Lexus has reinforced its reputation for customer care by introducing a class-leading safety package across its best-selling model range, the luxury NX Line.
The expanded features of the Lexus Safety System + in the NX deliver new capabilities and increase the range of driving scenarios in which it can provide extra alerts and safeguards to help prevent an accident from happening.
The NX’s pre-collision safety system (PCS)1 – already capable of detecting vehicles and pedestrians in the car’s path – now addresses additional scenarios.
Combining information from an in-vehicle camera and grille-mounted millimetre-wave radar, PCS – which also incorporates autonomous emergency braking – has been enhanced to detect cyclists during the day and pedestrians at night.
Newly adopted lane tracing assist (LTA)1 works in tandem with the existing all-speed active cruise control to help make it easier for the driver to stay in the desired lane.
Using the camera to detect lane markings, LTA traces the path of the vehicle ahead and helps keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane, including around gentle curves.
It enables assistance even when lane lines cannot be recognised, such as in low-speed driving in heavy traffic when there is little distance to the preceding vehicle.
When all-speed active cruise control1 is engaged, it judges the distance to the preceding vehicle and matches its speed. The advanced system can even bring the vehicle to a complete halt without the driver having to touch the brake pedal if the vehicle ahead is detected to be slowing and stopping.
The combination of the active cruise control and LTA technologies corresponds to Level 2 automated driver support (as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers) – aimed at enhancing safety while the driver remains in control of the vehicle.
Another new safety technology for NX is road sign assist1, which displays speed-limit sign information on the head-up display and multi-information display. It encourages safe driving and reduces possible driver failure to recognise speed signs.
Also newly adopted is parking support brake1, which has been added to the capabilities of the parking and clearance sonar system. This technology applies brake force and limits power to help avoid collisions with obstacles when parking.
Lexus NX is already equipped with other safety equipment including automatic high beam (Luxury) grade, adaptive high beam (F Sport, Sports Luxury), trailer sway control1, reversing camera, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and a tyre pressure warning system.
Lexus chief executive Scott Thompson said the customer-focused lifestyle brand is focused on providing world-leading safety performance with technologies that are ultimately aimed at eliminating traffic casualties.
“These comprehensive updates further enhance the appeal of NX, making it one of the safest as well as sharpest-looking luxury SUVs on the road,” Mr Thompson said.
Two powertrains maximise the potential of the NX Line’s stiff platform and all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive drivelines. Under the NX 300 bonnet is a 175kW/350Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is 7.7 litres/100km (2WD) and 7.9 litres/100km with Dynamic Torque Control AWD2.
The hybrid NX 300h uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with one (2WD) or two (AWD) electric motors, offering total output of 147kW and using just 5.6 litres of fuel per 100km (2WD) and 5.7 litres/100km (AWD)2.
Standard NX features include satellite navigation, power tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, smart entry and start, 10-speaker audio with digital radio3, Enform connected mobility4, tyre pressure warning sensors, 60:40 rear-fold seats and a spare wheel.
F Sport, in addition to Luxury grade features, is equipped with a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, wireless phone charger, performance dampers, unique exterior and interior styling and 10-way power seats (cooled and heated) with driver memory function.
Sports Luxury standard features include a leather-accented interior, colour head-up display, Mark Levinson 14-speaker premium audio, moonroof and woodgrain-look ornamentation.
The latest NX updates, which add $6005 to prices, arrive with Lexus having sold more SUVs in the first five months of 2019 than at any comparable time in its history.
Lexus SUV sales to the end of May 2019 have reached 2,945 vehicles, 9.2 per cent higher than at the same stage in 2018.
In May 2019, the NX Line recorded its best sales month since July 2018.
Source: Lexus
1 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
2 Achieved in test conditions. Actual fuel consumption and emissions may vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition and options/accessories fitted. Fuel consumption data provided for comparison purposes only. Source: ADR 81/02 combined (L/100km).
3 Digital radio station coverage dependent on vehicle location.
4 Requires installation of a compatible app, third party information, sufficient mobile data & GPS signal. Mobile usage is at user’s cost. Lexus Australia reserves the right to add, remove or modify applications. For further information see lexus.com.au/enform.
5 Manufacturer’s list prices are provided for media purposes only and do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.
