The premium middle SUV class got a new member: Lexus NX will compete directly with Mercedes GLK.
The Below RX, Lexus launch a more compact SUV which has to face competition not only from the German Audi Q5, Mercedes GLK and BMW X3, but also from the direction of the new Land Rover Discovery Sport.
For the first time in history, Lexus does not focus only on the hybrid propulsion and launches the first petrol turbo engine in their history in the version named NX 200t: a 2 liter 4-cylinder turbo with twin scroll turbocharger which delivers 235 HP at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) between 1,650 and 4,000 rpm. This engine is combined with a real all wheel drive system. Named Dynamic Torque Control, this AWD system can instantly vary front and rear torque split between 50:50 and 100:0. The 2,0 litre turbo engine is matched with a new six speed automatic transmission.
In this field of petrol engines, Mercedes offers for the GLK a 2 litre turbo with 211 HP and the V6 3,5 litre aspirated with 306 HP combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission and excellent 4Matic all wheel drive system.
The second version of the Lexus NX is the 300h Hybrid. As in other Hybrid models from Lexus, the NX 300h Hybrid has a E-Four AWD system, which is not so efficient in tough off-road conditions: the petrol 2,5 liter engine drives the front wheels and an electric engine drives the rear wheels. Lexus promises that the CVT transmission will now have a kickdown function to respond to the critics of the delayed reaction of the transmission when you need to push the accelerator pedal.
The Lexus NX will have a Drive Mode Select with default setting on the Normal Mode and the possibility to choose between Eco and Sport.
Five interior equipment levels will be offered: Base, Comfort, Premium, F-Sport and Luxury package. Lexus also replaces the previous joystick from the other models with a touchpad in the center console. The original item is the wireless system that charges the compatible smartphone.
Lexus also introduces the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and the Pre Collision System, which already exist in most of the Mercedes models, including the GLK.
The future generation of the GLK will also get a touchpad and a new Comand system, similar to what we have already seen and tested in the new C-Class. Also, the future GLK, which will come on the market in 2015, under the new name of GLC, will have a GLC 350 Plug-In Hybrid version. This Plug-In Hybrid will have some clear advantages against the Lexus NX 300h Hybrid: an electric range of around 30 km and a real 4wd combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The new GLC will get also the adaptive suspension from the C-Class, which also includes an Individual Mode.
