New Lexus NX 300 Facelift Previewed, Priced From RM311,900

Lexus Malaysia has just previewed the new Lexus NX 300, with prices for the compact SUV starting from RM311,900. The dramatically styled compact Lexus SUV was introduced back in January 2015.

For the new NX 300, the variant count has been reduced from five to four, including a hybrid variant.  Prices for on-the-road without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia as follows:

• Lexus NX 300 Urban – RM311,900
• Lexus NX 300 Premium – RM329,800
• Lexus NX 300 F-Sport – RM387,900
• Lexus NX 300 Hybrid – RM 397,800

What’s new

At the front, the NX gets some new lines and edges on the bumper, resulting a stronger and more aggressive appearance. New compact, triple-beam LED headlamps, similar in technology to those available in the stunning LC coupe, is standard on all variants.

The spindle grille has been updated, with a slimmer multi-bar arrangement surrounded by thinner chrome. The F Sport variant get its unique jet black coating and wave pattern.  

Changes to the rear include a new rear bumper, which the designers have now integrated the baffle-type exhaust tips for better width and stance.

The tail lights have also been elongated inwards and smoked treatment has been applied even more generously to better emphasize the “L”-shaped lenses. Newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior changes.

Inside, a larger centre-display screen with improved graphics interface sits on top of the air conditioning vents. The new 10.3-inch screen, only available in the F Sport and Hybrid variants, however does not include any new connectivity feature; Apple CarPlay or Android Auto does not make their availability in this facelift.

The switches for the air conditioning have been changed, reducing the physical button count using four special toggle switches, which are also found in the brand shaping LC Coupe.

A larger analogue clock with a new face for easier viewing completes the redesign of the centre control section.  

Moving down to the lower console, the design of palm rest for the Remote Touch and touch pad have also been improved for better comfort and user interface.  

Chassis, Engine and Transmission

While the name is new, shifting from NX 200t to NX 300, there are no changes in the powertrain section. All NX 300 variants, except the hybrid, continue to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in a transverse layout.

The 8AR-FTS engine is rated at outputs of 235 hp and 350 Nm, which goes through a 6-speed automatic before being transferred to all four wheels through a torque shuffling Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive system.  The NX 300 completes the century dash in 7.1 seconds.

The NX 300 Hybrid meanwhile continue with the Lexus Hybrid Drive consisting of a 2.5-litre engine and a dual-motor placement, including a 67 hp motor in the rear axle to provide a combined system output of 197 hp.

The new NX 300 features a revised suspension tuning, where changes have been made to the springs, stabilizer bars and bushings to improved turn-in response and steady-state cornering. New shock absorbers further improve the ride quality of the NX 300.

The NX 300 F Sport benefit even better ride and handling improvements, as the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) has been upgraded to offer a range of up to 650 instantaneous compression and damping adjustment, versus 30 of the old.

Standard Equipment and Features

The Lexus NX 300 Urban (RM311,900) have these as standard:

• 18-inch wheels with 225/60R18 tyres
• Compact 3-beam LED headlamps
• Power back door
• Panoramic Roof
• Drive mode selector
• 8-inch display screen with Remote Touch Controller
• Lexus Premium Audio, 8-speakers, Class D Amplifier
• Nuluxe Leather
• Silver Film Trim
• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
• Manual folding rear seat
• 8 airbags
• Rear view camera

Moving up to the next level, the NX 300 Premium (RM329,800) adds:

• Tilt-and-slide moonroof
• ‘Shimamoku’ woodtrim
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• Smooth leather upholstery
• Wireless charger
• Powered folding rear seat
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

The range topping the F-Sport (RM387,900) exclusive items are:

• Mesh grille with jet-black plating and smoked chrome surround
• Lower bumper moulding in bright silver finish
• Bright machined finish 18-inch wheels with 235/55R18 tires
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• Performance damper on front and rear suspension points
• Sport suspension
• Gloss black side mirrors
• Drive mode with ‘Custom’ and ‘Sport S+’
• F Sport leather and trim
• Aluminium foot pedals
• F Sport emblems
• Mark Levinson 7.1 Premium Surround System with 14 speakers
• 10.3-inch display screen with GPS Navigation system
• Panoramic view camera (bird’s eye view)

The NX 300 Hybrid (RM397,800) adds these items on top of the NX 300 Premium :

• Mark Levinson 7.1 Premium Surround System with 14 speakers
• 10.3-inch display screen with GPS Navigation system
• Panoramic view camera (bird’s eye view)

The NX 300, being bold in concept and execution, continue to be offered with eye-catching, out-of-the ordinary colours. Lava Orange Crystal Shine is new and exclusive to F Sport. New interior colour combinations will also be offered.

The new Lexus NX range will be available for viewing in showrooms from early February. All new Lexus NX variants sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage. The NX 300 Hybrid also have an 8-year battery assurance program for the hybrid battery pack.