200t Exterior NX 200t Interior NX 300h Exterior NX 300h Interior NX F …
Kevin · July 6th, 2014

Have Questions About the Lexus NX?

Last week, I travelled to Whistler, British Columbia, and drove the new 2015 Lexus NX in all its North American varieties: the NX 200t, NX 200t F SPORT, & NX 300h. I can’t share much detail about my experience until next week, but thought some of you may have some questions about the NX. Ask …
Kevin · July 1st, 2014

Video: Developing the Lexus NX Turbo & Hybrid Engines

The Lexus NX will be offered with two powertrain options: a 2.5L hybrid system and a Lexus-first 2.0L turbo engine — here are project engineers Izumi Watanabe and Kenji Otsuka discussing the development of the two engines: Really enjoying this “Development Story” video series — be sure to check out the first two parts if …
Kevin · June 16th, 2014

Lexus NX Configurator Now on Lexus International Website

Lexus International has updated their website with a basic NX configurator, showing off four grades, ten colors, and five wheel options. Available Grades: NX 200t · NX 200t F SPORT · NX 300h · NX 300h F SPORT Colors: Sonic Quartz · Mercury Grey Metallic · Platinum Silver · Sonic Titanium · Black · Starlight …
Kevin · June 13th, 2014

Video: Black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Japan

Earlier this week, we saw some photos of a black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT at the Lexus International Gallery in Aoyama, Tokyo, and now we have some (very strangely filmed) video — be warned, turn the sound way down: An NX in Sonic Quartz was also on display, and the video also features the …
Kevin · June 12th, 2014

Video: Lexus NX Music Video in Madrid

Lexus Europe has released a new two-minute music video featuring the NX F SPORT: Likely the first cut of the NX commercial filmed in Madrid, this video is very well put together — elegant, stylish, and very modern. Lexus Europe have captured the NX perfectly.
Kevin · June 11th, 2014

Photos: Black Lexus NX F SPORT in Japan

A black NX 200t F SPORT is now on display at the Lexus Aoyama Gallery in Tokyo: (NX pre-orders have started in Japan, and different models & colors are being displayed around the country, including a NX F SPORT in Matador Red Mica.) [Source: Club Lexus] (Thanks AndyL & corradoMR2!)
Kevin · June 8th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX F SPORT in Matador Red Mica

A Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Matador Red Mica is currently on display at Midland Square in Nagoya, Japan — here are some photos from Japanese blogger Renoba: (Japanese consumers will be able to pre-order NX models starting this weekend, and different colors are being displayed all over the country — more photos shortly!) …
Kevin · June 5th, 2014

New Lexus NX Photos from Europe

Lexus Europe has released three new NX images, including this shot of the all four NX variants (click for a larger image): Lexus Europe also released some nice behind-the-scenes from their upcoming NX brochure: (With the NX expected to bring in 20,000 additional sales for Lexus Europe, it’s no surprise that they’re pulling out all …
Kevin · May 28th, 2014

Lexus Expects NX Compact Crossover to be Big Seller in Europe

Lexus is expecting big things from the NX compact crossover in Europe — from Autocar: Asked to explain why customers would consider the NX over rival brands’ products, Alain Uyttenhoven, vice president of Lexus Europe, said: “The first reason people buy a car in this segment is because it is trendy in its design. We …
Kevin · May 28th, 2014

New Lexus NX Video Shows Off Panoramic Glass Roof

As part of the an NX preview event last week in London, Lexus Europe released a new video showing off the compact crossover in F SPORT trim: Have to say, that optional panoramic glass roof is a beauty: (I’ve said it before, the panoramic glass roof is probably my favorite single option on a vehicle …
Kevin · May 27th, 2014

Lexus UK Releases NX 300h Pricing & Package Information

Lexus UK has announced pricing for the 2015 NX 300h and its various packages, with the entry-level NX 300h FWD starting at £29,495 and the fully loaded NX 300h Premier AWD topping out at £42,995. There are five packages in total, and all models will include the Pre-Crash Safety system, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the …
Kevin · May 23rd, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX Driving Experience

Lexus International has released a new video detailing the driving dynamics of the new NX: Project manager Kei-ichi Nishiyama is bold in his description of the NX driving experience, which should bode well for the final vehicle handling — it’s a great sign that the IS sedan was used as a benchmark in development.
Kevin · May 19th, 2014

Lexus NX to Debut New Audio Improvement Technology

The Lexus NX will introduce a world-first audio technology from Harman called Clari-fi, which significantly improves the sound quality of compressed audio: Unlike other solutions in the market today, Clari-Fi does not simply add equalization and boost bass, or focus only on leveraging high-resolution file formats on a proprietary device, according to Harman. Harman said …
Kevin · May 7th, 2014