Meet The Newest Lexus NX – All‑Fuel Powerhouse in F Sport
Just when the roads thought they had seen every angle of the Lexus NX, the brand stepped onto the scene with a version that’s as brash and bold as a roaring engine.
What’s Inside the Line‑up?
- NX 350h – The eco‑savvy hybrid that keeps you green.
- NX 450+ – A 304‑horsepower plug‑in hybrid that feels like a half‑size SUV.
- NX 350 F Sport – The star of the show: pure petrol power, no hybrid help.
Premiered in late‑last‑year reveal, this F Sport model has just finished the box. It’s no longer a “nice addition”; it’s the headline‑grabber for anyone craving pure gasoline muscle without compromising on style.
Lexus NX: The Sporty Upgrade You Can’t Miss
Remember the old NX that folks called the “NX 300” with its 2.0‑litre turbo pulling 240 hp? That was a milestone: the very first turbo‑charged engine from Lexus. Fast forward to the latest NX 350 F‑Sport and you’re looking at a hefty 2.4‑litre unit churning out 275 hp. Talk about a power‑upgrade!
What It Means for Your Wallet
- Road tax climbs from $1,147 per year (old NX) to $1,586 (new NX)
- In a world where German cars squeeze 250‑plus hp out of a 2.0‑litre engine, Lexus is going big on the 2.4‑litre beast—big moves for a brand that’s always in the top three luxury spots in the U.S.
Feeling the Athlete’s Edge?
Whether you’re a “Mr. NX” or a “Ms. NX,” you can test out the new F‑Sport charm in our special video featuring the NX 350h and the NX 350 F‑Sport. Trust us, it’s all about that sporty swagger.
Fast, Friendly, and Fuel‑Efficient
Only one Nissan remains: the petrol‑only NX 350 is the best bet if you want a quick burst down the road without any hybrid fuss.
Revving Up the NX F‑Sport: A Bold New Look
Unlike the first generation, the new NX sports a look that’s unapologetically aggressive—think of it as designer mode: turbocharged. The designers tossed a “bag of set squares” at the SUV silhouette and kept the vibe, but with a few killer tweaks.
What Makes It F‑Sport?
- Dark, daring grille that screams confidence.
- 20‑inch dark alloy wheels for that low‑profile swagger.
- Additional colored body touches to keep the dark theme alive.
- A matte chrome edge on both the front splitter and rear diffuser—sleek, but not flashy.
Overall, the NX’s new styling is a bold mix of performance edge and modern elegance, turning heads on the street while still keeping the SUV comfort intact.
The F‑Sport Vibe – What It Looks Like
The Nissan NX 350 stays true to every rule of the F‑Sport handbook. The seats wear a crisp red lining with perforated leather at the touch points, while the aluminium pedals give that slick, sporty feel. No surprises here – just pure, comfortable heat‑catching style.
Screen Radar – Bright but a Little Tiny
Like its hybrid and plug‑in siblings, the NX 350 sports a 14‑inch touchscreen. It’s vibrant, crystal‑clear, and catches the eye. The snag? The fonts can feel a tad small for some, and the menu layout is a bit of a maze – you’ll need a GPS of your own to navigate the settings!
Anything Worth Noting?
- Red upholstery + perforated leather = Comfort Meets Style
- Aluminium pedals add a sports edge
- Screen: Bright, Clear, but Fonts bite
- Menu navigation: Not the easiest, but hey, who doesn’t like a challenge?
Get Ready to Dodge the Gymnastics—Lexus’ Tazuna Cockpit Takes the Spotlight
Fine folks, Lexus has practically spritzed the entire Tazuna cockpit with glitter and sparkle. The brag‑sheet says it’s “exceptionally easy to use,” and the part of the review that actually matches that claim is the most generous word we’ve heard: everything works without a single pirouette from the driver.
F‑Sport’s “Big Dial” Show‑Off
- Large central gauge: The main screen flaunts a fat digital display that keeps an eye on turbo boost and G‑force levels—so you can practically see your car’s hide‑and‑seek game.
- Colorful HUD: Think of it like a brilliant crystal ball in the sky. It’s clearer than any photo we’ve taken, making every blip and line practically neon.
- Touch‑button wheel control: Adjust the HUD straight from the wheel. No leaf‑shifting or app‑switching required—just waggle a button and voila.
Bottom line: Lexus’ Tazuna cockpit lets you enjoy the tech without turning the driver into a circus act. If you dislike juggling, this smooth‑sailing interface is exactly what you need.
Inside the NX 350 F‑Sport: A Feature‑Packed Adventure
Just like its fellow sport‑models, the NX 350 F‑Sport comes loaded with goodies that turn everyday driving into a tech‑savvy, safety‑first experience.
Key Highlights:
- Wireless Charger – Keep your phone alive without fiddling with cables.
- Advanced Active Safety – From collision‑avoidance systems to lane‑keeping assist, it’s got your back.
- Digital Rearview Mirror – A crisp, pinch‑zoom view of the road behind you.
- Electronic Latch Doors – One touch and the doors lock or unlock, like a high‑tech secret handshake.
- And More! – Surprise features waiting to enhance your ride.
With all this built‑in wizardry, the NX 350 F‑Sport isn’t just a car—it’s a pocket‑sized command center, bringing safety, convenience, and a touch of futuristic flair straight to the wheelhouse.
Power Fun? Or Not? Let’s Dive into the 2.4‑L Turbo
Takeaway: The advertised 275 hp from the 2.4‑liter turbo feels more like a ghost of horsepower than a bona‑fide powerhouse.
On the Road, it’s a Smooth Sleight‑of‑Hand
When cruising at everyday speeds, the engine behaves like a seasoned Lexus—steady and unwavering. Even when we compared it to the classic 3.5‑liter V6, the difference is barely noticeable.
Sound? It’s a Mixed Bag
- The car hums with a subtle thrum that feels engineered rather than natural.
- Notably, it doesn’t echo the fake, clunky V6 noises found in older hybrid models.
- Some of the noise comes from aftermarket tuning—half real, half artificial.
Bottom line: It’s cool enough for zen‑driving, but doesn’t scream “power machine.” If you’re after a raw, sizzlin’ vibe, you might be a tad disappointed.
F Sport Kit: Day‑to‑Day Hero in a Sports‑Tuned Body
Ever wondered what a F Sport bundle feels like on the road? Picture this: the car’s got adaptive suspension that’s been tuned to be a bit stiffer, so you feel every little bump. Instead of the standard 18‑inch wheels, you get blazing 20‑inch feet that give the car a bold look and a touch of swagger. This setup screams “sport,” but it ain’t all about tearing through hairpin corners.
What Happens When You Slip Into the F Sport PHEV?
- Stiffer ride: You’ll notice the car hugs the road harder, which makes for a fun experience when you’re driving.
- Large wheels: Those 20‑inch wheels give the vehicle a more robust stance, but they’re still practical enough for everyday streets.
- Engine buzz: Expect a slight increase in engine noise – a subtle reminder that this is a gear‑up version.
Daily Grind vs. Apex Grind
Even with its sport‑tuned feel, the F Sport kit keeps its feet on the ground for the everyday grind. It’s designed to be polite in traffic and smooth on city streets, not for the track. That means:
- The car remains comfort‑oriented for short commutes and errands.
- There’s a mild thump when you hit potholes, but it’s nothing you’d notice rushing by.
- You keep your cool at light traffic stops, won’t feel like you’re passed as a racing machine.
Bottom Line
So, if you’re after something that looks sporty, feels spirited, and still works for the daily hustle, the F Sport kit is your go‑to. It gives you a sporty vibe without sacrificing practicality – pretty sweet, right?
Sneak a Little Sparkle into Your NX 350
Ever wanted your LX‑red sedan to bring a little mischief to the roads? Flip that driving‑mode dial to Sport+ and watch the whole car tighten up like it’s ready for a sprint.
What Happens When the Switch Goes There?
- Full 275 hp unleashed: You’ll feel the power like a splash of adrenaline in a coffee cup.
- Sharper handling: The steering feels snappier, but don’t get your hopes sky‑high; it still wears its Lexus sheen.
- Not exactly a BMW X3 M40i choreographer: While nifty, you won’t feel the same level of driver engagement that a German sport‑coupe offers.
Luxury vs. Sport – The Classic Tug‑of‑War
Whether it’s the F‑Sport trim or the stock version, the NX 350 remains a Lexus—a name that drips with a certain gargantuan, regal vibe. In short, you can’t escape the majestic aura it breathes, even if you try to tell it to be a bit lighter.
Why You Might Hold Back
- Money on the table: Sprinting Sport+ isn’t for the wallet‑tight or the eco‑conscious.
- Environmental footprint: The power you demand means higher fuel burn, less green blazer.
- Balance: It’s an elegant blend of comfort and little speed—pick your joy.
Bottom Line
The NX 350 is a blend of grace and a dash of pep, but remember—wings of power come with a price tag and a planet‑friendly toast. So pull that dial, enjoy the buzz, but always keep an eye on your budget and the earth’s pulse.
How the NX 350 Stacks Up Against the Fuel Police
The NX 350 boasts an official 8.1 L/100 km rating, but that figure probably isn’t from the WLTP test track. In the real world, we never saw it dip below 10 L/100 km, and it tip‑toed closer to 11 L/100 km. Pretty close to a Land Rover Defender or any big‑body SUV.
Fuel Economy in Numbers
- Official rating: 8.1 L/100 km (likely not WLTP)
- Road‑tested average: 10–11 L/100 km
- Comparable to large SUVs like the Land Rover Defender
Why the 2.4‑L Turbo Feels Like a Powerhouse
When the original NX hit the streets, the NX 350 F Sport was a textbook recommendation. But the electric‑vehicle wave has pulled the rug out from under internal combustion in a way that makes the 2.4‑L turbo feel like high‑performance gear, at least on paper. Think about it: Ferrari’s 296 GTB runs a “mere” 3.0‑L V6, while the NX’s 2.4‑L turbo sits in the same league of declared power.
What This Means for the Future
With EVs gaining the upper hand, the big‑engine NX 350 might lose its “classic” reputation. Still, it remains an outspoken contender in the club of fuel‑hungry SUVs, giving fans an honest word about how much more they’ll need to fill up the tank.
Lexus NX Face‑Off: Hybrid vs. F‑Sport
When it comes to the Lexus NX lineup, the hybrid variant is the real winner for most folks. Here’s why:
Comfort & Drive
- Smooth ride – both models feel the same, but the hybrid’s engine is quieter, meaning fewer annoyances while cruising.
- Roomy interior – the hybrid’s cabin stays plush and welcoming, with less engine noise to disturb your selfies.
Fuel Efficiency
- Our test shows the NX 350h uses less than half the fuel of the NX 350 (an automatic paycheck saver).
- In a world where every gallon counts, the hybrid keeps the fuel bill down and the eco‑score up.
Price
- The NX 350h starts at about $294 k (with COE included).
- That’s almost $30 k cheaper than the standard NX 350 — no joke.
“F‑Sport” – Looks & Thrills
- It’s definitely more eye‑catching, with snazzy tweaks that turn heads.
- The driving feel gets a mini‑boost – a bit more punch when you push it.
- But beware: it burns > twice the fuel of its hybrid cousin, so the bang for your buck is a bit less.
Bottom line: If you’re after a thrilling dash and don’t mind the extra guzzling, go for the F‑Sport. But if you’re all about comfort, efficiency, and a lighter wallet, the NX 350h is the smart pick.
Lexus NX 350 F Sport
Meet the Beast on Wheels
Drivetrain: PUMPING petrol, no hybrid mode for this one.
Engine Specs
- Capacity: 2,393cc inline‑4 with a turbo boost – that’s a chunky little muscle.
- Power: 275 hp screaming at 6,000 rpm – feel the sting!
- Torque: 430 Nm in the sweet spot of 1,700–3,600 rpm – practically a power‑sling.
Transmission & Speed
- Gearbox: 8‑speed automatic – effortless shifting, no manual fuss.
- 0‑100 km/h: 7.0 seconds – you’ll look like a comet on the road.
- Top Speed: 200 km/h – hip‑relief for the speed‑hungry.
Fuel & Costs
- Fuel Economy: 8.1 L/100 km – generous teenage‑age fill‑up.
- VES Band: C1, plus an extra $15k for that eco‑badge.
- Dealership: Borneo Motors – our trusted for‑buddy.
- Price: $324,800 (COE + VES included) – a solid investment if you’re not looking for a leak‑free ride.
- Availability: Right now!
Verdict
It’s a true “smooth, powerful, feature‑filled” machine. Just remember it’s thirsty. Plug in a hybrid if you’re frustrated by the petrol pump haul. If you’re a petrel fan, this is your ride!
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Originally headed for CarBuyer – we’re proud to bring you the latest on cars, electrics, and hybrids.
