Overview
Lexus has unveiled the facelifted version of the Lexus NX which features a revised exterior styling, a minimalistic interior design with updated infotainment system similar to other updated Lexus models and revised powertrain which is expected to be hybrid only.
The vehicle was unveiled on 1st September and it is planned to roll out to dealerships worldwide in the first quarter of 2027.
Updated Powertrain
The updated Lexus NX features a redesigned hybrid system, with changes to the electrification system aimed at improving performance and fuel efficiency. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version also receives a newly developed battery, which increases its EV driving range and reduces charging time.
It uses an e-Axle that integrates the transaxle, electric motor and power control unit (PCU) into a single unit. The compact layout reduces weight and lowers the position of the powertrain, contributing to a lower center of gravity.
The inverter also uses silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, which reduce electrical losses and improve drivetrain efficiency. Along with the increased battery output and other powertrain updates, these changes are aimed at improving fuel efficiency and performance.
For the battery, the NX450+ uses a newly developed battery that increases output by 8% and capacity by 30%, extending the vehicle's EV driving range. The battery also supports DC fast charging, reducing charging times, while a power-operated charging lid is included for easier access to the charging port.
The battery cell layout has been changed from a longitudinal to a transverse arrangement. This increases lateral rigidity across the body, while the lower battery mounting position lowers the vehicle's center of gravity. Lexus says these changes improve handling and driving stability.
Driving Dynamics
The updated NX receives several structural changes aimed at increasing body rigidity. Reinforcements have been added to the front and rear sections, along with a new floor cross member and additional reinforcement along the tunnel ridge. Lexus says these changes increase floor rigidity by approximately 25%. The suspension towers have also been redesigned with integrated structural components, increasing their rigidity by approximately 30%.
The engine block has been redesigned, while additional reinforcement between the engine and transaxle increases rigidity and shifts resonance away from engine combustion frequencies. Lexus says this reduces noise and vibration. The hybrid system also receives updated ECU control, allowing more coordinated motor operation and reducing vibration when the vehicle transitions from EV to hybrid operation.
Exterior Design
The updated NX retains the sporty proportions and side profile of the previous generation, while receiving revisions to its exterior design. Lexus says the changes are intended to give the SUV a more dynamic appearance while maintaining the existing design theme.
As part of Lexus' latest design language, the updated NX retains its wide, low-slung proportions, with the grille incorporating the headlamps, cornering lamps and other functional elements. The headlights feature integrated turn signals and daytime running lights (DRLs), arranged in a dual-line lighting design.
The grille uses a mesh pattern, which Lexus says also supports airflow for cooling and aerodynamic performance.
The rear combination lamps feature Lexus' first Double L Signature, with two illuminated L-shaped elements at each end of the vehicle. An illuminated Lexus logo sits between the lamps, creating a continuous lighting treatment across the rear.
The exterior trim has also been revised, with the side mirrors and moldings moving from predominantly chrome finishes to black accents.
The car has nine exterior colour options available including two new options. Sonic Tellus is a new ash-tone finish, while Titanium Carbide Gray is newly available on F Sport models.
Interior
Similar to the new Lexus ES, the instrument panel has the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch navigation and multimedia display side by side in a horizontal layout, reducing the amount of eye movement required between the displays and the road. Ambient lighting is also available where a continuous light strip runs from the instrument panel into the door trim, extending the horizontal design theme across the front of the cabin.
The updated NX also features a redesigned steering wheel and Lexus' Responsive Hidden Switches, which use translucent surface panels to conceal selected controls until they are activated.
Depending on the trim level, models equipped with the Mark Levinson® audio system feature perforated metal speaker grilles. The speaker grilles are also illuminated with a circular ring lighting surrounding each door speaker.
The interior is available with five interior colour options, including two new options: Abalos and the F Sport-exclusive Prominence.
Lexus Sensory Concierge
The NX is available with Lexus' Sensory Concierge system, which coordinates the cabin's illumination, audio, climate control, seat temperature and fragrance settings across three modes. The system adjusts these functions together to create different cabin environments, including settings intended for relaxation or increased alertness. The three personal experiences featured in the vehicle demo are Inspire, Radiance and Revitalize.
The updated NX offers five fragrance options, with up to three fragrance cartridges installed at a time in a generator located inside the glove box. The selected fragrance can be controlled through a dedicated screen while driving, with the scent released through the speaker grille at the rear of the instrument panel.
The fragrances can also be linked to the Sensory Concierge modes, which coordinate the selected scent with corresponding multimedia visuals, music and interior lighting.
F Sport Trim
The F Sport model features exclusive front under-spoilers, side pontoons and rear corner devices. Piano Black finishes are used on the roof side rails, roof spoiler and rocker panels.
It also comes with exclusive 20-inch aluminum wheels designed to reduce weight and maintain high rigidity, along with red brake calipers. The interior features an all-black instrument panel to create a more driver-focused cockpit.
Driver Assistance and Safety
The updated NX is equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+, with improvements to object detection, sensor coverage and the operating range of several driver-assistance functions.
Radar Cruise Control with All-Speed Following Function has been updated to begin decelerating earlier when a vehicle ahead slows down or another vehicle cuts in front of the NX. A new Eco Drive Mode adjusts acceleration and following behaviour while the system is active, prioritizing smoother operation and fuel efficiency. Map-linked functions can also provide deceleration assistance for stop signs, T-intersections, roundabouts and toll booths. The system uses map data to adjust deceleration before curves based on road geometry.
Lane Change Assist has been updated with revised activation and lane-change timing, along with an expanded operating speed range. Its steering assistance also works in coordination with the driver's steering inputs. The Blind Spot Monitor has also been updated to detect bicycles and motorcycles travelling alongside the vehicle.
The Pre-Collision System has an expanded operating speed range for warnings and automatic braking in intersection cross-traffic situations. The Driver Monitor can operate in a wider range of conditions and alerts the driver when signs of drowsiness are detected. The Driver Emergency Response System has also gained a function that can bring the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder when activated while driving on highways or motorways.
The Adaptive High-beam System has been updated with more precise high-beam control. The Panoramic View Monitor now includes a 3D View, allowing the driver to change the viewing perspective using swipe controls. The system can also display the vehicle as a transparent image, providing a view of areas around the vehicle that may otherwise be obscured.
For vehicles equipped for towing, Lane Tracing Assist and the Driver Emergency Response System can operate while a trailer is attached. The Blind Spot Monitor's detection range has also been extended to cover areas around the trailer.
Key Specifications
(Based on Prototype)
| NX 450+ | NX 350h | NX 300h | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | 2.5L AWD | 2.5L AWD | 2.5L FWD / 2.0L FWD |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4,690 (+30) | ||
| Overall Width (mm) | 1,865 (±0) | ||
| Overall Height (mm) | 1,660 (±0) | ||
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,690 (±0) | ||
| Curb Weight (kg) | 2,050–2,130 | 1,790–1,870 | 1,730–1,810 / 1,690–1,750 |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 / 235/50R20 | ||
| Engine | 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder | 2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder | |
| Transaxle | Electronically Controlled CVT | ||
| Engine Output (kW) | 100–135 | 110 | |
| System Output (kW) | 215–240 | 140–180 | 145 |
| 0–100 km/h (s) | 6.0 | 7.1–7.8 | 9.2 |
| EV Range | >40 mi (NA) / >100 km (EU) / >140 km (JP) | N/A | N/A |
UAE Availability
Al-Futtaim Motors has not provided details on UAE availability at the time of publishing this article. Features and specifications mentioned in this article may not be available on UAE-market models and may vary depending on the variant.