Lexus NX350H: A Well-Rounded Package with a Price that Beats the Competition

Lexus NX350H – a luxury SUV that has been generating a lot of buzz in the market lately. With its sleek design, impressive features, and robust performance, it’s no wonder that it’s been piqued the interest of many car enthusiasts. The NX350H is part of the fourth generation of Lexus SUVs, and it’s built on the same platform as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. However, despite sharing a similar platform, the NX350H stands out from its competitors with its unique design language and features. When I had the opportunity to test drive the NX350H, I was blown away by its impressive features and comfortable ride. Here are some of the key positives and negatives that I experienced during my test drive.

Positives

• Interior is fantastic. Quality of materials used, features (lot more than competition)
• Paint finish was excellent. Lexus offers a wide range of colours and variants.
• Noise insulation was brilliant.
• Looks can be polarizing especially the spindle grille. Overall I would mention the design as “Nice”
• 240 HP strong hybrid engine has good enough power and grunt.
• Suspension is very European. Adaptive dampers work well and in Sport+ mode is quite fun.
• Fantastic fuel efficiency. During my test drive, MID was hovering around 15-16KMPL in city.

The NX350H is powered by a 2.5-liter engine that produces 240 HP and 35 kgm of torque. The engine is paired with an electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 300 HP. The NX350H also comes with a range of features, including a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Exteriors

The NX350H has a sleek and modern design that’s sure to turn heads. The front of the vehicle features a distinctive spindle grille that’s been a hallmark of Lexus design for years. While some may find the grille to be polarizing, I personally think it looks great. The side of the vehicle features a sloping roofline and a large bonnet that gives it a sporty look. The rear of the vehicle features wrap-around tail lamps that give it a sleek and modern appearance. The alloy wheels are 18 inches in size and are dressed in a satin black finish. The paint finish is very good, and the black contrast roof goes well with the white car. The body panels feel heavy and do not flex as much like a typical Japanese car. The door handles are different, they have a switch inside and one need not pull out like traditional handle.

Interiors

The interior of the NX350H is fantastic. The quality of materials used is top-notch, and the features are numerous. You name it, the NX350H has it. Even cars like the X5 and GLE miss on equipment offered by the NX. The seats are big and have good under thigh support. The rear seat, however, lacks under thigh support and you sit bit low. The width is good for 2 adults and a child. The seats can be electronically folded using a dedicated button or through display. The audio system is good, and it sounds terrific. It gets wireless Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto is wired. The head unit offers a lot of options, and the display is large and clear.

Driving the NX

Being a strong hybrid, as expected, the NX350H has no sound on start and continues so until for about speed of 20-30KM/Hr. Once the 2.5L Engine kicks in, you can hear the engine. Initially I tried in comfort mode, car has good power and suspension was absorbing bumps quite well. When I switched to Sport+ mode, the car was quite fun. Suspension stiffens quite a bit, steering weighs up, and engine has good grunt. However, the acceleration is linear and not much push back feel. The handling is a revelation, takes corner quite well despite the height. In Sport+ handling feels very much European and one can really push the car through corners at higher speeds. The e CVT has a bit of lag but did not find it problematic especially in Sport+ mode. Not as quick as dual clutch but lets say at par with a traditional torque converter but smoother when driving sedately.

Summary

The Lexus NX350H is a well-rounded package that’s worth considering, especially given how BMW have detuned the new X3. The NX350H has segment-best features, is nice to drive, and is comparatively cheaper to maintain and run. That said, it lacks the snob value of Germans and limited showrooms means you have limited options w.r.t. dealers. Overall, the Lexus NX350H is a fantastic luxury SUV that’s sure to impress. Its unique design language, impressive features, and robust performance make it a compelling choice in the luxury SUV segment.

The Lexus NX350H is available in several trim levels, including the F Sport and Overtrail variants. The F Sport variant comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Overtrail variant comes with 18-inch alloy wheels. Both variants come with a range of features, including a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. In conclusion, the Lexus NX350H is a well-rounded package that’s worth considering, especially given how BMW have detuned the new X3. Its segment-best features, nice driving dynamics, and comparatively cheaper maintenance and running costs make it a compelling choice in the luxury SUV segment.