The premium SUV market has seen a major shake-up. Lexus has unveiled its brand new NX 350 onto Australian roads and it’s attracting attention for the proper reasons. It’s not just another high-end SUV, it’s a striking piece that balances the practical with the luxurious in ways that could make its European competitors concerned.
A Design That Demands Attention
First thing to observe in this model NX 350 is that Lexus hasn’t stuck to the rules in the design. The spindle grille that is the signature of the brand has been transformed into something that is more dimensional and impressive with the front end displaying the appearance you can’t overlook in the rearview mirror.
The LED headlights arc back on the sides, while the roof’s floating design as well as striking character lines make a distinct look that’s fast even when it’s parked. It’s striking without being overtly aggressive, which is a delicate balance that Lexus seems to have found a way to achieve with this model.
“We wanted to create something distinctly Lexus but with Australian sensibilities in mind,” the company’s representative said during the launch celebration. This idea extends to the color scheme that includes an exclusive Australia-exclusive “Outback Ochre” finish inspired by the iconic landscape of Australia.
Cabin Craftsmanship That Impresses
After stepping in the NX 350, the interior grabs your attention immediately. The cabin is a masterpiece of the so-called “Takumi craftsmanship” and Lexus ensures that you notice, starting from the leather-stitching and the Australian eucalyptus wood trim parts.
The focal point is definitely the 14-inch screen, which is the biggest ever installed on an Lexus vehicle. It’s responsive, well laid out and, most importantly does not hide essential functions within submenus as the systems of some rivals. Yes, it can handle Australian accents with astonishing precision. Australian accents with astonishing precision with the voice-control system.
Space isn’t a concern neither is space. The expansive sunroof fills the cabin with light without compromising headroom. Likewise, the rear seats provide genuine comfortable seating for adults. The seats that can be controlled by climate (both the cooling as well as heating function) can be a blessing for us in our extreme temperature.
Performance That Delivers When It Counts
Under the cover underneath, under the hood, NX 350 packs a punch thanks to the 2.4-liter gasoline engine that is turbocharged. With 205 kilowatts of power and the torque of 430 Newton-meters on the line, this SUV is able to perform at its best – reaching 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
But the raw numbers aren’t telling the entire story. The most impressive thing is how it’s NX 350 puts its power down. The all-wheel drive system and the eight-speed automatic transmission function seamlessly and give you confidence when driving through city streets or taking the weekend on less than perfect country roads.
I sat for an entire week on my NX 350, using it for everything from school runs all the way to a 300km road trip I came away amazed by its range of use. Its adaptive suspension merits particular mention because it provides the most comfortable ride while you cruise however it gets firmer in the event of the twisty roads.
The fuel economy is acceptable for a car in this class, too. my mixed driving delivering about 8.5 L/100km which isn’t too much different from that official 8.1 L/100km number.
Tech That Actually Makes Sense
The technological narrative surpasses the eye-catching main display. During the testing phases, utilizing a smartphone as a digital car key worked seamlessly. Furthermore, the heads up display provided ample information without being overly intrusive and Mark Levinson’s top of the line sound system delivers sound that even the fiercest audiophiles would appreciate.
It’s refreshing that Lexus has incorporated technology that improves the driving experience instead of making it more difficult. Take the remote parking assistance as an example. It’s really useful in tight places as well as the process of learning isn’t too steep.
The focus is also on keeping software updated by releasing updates over-the-air, so that the NX 350 won’t feel dated within a year or two.
Safety That Goes Above and Beyond
Safety features are now an important issue in the premium SUV market as this model NX 350 comes armed to the teeth. Its Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 features all the features you’d expect (adaptive cruise control as well as Lane Keep Assist) as well as some truly beneficial features like front cross-traffic warning and a safe exit warning, which stops the doors from opening when cars or cyclists approach from behind.
The pre-collision system is now working efficiently in low-light conditions, an advantage that is especially important when driving in the suburbs in winter. Also, with ten airbags including one in the front center airbag, you’ll be protected in the event of a catastrophic accident.
Australian-Specific Tuning Makes a Difference
One thing that is noticeable is the amount of effort Lexus has invested in making it so that the NX 350 feel at home on Australian roads. The calibration of the suspension and steering were based on local engineering inputs, and off-road tests were carried out within Australia’s Victorian High Country.
The local tuning can make an obvious difference in the way the vehicle handles our particular road conditions. While certain European SUVs feel stiff on rough roads but this NX 350 maintains its composure without sacrificing precision in handling.
Ownership Experience Beyond the Vehicle
The price starts at $80,900 including road costs The NX 350 positions itself as an affordable luxury car in a market where costs are prone to spiral beyond control. However, what could make the difference for a lot of buyers is the package of ownership.
The Lexus Encore Platinum program offers the best benefits, such as valet parking at certain malls and entertainment venues and the extensive 5-year/unlimited kilometers warranty gives assurance. Maintenance is only required once every one year or 15,000 miles which is less than the majority of other competitors.
A few people in Lexus Owner forums seem especially enthusiastic about the concierge services, that assists in everything from reservations at restaurants and travel plans. These are the details that enhance the experience of owning the car itself.
The Competitive Landscape
Its NX 350 enters a fiercely competitive market, that is dominated by the German trio of Audi Q5, BMW X3 as well as Mercedes-Benz GLC. It is nevertheless able to create its own distinctive brand rather than merely copying its European formula.
The area where the Lexus really stands out is by offering comparable quality and regular equipment at an affordable price. The distinctive design language offers a refreshing alternative to the sluggish European style that dominates this market.
The company has been Lexus increasing it’s Australian dealership network by 23 dealers, service convenience is also improving, addressing the issue that was a hindrance for Lexus before.
Read more : Mahindra XUV 700 Launches as India’s Most Advanced Luxury SUV
Is This the New Benchmark?
After a few hours with this model, NX 350, it’s clear that this isn’t a high-end SUV. It’s an actual competitor for the top spot in class. It manages to reconcile seemingly contradictory characteristics: sportiness and comfort performance and power as well as technology and ease of use.
For Australian customers who want something with a distinctive personality, rather than just a brand name it’s the NX 350 delivers an enticing combination of performance, prestige and practical luxurious. The German toppers should be watching their backs and noticing a brand new benchmark on the market and it’s sporting the Lexus badge.
2 Responses