Sumptuous SUV from Lexus
THE superb build quality and excellent reliability of Lexus cars gives them an almost unrivalled residual value over three years.
This gives an idea of the power of the brand, which spreads down from the top models to the smaller CT and IS and to the NX mid-sized 4x4 SUV I’ve just enjoyed.
Although there is a pure petrol version, almost all sold in this country are 300h hybrids, with a combined petrol engine and electric motor.
It is not a plug-in hybrid, but one where the batteries are recharged by the main power unit on the move and by the braking system on slowing down.
At slow speeds up to 30mph, and with a very gentle right foot on the accelerator, the NX 300h is then powered solely by the electric motor, helping towards good economy and low emissions.
As speed increases the petrol engine cuts in seamlessly to provide the power and recharge the batteries.
Of course, the setup could be used to give performance, but that’s not what the NX is all about.
It’s a beautifully made, very well equipped, refined, comfortable and above all easy-to-drive machine that takes much of the stress out of living with a car in these days of endless traffic.
The 2.5-litre engine is completely inaudible unless provoked for a blast of acceleration and, even then, it’s completely seamless since there are no gearchanges.
There is a fair amount of bump- thump on rougher surfaces from the big wheels and low profile tyres, but this is the only intrusive sound during driving in town and it rolls over speed humps very easily.
EThe sat nav screen is rather narrow and controlled by a knurled wheel between the seats which is slow and difficult to use compared to a touch screen.
This is odd because Lexus started their navigation systems with an excellent touch screen years ago. They have copied BMW but it’s a retrograde step.
And finally, I know it stands out from the crowd, but the Lexus gaping maw of a grill is just plain ugly and as far as I’m concerned it should be redesigned.
The Lexus NX 300h F-Sport Nav + ML sound system I drove costs £39,995.