2022 Lexus NX: Variants Explained

First introduced in 2015, the Lexus NX is not only the brand’s best-selling model in Malaysia but also a tough contender against the Mercedes GLC and BMW X3. Well, for 2022, the new Lexus NX is in town to create more trouble for these German rivals. The new NX comes in two imported variants - NX 250 Luxury and the NX 350 F Sport and here we bring their detailed explanation. But, first let’s look at the prices -

2022 Lexus NX price list

Lexus NX Variants	Price (on-the-road without insurance and SST rebate)
250 Luxury	RM 370,888
350 F Sport	RM 389,888

Now, let’s know the variants one by one.

Lexus NX 250 Luxury

This is the most affordable 2022 Lexus NX which costs RM 370,8885. For this price, you get a luxury SUV underpinning a new platform named Toyota New Global Architecture. Due to the new platform, the SUV is now 20 mm longer and wider with a 30 mm longer wheelbase. The list of exterior features includes - 

• Lexus Signature spindle front grille with U-mesh pattern
• Ultra Slim 3-Beam LED projector headlamps
• LED daytime running lights
• LED cornering lamps
• LED rear combination lamps
• 20-inch Dark Grey Metallic wheels
• Power back door with hands-free kick opening
• Smart entry system with Lexus Key Card

Inside the cabin, the new Lexus NX is fully equipped with comfort and convenience features -

• 3-spoke steering wheel wrapped in Genuine leather
• Ash Open Pore Wood finish
• 14-inch infotainment touchscreen unit 
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• 10-inch head up display
• 7.0-inch digital metre panel
• Dynamic Voice-recognition
• Three driving modes- Normal, Eco, Sport
• 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System
• Dual-zone air conditioning system
• Lexus Climate Concierge
• Smart start system with push-start ignition
• 64-colour Ambient Lighting
• ElectroChromic rear view mirror
• Wireless Charger

Under the hood, the NX 250 Luxury is equipped with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated mill delivering a maximum power output of 206 PS and a peak torque of 243 Nm. The engine is mated to a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission and a dynamic torque control AWD drive system.

In terms of performance, the luxury SUV runs from zero to 100 kmph in 9.1 seconds and hits a top speed of 200 kmph.

Moving to the safety aspect, here also the new Lexus NX is loaded with several advanced features promising a safe ride to the passengers on board. These include -

• Lexus Safety System Plus suite (including Front Pre-Collision System, Lane tracing assist, Dynamic radar cruise control with stop-and-go function, Adaptive high-beam system)
• 7 SRS airbags
• Active Cornering Assist
• ABS with EBD and BA
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Down-hill Assist Control
• Traction Control
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Parking Clearance Sensor
• Parking support brake
• Rear view camera

Lexus NX 350 F Sport 

On top of the 2022 Lexus NX range sits the 350 F Sport that carries a price tag of RM 389,888 i.e. RM 29,000 higher than the 250 Luxury. By paying this extra amount, you will get the following added features 

• F-Sport exclusive spindle front grille with L-mesh design
• Active Noise Control
• F-Sport seats
• F-Sport aluminium pedals
• Five drive modes - Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom
• F-Sport Dark Spin aluminium interior trim
• F-Sport steering wheel wrapped in Dimpled leather
• Adaptive variable suspension
• 20-inch Super Gloss Black Metallic wheels

Besides these exclusive bits, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport also comes with a more powerful engine. That’s a 2.4-litre turbocharged mill producing 278 PS and 430 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission just like the lower trim, however, for the drive system, here you get an electronically controlled full-time AWD system. 

The range-topping Lexus NX also has better acceleration; it completes the century sprint in 7.0 seconds i.e. two seconds faster than the 250 Luxury.

So, that was all about the 2022 Lexus NX variants. When it comes to choosing one out of these, the 350 F Sport is our choice because, with just a difference of RM 29k, we get a noticeable power delivery along with some added features. Which one will you choose? Let us know in the comments.

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