Lexus has unveiled the NX 300h in India. The company has not revealed the prices but said that the SUV will have a starting price of around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom, India), and will be available in two variants - Luxury and F Sport. Bookings and deliveries will start next year. This is the smallest SUV in Lexus' product portfolio and sits just below the RX 450h, which is also available in the country. The NX 300h is a compact SUV and, in essence, rivals the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Yes, the price difference is massive and for this amount, you might as well be looking at SUVs like the X6, Q7, F-Pace and the GLE. The NX 300h is currently a CBU, which is why it will be priced at a premium. However, Lexus is looking to set up a plant in the country.
Like the RX 450h and the ES 300h, the NX 300h is also a hybrid. Power is generated via the combination of a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Total output is rated at 197PS. Mated to this powerplant is an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) and power is sent to all four wheels, with the rear set being powered by an electric motor. Performance numbers say that the NX can reach 100kmph in 9.1 seconds and has a top speed of 180kmph. Claimed ARAI mileage is 18.32kmpl.
In terms of features, the NX 300h comes with triple-projector-beam headlamps, LED taillamps, electric folding boot gate with kick sensor, and the iconic Lexus front grill which makes it look, well, unmistakably a Lexus. Inside, you get ambient lighting, a 10.3-inch infotainment display running Lexus Enform with Wi-Fi, 4.2-inch multi-information display in the centre console, and a touchpad to navigate the menus.
Though the NX 300h costs twice as much as it competitors, it looks totally different and has a road presence like none other. But will this be enough to make customers pay the premium? We will find out in a few months’ time.
Source: zigwheels.com
