Lexus NX 2027: midsize luxury SUV now hybrid only as update takes fight to BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC

Declan Steele

Significant changes under the skin and inside as Lexus fights back following X3 and GLC updates

Toyota’s luxury arm Lexus updated its NX midsize SUV overnight, keeping it fresh as newer rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz arrive.

Mild changes to the exterior – most conspicuously, a new “double L” rear light bar with a backlit LEXUS logo – cloak significant changes under the skin, Lexus says. The NX is said to ride on a next-generation platform, though it’s not clear if this is an evolution of the existing GA-K underpinnings, or something else entirely.

The biggest news is under the bonnet. Like the related Toyota RAV4, the NX has gone hybrid-only for the new-generation, spelling the end for the turbo-petrol NX350.

That said, it comes at a time when the new-generation BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC have gone far further with fully electric versions touting circa-800km of range, with the slow-selling Lexus RZ currently serving as the brand’s EV offering in this space.

All-hybrid range detailed

Due in Australia in 2027, local pricing will be announced closer to launch. At present, the Lexus NX starts at $71,830 before on-roads, undercutting the BMW X3 ($88,100) and Mercedes-Benz GLC ($85,327).

Lexus’s ‘plugless’ NX hybrid gains a smaller and lighter powertrain than before, delivering a lower centre of gravity. For the NX350h, this combines a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motors for either front- or all-wheel drive, run through a continuously variable transmission.

Lexus states the NX350h’s power varies by country; in Australia, the current NX350h produces 179kW, the highest tune available.

The plug-in hybrid NX450h+ – which Chasing Cars recently ran as a long-termer – claims an “8 percent increase in output and a 30 percent increase in capacity”. Electric-only range is TBA in Australia, as Lexus quotes 100km (WLTP) in European markets, but 140km (WLTP) in Japan.

Chassis rigidity has increased, to the likely benefit of handling.

Updated interior design

Inside, the dashboard is replaced with that of the new ES sedan, complete with a new 14-inch central screen and 12.3-inch driver’s display. As per the ES, physical buttons for the aircon are present, but only light up as needed, maintaining a minimalist look otherwise.

Lexus is especially proud of the “Sensory Concierge”, a new interior function that can co-ordinate lighting, temperature, music and even fragrance to set moods.