2022 Lexus NX luxury crossover launched in Malaysia

The Lexus NX arrives in two variants to worry the German rivals.

It is finally in showrooms nationwide and there are two versions with two selling prices to suit your luxury Crossover needs. The ‘NX’ model range first appeared in Malaysia in January 2015 and within a few months it was Lexus Malaysia’s fastest selling model.

Priced from RM 299,000 to RM 385,000, the NX name stands for ‘Nimble Crossover’ and came with cabin appointments and build quality that rivalled the best German and even Swedish auto manufacturers had to offer. Yes, this new Lexus was better equipped and outfitted over what BMW, Audi and even Volvo had in their showrooms.

Over the years there have been two facelifts and engine upgrades. In 2018, the NX got a 2.0L turbocharged engine which further enhanced its demand with buyers looking at saving on fuel and also yearly road tax fee.

Then there was a physical facelift that came with the NX 300 and also the NX200t. The selling prices moved up a little and there was even a hybrid version on offer. Priced from RM 311k to RM 397,800, the Lexus NX soon became Lexus Malaysia’s best selling vehicle and a real contender to the Mercedes GLC, Volvo XC60 and also the BMW X3.

 Now, for 2022 here comes two variants to start. The Lexus NX F-Sport with a brand new 2.4L turbocharged engine that delivers 275 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a massive 430 Nm of torque that comes in at a low 1,700 rpm to 3,600 rpm.  This version is priced at RM 389,888 which means it is slightly lower than the previous high specification NX.

 There is also the RM 370,888 Lexus NX Luxury which carries a 2.5L normal aspirated engine that produces a sensible 204 bhp and 243 Nm of torque from 4,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Both the F-Sport and this Luxury NX Crossovers use an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

 With a price difference of just RM 29,000 between the two variants and the very noticeable power delivery we are quite sure 90 percent of the new NX buyers in Malaysia will choose the F-Sport variant which also carries added features.

 This is a totally new model and so the exterior looks have been changed in many areas which will be easily noticed. Get inside using the all new e-latch door handle system and this new NX and the new features start with the much larger 14-inch touchscreen panel which houses all the functions right now. The revised sporty steering wheel gets easy to use soft touch buttons to work the heads up display which is the segment best.

 Safety features are also right at the top of the segment with Lexus Safety System Plus included alongside Road Sign Assist, Panoramic View Camera and Parking Brake Support.

 It is better to get close and experience this new NX in person at any of the Lexus Malaysia showrooms and be ready to place a booking after driving the F-Sport version. It is intoxicating with its power delivery and also cabin high quality comfort. 

By the way, there are 8 exterior colours to choose from with the new Lexus NX including Sonic Chrome that joins the line- up while the F-SPORT variant gets two exclusive colours. Choices for the interior colours are Black and Dark Rose while the Luxury variant further enjoys an exclusive new Hazel interior. F-SPORT owners get a more luxurious Black or the head-turning Flare Red interior.

Also read: Lexus RZ: Brand's first BEV coming to Malaysia?