Lexus, Toyota’s luxury arm, further aims to strengthen its foothold in India with the introduction of its latest hybrid electric vehicle, the NX300h. The latest hybrid SUV, NX300h will be available in two variants – the F Sport and Luxury. The company has not revealed the prices for now and it will be announced in January 2018. Lexus NC300h will be sold in India as CBU and it is anticipated to be priced around Rs 60 lakhs.
Starting with the exterior, the Lexus NX300h gets the signature arrow-shaped Lexus grille and LED headlamps with independent LED DRLs below them. The large grille also features a blue lit Lexus badging. As for the sides, the SUV features plastic cladding around the flared wheel arches and side skirts. Lexus offers a full sized panoramic roof for ample light inside the cabin. As for the rear, the SUV gets sharp wraparound LED tail lamps, roof-mounted spoiler and a rear diffuser as well. The boot gets a hands-free power rear function, where the sensor below the rear bumper allows the user to effortlessly open and close the rear hatch with just a simple sweep of their feet. The puddle lamp has been installed in the door handles for convenience.
As for the interior, the NX300h gets premium upholstery along with extra spacious 962mm rear seats. The SUV also offers rear seat switches that allow passengers to recline or fold their seats with just a touch of a button. In addition to a heads up display, the vehicle also gets a 10.3-inch multi-information screen offers convenient access to numerous vehicle features such as the audio, climate and navigation systems. The hybrid system indicator displays real-time information about the hybrid system’s output and regeneration. The SUV also offers a wireless charging facility, dual zone climate control and eight-way power adjustable front seats with driver memory function.
Mechanically the Lexus NX300h is powered by a 2.5 litre, BS6 compliant, 4-cylinder in-line petrol engine paired to an electric motor that produces a combined output of 194bhp of power at 5,700rpm and 210Nm of torque at 4,200 – 4,400rpm. Mated to E-CVT transmission, the SUV is capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in just about 9.2 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph. Both the variants share the same engine and produce identical performance figures. The SUV offers five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Sport S+, and Custom. The vehicle also offers a stop/start system for saving fuel when waiting in traffic signals.
As for safety, the Lexus NX300h gets eight airbags, ABS, EPB, hills start assist, TCS, 360 degree panoramic view monitor, vehicle stability control and an anti-theft system. The SUV also gets wide angle cornering lights and gravity ball sensor detects when the car is braking, accelerating or cornering, and finds and holds the right gear during that time.
![Lexus NX [2017-2022]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/cw/ec/31918/Lexus-NX-Exterior-115308.jpg?wm=0&q=80 "Lexus NX [2017-2022]")
