Lexus NX200t from $52,500

Japanese luxury brand reveals aggressive pricing for first turbo model.

Stephen Ottley

01:2330 January 2015

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Lexus NX200t from $52,500

Lexus has raised the stakes in its battle with Audi and BMW by lowering the price of its new NX soft roader.

The Japanese brand's new entry-level NX200t will be priced from $52,500 (plus on-road costs) for the two-wheel drive luxury model, which undercuts the $63,600 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI and $60,765 BMW X3 xDrive 20i (the respective entry-level models of those ranges) by a considerable margin.

Lexus launched its first compact SUV late in 2014 with a petrol-electric hybrid model priced from $55,000 (plus on-roads).

It has confirmed a similar four-tiered line-up for this new turbo model which puts it right amongst its German rivals.

The all-wheel drive Luxury model is priced from $57,000 (plus on-roads) while the F Sport 4WD starts at $63,500 (plus on-roads) and the Sports Luxury tops the range at $72,500 (plus on-roads).

The Luxury models come with climate control airconditioning, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The F Sport adds Adaptive Variable Suspension, a 360 degree camera system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging and unique 18-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the Sports Luxury brings powered 60:40 rear seats, active cruise control, lane departure warning, colour head-up display, LED headlights with auto high beam, keyless entry and ignition, moonroof and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

The NX200t is the first Lexus to be powered by a turbocharged engine that will eventually be used in other models across the range. It is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine capable of 175kW of power and 350Nm.

It uses 7.7-litres per 100km in the two-wheel drive model and 7.9L/100km in the all-wheel drive models.

"The NX 200t is a very rounded vehicle, with a blend of power, dynamics, quality and equipment," said Lexus Australian boss, Sean Hanley.

"The new engine - which has been tested and perfected to Lexus' very high standards - creates a variant that will appeal to those who value performance."