Substantially influenced by the LF-NX concept design, the new model takes the carmaker into the growing and fleet-heavy premium crossover sector, aiming to conquest sales from the similarly sized BMW X3 and Audi Q5, as well as smaller vehicles such as the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Takeaki Kato, chief engineer of the NX, said: ‘The NX is a premium crossover combining performance, numerous on-board technologies and packaged with alluring design, making it desirable to customers.

‘Luxury is epitomised by small but important details.’ Examples include courtesy lights, exterior metallic flake for the wheel arches, the feel of the switches and other innovations that will set new standards for future Lexus models.

‘Apart from the luxury touches, the NX was designed to complement daily life while also being capable of supporting an active lifestyle on the weekend,’ he added.

As well as offering sharp styling along with Lexus refinement, the NX offers three powertrain variants, including a highly efficient hybrid powertrain, the first use of the new Lexus-developed 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine and a naturally aspirated engine, all with the choice of front and all-wheel drive.

The NX has an array of innovative on-board technologies, including a Wireless Charging Tray which enables portable devices such as mobile phones to be charged, the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a Touch Pad, Panoramic View Monitor, a comprehensive Multi-information Display (including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter), a 6.2’’ Head-Up Display, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, along with a host of other features.

The F SPORT version provides more aggressive and bolder design with F SPORT exclusive items, such as spindle grille, front lower bumper, aluminium wheel, black outer mirror, unique interior colour, ornament panel and sport seat. It is also equipped with performance dampers.

The chief engineer of the NX, Takeaki Kato, said “The NX is a Premium Crossover combining performance, numerous on-board technologies and packaged with alluring design, making it desirable to customers”.

“Luxury is epitomised by small but important details.” Examples of attention to detail in the NX include courtesy lights, exterior metallic flake for the wheel arches, the feel of the switches and other innovations that will set new standards for future Lexus models.

“Apart from the luxury touches, the NX was designed to complement daily life while also being capable of supporting an active lifestyle on the weekend.” 

The NX 300h available from launch will be available with two and four-wheel drive. It uses the same 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine as the new IS and GS 300h, while the four-wheel drive system is the same as the RX 450h, using an additional electric motor to drive the rear wheels rather than a direct mechanical connection.

The powertrain delivers a total system output of 197PS and CO2 emissions targeted below 120g, corresponding to a fuel consumption below 5.2l/100km. 

Special features of the hybrid model include sprung-weight damping control to increase ride comfort and handling stability by reducing pitching on uneven road surfaces.

Meanwhile the all-new Lexus 2.0-litre turbo engine in the NX 200t is a Lexus-first. It delivers a maximum output of 238PS @4,800-5,600rpm with a maximum torque of 350Nm@1,650-4,000rpmand also features a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Available with two and four-wheel drive, the NX 200t will be on sale in selected European countries as from February 2015.

Finally, the NX 200 naturally aspirated engine features the Lexus Valvematic system and is matched to a newly developed electronically controlled S-CVT/Multi-drive sequential-shift transmission. 

The NX 200 will be launched in Russia by the end of 2014, again with two and four-wheel drive.

Selected NX models have newly developed dampers and Lexus’ new-generation linear-solenoid type Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). Linked to the Drive Mode Select, it is able to change the level of damping force, enhance ride comfort ensuring peace of mind due to reduced roll. 

Safety equipment includes a comprehensive active package including a Panoramic View Monitor featuring the highest resolution camera to be offered on a Lexus vehicle. Said to be a segment first, the NX also introduces All-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, capable of bringing the NX to a complete stop when the preceding vehicle stands still. Other active safety systems include Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, newly adopted cornering lamps and Head-Up Display.