New Lexus NX officially teased ahead of 12 June debut

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The second-generation Lexus NX has been previewed for the first time ahead of its official world debut on 12 June. The first image of the brand’s latest rival for the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 focuses on the new mid-size SUV's tailgate, showing off a pair of new tail lights that are interlinked by a full-width LED lightbar.

The first snapshot of the Lexus NX corresponds with the leaked images that surfaced back in February when its official launch video was mistakenly posted online.


The screengrabs taken from the original vid showed that Lexus won’t mess with the SUV’s styling too much. The new NX will very much be an evolution of the outgoing car, sharing a similar silhouette and front end, albeit with slightly softer lines and more rounded headlamps.

Lexus’s changes are a little more pronounced at the rear, with the brand introducing a new tail light design and full-width rear light bar. There’s a slightly more aggressive rear bumper, too, with larger faux exhaust outlets and air channels behind the rear wheels.

Inside, Lexus’s updates are even more noticeable. There’s a less cluttered centre console, a fresh gear selector and a brand-new infotainment system, which has the car’s climate controls built into its surround rather than fitted to a separate unit in the dash.

New Lexus NX leaked rear light

New Lexus NX leaked rear light
New Lexus NX leaked

New Lexus NX leaked
New Lexus NX leaked light

New Lexus NX leaked light
New Lexus NX leaked cabin

New Lexus NX leaked cabin
New Lexus NX leaked side

New Lexus NX leaked side
Lexus NX 2021 teaser

Lexus NX 2021 teaser
New Lexus NX leaked rear

New Lexus NX leaked rear
New Lexus NX leaked

New Lexus NX leaked

The SUV’s digital dashboard and steering wheel are also unlike anything fitted to any of Lexus’s current cars. The screen looks to be a full-width unit rather than a digital pod, while the wheel is a completely new design, featuring some fresh touch-sensitive controls. Hiding at the back of the gauge cowl, there’s also a cutout for a head-up display.

We’re yet to hear anything official about the new NX’s powertrain. But, like the old model, we expect this NX will share the same platform as the Toyota RAV4 – meaning there’s a high chance the SUV will be available with Toyota’s 302bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder PHEV powertrain.

In the RAV4, the system delivers a 0–62mph time of six seconds flat and a best in-class electric range of 46 miles. Even more impressively, Toyota says the PHEV setup will return 282.5mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting only 22g/km of CO2.

New Lexus NX leaked rear light

New Lexus NX leaked rear light
New Lexus NX leaked

New Lexus NX leaked
New Lexus NX leaked light

New Lexus NX leaked light
New Lexus NX leaked cabin

New Lexus NX leaked cabin
New Lexus NX leaked side

New Lexus NX leaked side
Lexus NX 2021 teaser

Lexus NX 2021 teaser
New Lexus NX leaked rear

New Lexus NX leaked rear
New Lexus NX leaked

New Lexus NX leaked

The evidence of recently trademarked NX 350 and NX 350h names suggest some markets will also be offered a development of the 354bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid that powers the Lexus LC 500h coupe.

An even more powerful hybrid badged NX 450h is also set to be introduced but the UK might miss out on the most powerful versions.

In the RAV4, the system delivers a 0–62mph time of six seconds flat and a best in-class electric range of 46 miles. Even more impressively, Toyota says the PHEV setup will return 282.5mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting only 22g/km of CO2.

What does the new Lexus NX have to beat? Check out our list of the best SUVs on sale now

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