Lexus NX to start from $55,000

Lexus Australia boss Shaun Hanley confirmed the Lexus NX300h pricing at the RC launch in New York today, ahead of the turbocharged models (NX200t) arrival in around February next year.

The company had indicated at the vehicle's June international launch a starting price in the $55-60K bracket, and for the hybrid model. Hanley wouldn't confirm whether the turbo petrol was still planned to carry a premium.

The Lexus NX300h Luxury will start the range in a front-wheel-drive model from $55,000, with the all-wheel-drive costing an additional $4500.

The base model comes standard with a horde of features, including satellite navigation, reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, Lexus remote touch, power tailgate, heated and powered front seats, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start and NuLux interior (artificial leather) trim more.

Stepping up to the $66,000 Lexus NX F Sport variant, which is available only in AWD, the equipment list expands to include adaptive variable suspension, 360-degree panoramic camera, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, wireless phone charging (QI), leather interior, heated and cooled seats, wider 18-inch wheels (235 vs 225), performance dampers and more.

Similar to other Lexus models, the two enhancements packs emphasis the high standard-specification of models.

Enhancement pack one for the base model Luxury will cost $2500 and adds moonroof while it will cost $4000 on the F Sport variants and adds moon roof and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (to replace the standard 10-speaker system).

Enhancement pack two is available only on F Sport for $7500 and adds all the enhancement of pack one plus pre-collision safety, active cruise control, lane departure warning, heads up display, auto high beam and smart key (card).

Lexus Australia says the NX – which sits between the small and large SUV categories and goes up against the likes of BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Range Rover Evoque – has a value and specification advantage of up to 14 per cent when compared on standard specification against its European rivals.

The Lexus NX300h is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor that forms the basis of around 145kW of power and torque that is equivalent to 3.0-litre V6. Fuel economy figures range from 5.6L to 5.7L/100km for front to all-wheel drive models respectively.

Hanley says that despite the SUV not having yet launched to Australian dealers, the NX has racked up more than 100 firm orders from Lexus’ online activities to date.

Of those showing expressions of interest, around 75 per cent of potential customers are new to the brand, which is unlike previous models for the Japanese manufacturer that has a 62 per cent overall sales retention rate.

The interest figures are likely to mean the NX is unlikely to steal sales away from its bigger brother, the Lexus RX.

Read: Lexux NX Review

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