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Lexus NX 4×4 crossover to take on the Range Rover Evoque

Lexus NX ‘compact crossover’ to come in hybrid and petrol flavours.

The compact SUV crossover family inhabited by the BMW Q5, Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and Range Rover Evoque is about to get bigger. The Lexus NX, unveiled at the Beijing motor show, is said to be designed for those who ‘lead urban, active lifestyles’.

The Lexus NX follows on from the striking LF-NX concept we reported on back in September 2013. At 4.63m long, 1.845m wide and 1.63m tall, it is a fair bit larger than the 4.42m long, 1.8m wide and 1.49m tall Mercedes GLA and the slightly smaller Evoque and Q3.

A Lexus 2.0-litre petrol turbo (NX 200t), 2.0-litre petrol (NX 200) and a hybrid (NX 300h) will be available in either front or all-wheel drive. The 200t develops 235bhp and 350Nm of torque, while the hybrid develops 195bhp from a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine and electric motor. No word on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Various gadgets line the NX’s interior such as a wireless charging tray for your smartphone, Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touchpad control for controlling the infotainment system, Panoramic View Monitor for displaying useful information (and not so useful information like g-forces), blind spot monitor and a head-up display.

17-inch alloys, LED headlamps, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Traffic Alert and daytime running lights are standard. Let’s also not forget that wonderfully aggressive front grille, which looks as good here as it does on the Lexus RC F coupé.

A sportier F Sport version is on the cards, complete with a lowered front bumper, unique alloy wheel designs, bespoke interior trims and sports seats to park your bottom on.

New dampers and Adaptive Variable Suspension, which can adjust the level of damping to reduce body roll and make the ride more comfortable, come as standard on certain models.

“The NX is a premium crossover, combining performance, numerous on-board technologies and alluring design,” NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato commented. “Much like high quality sports watches, bikes and fashion accessories, the NX can be likened to the ultimate in premium sports gear.”

The Lexus NX will go on sale in the UK, but a release date, specification and price is yet to be confirmed. Expect to hear more later in the year.

Lexus NX pictures

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