Today marks the first day of the 38th Thailand International Motor Expo and a few new models have already been launched, such as the all-new Peugeot 2008 that is imported from Gurun, Kedah!
After a quiet few months, Lexus in ASEAN is back with the launch of the all-new, second-generation Lexus NX that was globally unveiled in June. Two models (both hybrid powertrains) across five variants will be offered to Thai consumers, the Lexus NX 350h and the Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Fully-imported from Japan, the new Lexus NX 350h will have two variants, priced at THB3.24 million (approx. RM404k) and THB3.39 million, while the NX 450h+ PHEV starts from THB3.59 million (approx. RM448k) to THB4.32 million (approx. RM539k) for the NX 450h+ F Sport.
The NX 350h continues to be in the excise tax bracket of 16%, but the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with ultra-low fuel consumption enjoys a tax rate of just 8%. That explains why even with so many features, technology and performance, the new Lexus NX 450h+ is priced just above the larger Lexus RX 300.
The NX 450h+ is the range-topping variant in the new generation mid-sized Lexus SUV, equipped with a highly efficient 2.5-litre naturally aspirated hybrid engine, a pair of electric motors and a large battery pack to deliver a combined system output of 309 hp.
Performance is also a substantial increase over the first-generation model, completing the century dash in just 6.3 seconds! Apart from fast acceleration, the large battery pack with an energy content of 18.1 kWh will provide an estimated 87 km of electric driving range (NEDC cycle), at up to speeds of 135 km/h.
As for charging the massive PHEV battery pack, Lexus in Thailand say it can be fully charged within 2.5 hours via a Type 2 AC 6.6 kW charger at 32A per hour. A rear motor provides additional energy recuperation as well as electric AWD traction.
Lexus says, thanks to the usage of the highly efficient hybrid engine, the NX 450h+ is expected to be as much as 20% better in fuel consumption than competitors when the energy in the lithium-ion battery pack has depleted.
The local Lexus distributor is offering a four-year unlimited mileage warranty for the car and a 10-year unlimited mileage for the hybrid lithium-ion battery.
As for the Lexus NX 350h, it is powered by the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force hybrid engine, with a total system output of 243 hp. Fuel consumption is certified at 5 litres per 100 km or 20 km/L.
Built on the new GA-K platform that also underpins the Lexus ES 250, the new NX is about an inch larger in all dimensions except height which is increased by just 5 mm. Lexus seems to have paid particular attention to the rear axle though, as the rear track is now 59 mm wider than before, promising better handling and stability.
Key interior features that are available include a central infotainment touchscreen display measuring 14 inches, head-up display, digital rearview mirror and an ambient lighting system with a colour palette of up to 50 colours.
The new NX is also the first Lexus vehicle to use the E-Latch electric door handle mechanism, where occupants inside the car open the doors via touching a switch on the armrest. The ease of use with one smooth and simple motion is inspired by the traditional fusuma sliding paper screen room dividers in Japanese homes.
The new NX also adopts the latest preventive safety technologies with the next-generation Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) that delivers cutting-edge safety functions for drivers. A self-parking feature called Lexus Teammate Advance Park automatically scans available spots and manoeuvres itself into it.
GALLERY
2021 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport
2021 Lexus NX
2021 Lexus NX – Technical
