We were recently lucky enough to be offered the latest release from Lexus here at The Coolector – the striking and top-performing NX Self Charging Hybrid – for a week so, as you do, we headed to the Lake District to put this impressive looking machine through its paces. Needless to say, it doesn’t disappoint – from its sleek aesthetics through to its top of the range tech, no stone has been left unturned in ensuring that the all-new NX from Lexus improves upon its predecessors in almost every conceivable way.
It is available with either Self-Charging or Plug-In Hybrid powertrains and these have been developed using the carmaker’s 15 years of pioneering electrification experience in the field and the quality they offer here really is second to none. Prices start at a mighty reasonable £39,760 for the NX but we were driving the slightly more enhanced version, the NX450h+ F Sport which retails at £58k and the comfort, unbelievable quietness of the car made the lengthy drive to the Lake District all the more rewarding.
A RIDE TO REMEMBER
The first thing that hits you when you climb inside the NX450h+ is the sheer sense of space and unparalleled comfort that it delivers from the moment the engine silently comes to life until you reach your final destination. It is the sheer attention to detail with the design which is perhaps the most pleasing aspect of driving this all-new Lexus and we love the tangible sense of quality (not to mention high-tech gadgetry) that is found throughout the vehicle.
A real stand out feature of the NX450h+ F Sport from Lexus (from £58k) is the impeccably crafted leather steering wheel that boasts finger rests and a cross section that is perfectly optimised to fit comfortably in your hands. This is driving ergonomics done right in our opinion here at The Coolector. Integrated switches control an array of features throughout the vehicle and includes audio, telephone, multi-information display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist. For additional comfort for journeys in colder conditions, the steering wheel can be heated with selected packs and grades – which is a neat little touch.
Another reason this first class offering from Lexus was a godsend for our Lakes trip is due to its excellent climate control functionality. The S-Flow Climate Control feature on the NX450h+ F Sport intelligently controls the interior climate according to ambient conditions, ensuring excellent comfort, whilst also maintaining maximum fuel economy. Win, win. Technologically superior, this magnificent Lexus sees AI and the cloud work harmoniously with Lexus Voice Assistant, which spares you grappling with buttons while you’re concentrating on the road ahead. This newly developed “Hey Lexus” voice assistant understands natural language and the context of statements such as “I’m hungry” or “I’m cold” and can even recognise which passenger is speaking. You can activate vehicle features like ambient lighting or search the Internet without taking your hands off the wheel. If you’re after an hybrid this summer, this would definitely be a top choice of ours.
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