2023 Lexus NX features reimagined exterior surface, advanced tech

MANILA: Lexus has unveiled the 2023 NX, which features redesigned exterior surface. With Lexus Driving Signature, each model in the lineup offers a direct, linear driving sensation.

The 2023 Lexus NX comes with the Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch optically  bonded touchscreen. The Human Machine Interface of the screen meets accessibility needs while enhancing user interaction through sight, touch, and voice. There is also an available 14-inch touchscreen that comes with a three-year trial for Drive Connect services such as location guidance with Cloud Navigation, Destination Assist, and Intelligent Assistant.

User Profiles let drivers save their customized settings on the cloud and access them from other Lexus Interface-equipped vehicles. Guests can access their profile using a Bluetooth handheld device, smart key, or manual login once it has been registered in the Lexus app.

Another Lexus Interface feature is the Voice Assistant that can be activated through voice command or by pressing a button on the steering wheel. It comes with dual microphones, improved noise cancellation, seat detection, and speaker location capabilities.

Drivers can also use the Intelligent Assistant feature when there is a Drive Connect subscription. This feature enables weather and location-based notifications, including address and POI searches with navigation.

Digital Key, an extension of the User Profile feature, lets the driver lock or unlock and start or stop the vehicle through their smartphone via Bluetooth. When Remote Connect is activated, the Digital Key can be shared with up to seven more guests.

The Lexus Interface Cloud Navigation system, another Drive Connect feature, allows faster and accurate directions and mapping through 100% cloud capability and integrated Google Points of Interest (POI) data.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates provide real-time infotainment system upgrades. This is available with or without Internet access. There is an offline mode that detects when the vehicle is approaching an area with low connectivity and downloads relevant maps and services in advance.

The 2023 NX comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Occupants can also charge their phones through the optional wireless charger that can be stowed away to maximize storage.

The 2023 NX 350 is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo engine that produces 275hp and 317lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed transmission. This combination allows the NX 350 to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 6.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, the NX 250 is driven by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 203hp and 194lb-ft of torque. This engine is also paired to an eight-speed transmission. The FWD variant has a 0-100kph time of 8.2 seconds, while the AWD has 8.6 seconds.

The 2023 NX 350h comes with the Lexus Hybrid Drive system that includes a D4-S fuel injection 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators. The AWD system comes with a second, independent electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed, instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels.

The NX 350h’s new hybrid powertrain generates a total of 239hp and a quicker 0-100kph time of 7.2 seconds.

The NX 450h+, on the other hand, comes with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, resulting in a 0-100kph time of six seconds.

This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can be fully charged in approximately two-and-a-half hours using the optional 6.6kW Expedited Onboard Charger. It can be charged for approximately four-and-a-half hours when using the standard 3.3kW onboard charger.

The 2023 NX also comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This include advanced safety features such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist that helps avoid collision within the lane by applying gentle braking and steering operation, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking that applies warning and automatic braking of the system, Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking that applies a warning and automatic braking if the system detects a driver turning left or right in front of an approaching pedestrian or cyclist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management that manages speed in curves when cruise control is engaged.

Other Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 features on the 2023 NX include Curve Speed Management, Intersection Support, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Intelligent High Beam.

The 2023 NX also has an F Sport Handling model that makes the driving dynamics sportier with its Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and front and rear performance dampers. It comes with F Sport-exclusive Dark Graphite Aluminum ornamentation, unique meter, bolstered sport seats, steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and scuff plates. Black and Circuit Red NuLuxe are applied on the seats, steering wheel, and center console.

Its exterior is accentuated by a bold F Sport Grille, 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels framed by color-key overfenders, black roof rails, and daylight opening window framing. It comes in exclusive F sport colors: Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultrasonic Blue 2.0.

The F Sport Handling with Luxury package includes 14-inch touchscreen, unique headlamps, and Thematic Ambient Illumination.

Thematic Ambient Illumination is an optional feature available for the 2023 NX interior. Each of its nature-inspired themes has been meticulously selected to evoke a feeling of comfort.

There is also an optional panoramic moonroof with smooth gliding opening and closing motion.

Pricing for the 2023 Lexus NX ranges from $39,755 to $57,705 (approximately P2.3 million to P3.4 million).

Photo from Lexus

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