Lexus reveals the new NX

Lexus is reshaping its SUV designs as its styling is slowly drifting away from the more slab-sided 4x4s towards sports cars. The exterior presents a low, sloping roofline, a cab-forward silhouette, flared wheel arches and bodywork lines that flow directly from the Lexus spindle grille. The NX has the distinctive “face” in the current Lexus line-up, its spindle grille flanked by new LED headlamps and daytime running lights.

The C-pillar has a wide angle to maximize internal storage width. The crouched look is linked to the NX’s good ramp-over angle performance, and the fact the high point of the roof is set rearward ensures good headroom for rear passengers. A rear spoiler was essential to create a smooth flow of air away from the back of the vehicle, and extensive wind tunnel testing revealed that the best results came from giving the leading edge of the fin an upturned lip.

Similarly, the door mirrors and handles have air-cheating design, the latter being particularly eye-catching thanks to a concealed key barrel and integrated single-LED illumination. The detailed work continues out of sight, beneath the car, where under covers and spats designed specifically for the NX, ensure a clean airflow.

Where the interior is concerned, chief designer Tetsuo Miki wanted to capture the kind of style impact associated with high-end urban sports gear with a combination of structural good looks and luxurious but functional materials and textures.

The cabin provides ample space for everyone on board, with best-in-segment space in critical areas. The front-to-rear couple distance is a class-leading 962mm and the high roof design provides exceptional head clearance. The rear knee room is even greater than in some larger SUV models.

Luggage space is generous and practical. Maximum load space width is 1,347mm, enough for four golf bags to be stowed sideways, rather than across the diagonal. More storage space is available under the luggage board, taking total luggage capacity to 555 litres in hybrid versions and 580 litres in the turbo petrol.