Lexus NX350 F Sport AWD: Is it worth the RM390k tag

KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia recently launched the all-new 2022 NX in the local market. The second-generation SUV is offered in two variant options - the NX250 Luxury and the NX350 F Sport.

Also Read: 2022 Lexus NX: Variants Explained

Underpinning the GA-K version of the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, the new NX features a slightly larger body frame than before. The SUV now measures 4,660 mm in length (20 mm+), 1865 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height (5 mm+). The wheelbase now measures 2,690 mm (30 mm+).

Coming to the prices, the CBU imported Lexus NX 250 Luxury retails for RM 370,888, while the sportier NX 350 F Sport costs RM 389,888. The prices are on-the-road without insurance and include sales tax, meaning the SUV's deliveries will commence post-June 30.

In this article here, we'll be discussing whether or not the range-topping NX 350 F Sport price tag is justifiable or not. Let's get started and see what all the sporty SUV offer -

Powerful engine & transmission system

Powering the NX 350 F Sport is a potent 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine generating a maximum power output of 275 hp and a peak torque of 430 Nm. The drive is sent to the wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission via an all-wheel-drive drivetrain.

The NX 350 F Sport offers better performance and cornering stability compared to the German competitors. For instance, compared to the most 2.0-litre turbocharged German SUVs, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport accelerates progressively even with far more torque. The experience is like driving an SUV with a big displacement turbo mill with the driver unable to feel the turbo kicking in.

Electronically controlled AWD

The Lexus NX 350 F Sport is the only NX variant equipped with an electronically controlled full-time all-wheel-drive system. The said setup distributes the power between the front and rear wheels in ratios of 75:25 to 50:50. Thus leading to different driving sensations and assurance based on the terrain.

Further, the NX350 F Sport comes equipped with Sport+ mode that enhances the SUV's performance via sharpened suspension and throttle response.

Striking lighting setup

The new Lexus NX is surely an eye-catcher. The automaker has made everything edgier this time around, making it extremely hard to miss on the road. Apart from a striking exterior design and F Sport elements, the NX SUV comes with an amazing lighting setup, including an ultra-slim 3-beam LED projector headlights with auto levelling and a washer. It also gets L-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, and LED front concerning lamps.

One major highlighting bit here is the DRLs that brightens and dim as the SUV accelerates and slows down, giving the car a sense of 'coming to life.’

Advance locking-unlocking system

Lexus has equipped the NX SUV with a new e-Latch door opening system that eliminates the old-school, conventional two-step locking-unlocking motion. Here, instead of pulling or pushing the door handle to close/open the door, the e-latch system gets switches on both ends of the door handle, allowing for a single motion open/close movement.

If the e-Latch system fails, the setup includes a manual door lever mechanism that'll get you in or out of the car irrespective of the situation.

F Sport bits

The new Lexus NX 350 F Sport SUV sure looks striking, sporty, and performance-oriented, thanks to its new design language and F Sport elements sprinkled all around the car. On the outside, the SUV gets an F Sport Spindle grille with interlocking L-mesh design, Jet Black ORVM, body-coloured wheel arch trims, and roof rails.

On the inside, you get F Sport seats that are super supportive and pleasing to look at. Other F Sport trims include the F Sport steering wheel, door sills, and pedals.
Not to forget the progressive rev meter upon selecting the Sport+ mode.

Adaptive Variable Suspension

The Lexus NX 350 F Sport SUV gets an Adaptive Variable Suspension system that calls for better stability and sharper handling with reduced body roll. The suspension setup varies as the drive mode is selected, thus significantly impacting the car's driving feel. For instance, in the Sport Mode, the car offers noticeably less body roll with more engaging & responsive steering. The body roll is more apparent in the Comfort mode at the same speed.

With all this and much more on the offer, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport price tag seems justifiable. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: 2023 Lexus RX introduced: Here’s all you need to know about the 5th gen SUV