Lexus NX 300h to launch on November 17, 2017

Expect the upcoming NX to serve as the entry point to the Lexus India lineup.

Lexus has confirmed adding a fourth member to its Indian lineup. Come November 17, and the Toyota owned luxury carmaker will introduce its NX SUV in India.

The NX is the entry level SUV in Lexus’ global range that was introduced in 2014. However, India will get the facelifted version of the car which was introduced recently. While the NX is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, given Lexus’ emphasis on hybrid vehicles in India - it will only launch the NX 300h here.

The Lexus NX 300h carries the same petrol-hybrid setup from the ES 300h under its skin, which combines a 2.5-litre litre engine with an electric motor to churn out a combined output of 194bhp. The only available gearbox option is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The NX, with its large spindle grille and pronounced creases, looks unmistakably a Lexus - more like a mini RX. Given the fact that it will be brought into India via the CBU route, we expect all bells and whistles to be present in this SUV to justify its price tag. A sportier F-Sport trim is also on cards, which will feature some aesthetic enhancements for added flair.

Talking about the price, expect it to be significantly higher than its core rivals - the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Anyway, despite the high price tag, the NX will be the most affordable Lexus in India. Speculated prices of the NX 300h will begin from Rs. 75 lakh.