2018 Lexus NX300: A combination of luxury and contemporary design

Muscat: The sharp-looking, compact and luxurious 2018 Lexus NX300 is a brilliant combination of luxury, contemporary design and enjoyable driving dynamics.
Sharing his thoughts on the NX300, Takeaki Kato, Chief Engineer said, “For the NX, we made bold refinements to the design, elevated its performance, and added new features to enhance its comfort and convenience. The NX still possesses the same elements that have made it popular in the past ― a sharp design, everyday convenience and driving pleasure that will satisfy all enthusiasts ― but the vehicle as a whole has evolved dramatically, as you are bound to see and feel when you first experience it.”
Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative of the Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We are very excited about the NX, which comes with a new range of enhancements in design, convenience and safety, along with an added layer of meaningful luxury to express our customers’ unique personality. The NX with its stylish design and superior driving dynamics reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of luxury customers in the region while shining a light on our vision to create amazing experiences. We are grateful to our customers in the region who are our constant source of inspiration and we are confident that the NX will surpass their expectations and enable them to express their individuality.”
The entire front fascia of the NX has been refreshed, with the upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers redesigned to fluidly blend into the hood and front doors, resulting in a sleeker overall shape and excellent aerodynamics. The NX’s available AHB-equipped headlamps and triple projectors give the NX’s face a sportier aura. Also of note, satin and smoked chrome trim elements have been applied to the grille treatment in addition to new vertical elements added to the grille’s inner portion. The NX’s advanced turbocharged 241-hp, 2.0-litre engine combines fuel efficiency with outstanding power output, generating exhilarating acceleration for sporty driving, together with exceptional fuel economy. The NX is also available with features offering both driver and passengers comfort and convenience such as a colour Head-Up Display (HUD), a dual zone air conditioner, a unique power reclining, a power folding 60:40 split rear seat, in addition to a hands-free power backdoor to name a few.
Lexus has always been at the forefront of change, and its customer's influence and shape all the innovations it delivers. The interior of the new NX has also been reworked to exude a sportier nature and a more luxurious feel. There is also a focus on improving the ease of use, convenience, and comfort of the equipment features, faithful to Lexus’ commitment to the principles of Omotenashi (hospitality).
The first thing you are bound to notice is the larger multimedia display on the centre dashboard, which has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. Also, the climate control panel in the centre console has been dramatically simplified with a number of buttons being replaced by four easy-to-operate toggle switches. These have a high tactile quality with a raised pattern of small metallic Lexus ‘L’-shaped motifs. The central analogue clock has been made larger, with a clearer face and a more pronounced outer ring. Nearly all the controls and switches inside the NX, including the drive mode selector, shift knob, and door handles, now have a metallic satin finish, enhancing the premium look and feel of the cabin. Even the audio knob and window switches feature a metallic coating.
On the centre console, the remote touch interface pad has been enlarged and redesigned for easier operation, and the palm rest has been reshaped for maximum wrist comfort. In addition, the USB ports have been more optimally positioned in the centre console, and their amperage has been increased for faster charging. Convenience and versatility define the NX300, which features a world-first power folding 60:40 split/recline rearseat. The reclining angle can be adjusted using switches located on the sides of the rear seat. The rear seat can be folded or returned using switches located on the sides of the rear seat and driver’s seat, as well as inside the luggage compartment.
Additionally, the 2018 NX adds the convenience of hands-free power backdoor – a foot-operated system that can be used when the user’s hands or arms are full, such as when carrying goods. Placing or kicking up one of your feet toward a sensor beneath the rear bumper cover opens or closes the electrically-actuated backdoor. The Lexus NX300 is also available with a Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, which features a 12-channel amplifier to drive 14 ultra-high efficiency speakers that generate outstanding output with concert hall-quality sound. The vehicle’s sound system is adopted with Clari-Fi, a compressed digital audio restoration technology that helps play the music as close to its original audio quality by recreating the high-range and low-range sounds, as well as sounds of the natural vocal and stereo feelings that are usually suppressed when saving files in the MP3 format. Moreover, QuantumLogic Surround (QLS) technology has been adopted, allowing for even more precise turning than in the past that fills the cabin with natural sound. Two USB ports and one AUX mini-jack are available inside the console box.
Reflecting Lexus’ utmost commitment to passenger safety, the NX300, comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features complemented with the addition of the preventive safety package, Lexus Safety System+, which integrates active safety technologies, such as the Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beam. Apart from the Lexus Safety System+, other safety features are also available, including Vehicle Sway Warning Function, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Tyre Pressure Warning System, to name a few.
The most athletic NX trim level, the performance-minded F Sport, will continue to be distinguished by its pronounced mesh grille with jet-black plating and exclusive wheels that feature a bright-machined finish with solid black paint. Inside, it will receive specially textured Naguri aluminium ornamentation, which provides a high sense of elegance and sporty flair. The special white/black seating surface treatment is one of a few new interior colour combinations that are exclusive to the F SPORT, as are the separate readouts for turbo boost and G-forces for the Head-Up Display (HUD).The F SPORT also features Active Sound Control (ASC) to enhance the auditory experience. The engine note volume resonating through the cabin can be adjusted when the driver turns on ASC.
In Oman, every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as 4 years/100,000km (whichever is earlier) manufacturer’s warranty and 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.