Lexus has revealed the 2027 NX medium SUV, bringing a new generation of hybrid technology, more than 100km of electric range for the plug-in hybrid and significant chassis and interior changes.
The new NX will arrive in Australia during 2027, where it will be sold exclusively with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Local specs are yet to be finalised.
The biggest changes are found in the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. Battery capacity increases by 30 per cent, from 18kWh to 23kWh, pushing its provisional WLTP electric range beyond 100km – almost 40 per cent further than the current NX 450h.
It also becomes the first Lexus PHEV capable of DC fast charging, with a 10-80 per cent recharge taking around 30 minutes. Combined stands at 229kW, helping reduce the claimed 0-100km/h time to 6.1 seconds.
The NX 350h conventional hybrid continues with a 2.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain producing 146kW. Lexus has reduced the hybrid battery’s weight from 32.7kg to 23.5kg, while 0-100km/h times stand at 7.3 seconds for AWD versions and 7.7 seconds for front-wheel drive.
Both powertrains use Lexus’s sixth-generation hybrid technology, including a more compact power control unit and transaxle assembly that saves around 10kg and allows major components to sit lower in the vehicle. Towing capacity has also increased to 1500kg across the NX range (at least in overseas spec).
Although this isn’t an entirely new-generation NX, the chassis is described as a “next-generation platform” that has received some extensive work. Floor rigidity is up by around 25 per cent and rigidity around the front suspension towers increases by approximately 30 per cent. There are new shock absorbers, revised variable-ratio steering and further suspension and braking calibration.
Lexus also claims engine and road noise has been reduced by around 20 per cent. The driver’s seating position has been lowered and there’s a slightly smaller steering wheel, while the accelerator pedal has been redesigned for more progressive response.
Styling changes include a new frameless interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille, redesigned headlights and new rear lighting incorporating an illuminated Lexus badge.
Inside, there’s a completely redesigned dashboard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch central touch-screen. The latest LexusConnect system also gets considerably more processing power, while a new generation of Lexus Safety System+ expands the range and distance of its vehicle detection hardware.
One of the more unusual additions is the Sensory Concierge, which can coordinate the climate control, seat temperature, ambient lighting, audio and even cabin fragrance to create different preset environments.
For Australia, Lexus has confirmed the new NX will be offered exclusively in NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid forms. The move forms part of a broader change to the local Lexus range, with the petrol-only RX 350 and LS 500 also being discontinued as the company shifts those model lines exclusively to electrified powertrains.
Australian pricing, grades and final specifications for the 2027 Lexus NX will be announced closer to its local arrival.
