Lexus NX 300h, Track Test

If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV with killer looks and an eco-friendly footprint, look no further than the Lexus NX 300h. With perhaps the most aggressive styling of all Lexus products – with the exception only of the stunning RC F – the NX stands out in a crowd. The sharp lines and creases, paired with the massive spindle grille, ensures that the NX grabs eyeballs. And, amongst all the colour combinations that we’ve seen, the white and black – such as our test car – appears to be the best. It looks as though the car was designed specifically for a Star Wars Stormtrooper. 

But, unlike a Stormtrooper, the NX doesn’t miss its target. It retains features typical of the brand’s products – stunning quality, incredible attention to detail and an excellent level of fit-and-finish. And, like most other Lexus products, the NX is only available as a petrol hybrid. Naturally, this increases the eco-friendly credentials of the NX. 

In our test, the NX scored very highly across all parameters – especially on quality, comfort and refinement. However, it did lose out because of a slow lap time, which can be attributed to its heavy weight of over 1,800kgs, and the lag caused by the CVT transmission when pushed hard. Mind you, with the torque of the hybrid system, the NX drives very well on the road. The other factors that affected the NX’s final score are something that affects the entire Lexus range in the Indian market – the fact that Lexus is still a brand that’s building its base in India, as well as the fact that India is still largely a diesel market in the luxury car segment. With India’s hybrid and EV policy still uncertain, there is a ray of hope for Lexus that future legislation could turn out in its favour.

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