What is It?
The carmaker has opted to differentiate the brand with the introduction of its new models with modern designs, hybrid powertrains and high levels of customer experience. The NX300h is the newest addition to the manufacturer’s line-up which includes the ES300h, RX450h and the LX450d. The NX300h uses a hybrid powertrain similar to that of the ES300h and the RX450h. Dimension-wise, it is smaller than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. But, with an expected debut price of Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) it is slightly more expensive than the GLC, X3 and Q5. The NX300h being tested gets a different grille when compared to the Luxury variant; also different are the bumpers and rims. Other changes include all-around LED lighting; a roof spoiler and a huge glass roof, all of this comes standard on the F-Sport Model.
On the Inside
Its unique styling is carried over on the inside as well, which means the dash has a variety of different styling elements. The black/white theme with contrast stitching looks neat pleasing to the eyes. Moreover, the quality of the interior is top notch. The car is loaded with soft-touch materials; the seats are soft leather as well. The front seats on the F-Sport are different and feel supportive, but lack the venting function that is seen on the Luxury models. At the rear, the F-Sport gets manually adjustable seats while the Luxury gets powered seats. A big negative on the inside of this car is the rear headroom, which is very limited. The small boot space will be another negative for buyers looking for a SUV in this price range.
Feature-wise, the car gets a 360-degree front/rear cam and rear parking sensors, electric steering adjustment, auto headlamps and wipers, wireless mobile charging, eight-way adjustable electric front seats with driver-side memory, a heads-up display, paddle shifters, an powered tailgate with the hands-free boot opening/closing function, and a range of safety features too including eight airbags.
How Does it Drive?
The NX uses the 2.5-litre petrol engine making 197hp and 210Nm of torque which is also seen in the ES300h and Camry Hybrid. However, this car is four-wheel drive, one electric motor powering the front wheels and one sending power to the rear. The car also has a generator that works to start the motor as well as charge the battery. The SUV has a weight of close to 1900kg which is heavy but the hybrid motor manages to get the car about but, it definitely lacks the power one would want from a car at this price.
The ride on the Lexus is on the softer side and unstable on uneven surfaces at highway speeds. The large 18-inch rims work to level out rough surfaces and this SUV has plush ride for the most part. The car can be driven swiftly around long swooping curves thanks to the minimal body roll. Under hard cornering though, it starts to understeer and behaves just like a front-wheel-drive car. The NX has a light and confidence inspiring steering feel. However, the regenerative brakes feel a bit wooden which require time getting used to.
Should I Buy One?
Initially, the NX may seem expensive for what it is offering. However, when looked beyond the fact that it shares the motor with a Camry, it has a lot of positives. The SUV is very stylish which will make it stand out from the crowd. In addition to this, the interiors are of top quality as well. The car also has a long list of features and safety equipment. The SUV is also a hybrid and that is makes it extremely fuel efficient, it has a claimed efficiency figure of 18.32km per litre. And lastly, the NX300h looks, feels and drives very different from its competition.
