Lexus NX review - prices, specs and 0-60 time - performance and 0-60 time
Distinctive and beautifully made, but no good to drive
The on-paper performance of the NX line-up isn't bad at all. Lexus quotes a 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds for all versions of the NX 300h hybrid, which may seem odd given that the entry-level S model is a considerable 150kg lighter than the other hybrids - due to the deletion of the rear electric motor. But that secondary motor gives the NX all-wheel drive and contributes 67bhp and 102lb ft to proceedings, so it seems they balance out when it comes to sprinting off the line.
On its own the 2.5-litre petrol engine puts out up to 155lb ft of torque and 153bhp, but those figures are produced at relatively high engine speeds - 4200- and 5700rpm respectively. Top speed, if you can stand the din, is just 112mph.
That's upped a little (to 124mph) in the NX 200t, which also puts in a respectable 0-62mph time of 7.1 seconds. It feels sprightlier in all situations and the more conventional soundtrack afforded by the six-speed automatic gearbox is preferable to the engine drone caused by the CVT system in the 300h model, as it chooses the optimum engine speed for the situation and alters the gear ratio to suit.
Sure it's smooth and technically very clever, but if you're in any kind of a hurry there's a distinct lack of correlation between what you're doing with the accelerator pedal and the noise that's coming from under the bonnet. Give us a well-endowed diesel any day of the week.
