Apparently, there is only one new version and that's the hybrid. However, this is only valid for Germany, in fact, for Europe. Here we have the well known Toyota-hybrid-drive, which has however, been augmented with an electrically driven rear axle, making the choice of an all-wheel drive possible.

In other countries there is a successful 200t-variation. It is derived from the popular Toyota RAV 4, without however, reminding us about that, through any visible components. Under the bodywork, the two variations differ greatly, particularly in the case of the all-wheel drive vehicles.



The RAV 4 technology also uses a front-mounted transverse engine (picture), but as an all-wheel drive, it has a cardan shaft to the rear. Indeed, with the hybrid, the batteries would be in the way. As you can see, two completely different all-wheel drive concepts under the otherwise almost identical body.

Hang on, there's still more to come. Apparently there are three different combustion engines for the NX. In the USA however, there will only be, apart from the hybrid, the 2-liter direct-injection turbo with 173 kW (235 HP) and 258 Nm of torque, this is by the way, the first turbo-charged Lexus. The 2-liter normally aspirated engine will not be available there.

So, despite having a smaller cubic capacity and much less weight, the new engine gives a considerably higher performance and more power at somewhat lower RPM. If you think about it, there is also still the 200t without all-wheel drive, thus of course, one can expect to find this engine in other Lexus models as well.

Thus, one has put in a great amount of effort to assert themselves against the competition from the Audi Q3 and the Q5, the Mercedes GLK, the BMW X1 and X3 and the Honda Acura RDX. Up to now, they have been successful in the USA with the RX, however, the tendency seems to be towards the somewhat smaller and more sporty SUV-models.



The 'Diabolo' front-end design is much more daring than that of the well known 'X' from Toyota and of course also the 'big brother', the RX. The radiator grille, which by the way, can be had in various forms, and together with its framework, juts out of the front. They have more or less stuck to the study of the LF-NX shown a year ago.

Also the elegant side-flanks have been maintained, without the rear-end ending in chaos. It is one of only few cars, which seems to move, even standing still, or at least, gives the impression of getting ready to pounce. By the way, one can search in vain for exhaust pipes in the hybrid version. They only appear again in the 200t.

As we have mentioned, the competition is fierce. Lexus places its trust in proven virtues. This includes daytime driving lights in the 'L'-design, which is picked up again in the 3 LED headlamps. Thus, one is already identifiable of the brand from the front at night. Something else worth mentioning, are the door-handles, not only are they well shaped but their upper edges also can be made to light up and slowly dim out together with the interior lighting when the doors are closed again. When opening the doors, even the lights on the outside mirrors are briefly switched on.

Inside the Lexus, the specialities continue. The touchpad, originally conceived to write single letters on, has become a fully fledged display, not only is it touch-sensitive but can also be used as a switch. After pressing 'Return' or 'Enter' one stays on the pad and can carry on to the next action seamlessly. One can watch the effect animated on the larger 7” screen.

The interior lighting also reacts sensitively, no toggles are needed. Pressing the same action twice can lead to contradicting effects, like switching on and off. Apparently, the 7” display on the dashboard is not enough, since an unbelievable amount of information can also be 'lifted' up onto the head-up display, wonderfully processed, so that your vision is disturbed as little as possible.

In contrast, the 360°-panorama is almost old hat for for an SUV. Impressive however, is the multitude of variations, of how all the possible actions can be called up. Not only does the steering wheel have any number of switches, but so does the dashboard. Indeed, also they don't seem to be sufficient. Thus e.g., the electric fold-down rear backrests can be activated or deactivated from three different points.

The fact that the tailgate can be locked into one of five positions, is taken for granted. What is new, is that the relatively stable luggage compartment cover, can be stowed away underneath the boot flooring 10/14