DRIVEN + VIDEO: Is Lexus' All-New NX Playing In "No Man's Land?"

Since we first got a glimpse of the Lexus LF-NX Concept we were impressed. Finally Lexus, one of the dominant luxury sport-utility vehicle pushers in volume, would enter the small SUV market. Not only would it make the German competition a bit more frightened, we thought this could potentially be the most successful Lexus ever if they did it right.

Considering the shift towards more evocatively styled products, we thought that it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that a sexy, small SUV could cannibalize sales of the very popular RX.

But one of the first reviews from a European publication doesn't seem to bode too well for the L brand.

See what we mean below...


The all-new Lexus NX gets concept car looks and rivals the Range Rover Evoque. A new school run favourite?

This is the new Lexus NX. "Oh dear, another posh 4x4 wannabe," I hear you cry - but hold fire, because this car has one or two talking points that mean it's more than just another compact premium SUV.

For starters, just look at the NX. It's edgy and controversial -- and crucially more handsome than the concept car which spawned it. Question is, once the styling has drawn you in, has the NX got substance beneath its crazy skin?

If the outside of the NX is unfamiliar and scary, inside it's all reassuringly Lexus. It's beautifully made, quite funky and angular, and the stereo is great. The annoying mouse control on the centre console has given way to a touchpad to control the main screen. It's not as accurate as BMW or Audi's click-wheels, but it's a big improvement.

The NX certainly looks the fashionista's wagon inside and out, but the drive isn't going to give a BMW X3 nightmares. This NX 200t, packing Lexus's first ever turbocharged engine, is a more agile, puncher steer than the disappointing hybrid version, but it never really feels the full 235bhp, and you only get six gears in the standard automatic gearbox. Add in a stiff urban ride and you realise the NX occupies the middle ground between the doughy Volvo XC60 and more chuckable BMW X3.

It's a curious car, this NX -- great to look at outside and really fresh-feeling inside. Dare we say it, it's the first Lexus ever that someone below pensioner age might be seen dead driving. Expect to see it coming soon to a school run near you.

MattDarringer - 7/27/2014 5:40:06 PM

0 Boost

This says it all: "But one of the first reviews from a European publication doesn't seem to bode too well for the L brand." European publications tend to find nothing but fault with non-European brands whereas with European brands they tend to find nothing but virtue.

The NX will be a great product and YES the Germans should be nervous in the USA.

The NX will be a breakout success.

TheSteve - 7/27/2014 6:04:43 PM

+7 Boost

I believe it'll sell well with people who don't care if they buy an ugly vehicle. Perhaps Aztec customers who've moved upscale will be buying the NX. This thing is a serious eye-sore :-(

MattDarringer - 7/27/2014 7:09:14 PM

+2 Boost

I wish I had shares in a Lexus store. They make some nice profit.

JDMUSMuscle - 7/27/2014 7:13:16 PM

-1 Boost

You keep saying that car looks ugly.

Unfortunately, I saw one in black, and it looks incredibly stunning.

But then again, I guess you have some issues with your eyes, so that is not really my, or anyone's problem but just yours only.

And also, those who say it looks ugly are the ones who can't even afford a used Aztek. Keep being jealous.

Agent00R - 7/27/2014 7:40:54 PM

-2 Boost

Yeah, this car looks good.

Don't mind Steve, he's perpetually sour.

MattDarringer - 7/27/2014 8:33:43 PM

+2 Boost

@ JDMUSMuscle I find this car hideous but the gaping maw grill has increased traffic at the local Lexus dealer. It is a case of Lexus playing game right. I'd much rather have a person come buy a Lincoln MKC. LOL The MKC--after lots of interest--is a terribly slow seller. Less than 700 units sold NATIONWIDE last month. This Lexus will fly out of dealers.

JDMUSMuscle - 7/27/2014 8:41:22 PM

+2 Boost

MKC is out already? I actually did not even know. But I like MKC

Dexter1 - 7/27/2014 8:44:19 PM

+4 Boost

If you're inside this poseur car, I'm sure it's lovely. It's the people on the outside of it that I feel very sorry for having to look at this hideous piece of shit.

MattDarringer - 7/27/2014 9:47:14 PM

+1 Boost

@JDMUSMuscle...we have 3

jeffgall - 7/27/2014 10:29:34 PM

+5 Boost

I am with Steve. This car is hideous from every angle, but I do think it will sell well to those who do not care about looks or performance, but value reliability (AKA...your typical Lexus owner). And @JDM, I can afford it....I have a Q7 sitting in my garage.

iamdabest1 - 7/27/2014 11:18:38 PM

+3 Boost

say what you want, and im not a lexus fan, this car in person is pretty good. i wouldnt get one, but im not an suv type of guy. for anyone in the x1/x3 market, along with all the other high end makes looking for small cars, mark my words, this car will sell like crazy !

leej - 7/28/2014 10:05:55 AM

+3 Boost

I say that his design is a refreshing departure from the standard shape we tend to see in this type vehicle...either a potato or a box on wheels...imagine a potato with a BMW or Audi grille on it, and you will know what I am talking about.

I cannot wait to see it in person and I bet that Lexus will not be able to keep them on the lot!

leej - 7/28/2014 10:15:37 AM

+2 Boost

...albeit, it was a challenge getting past the reviewer's twitchy, white legs.

w222 - 7/28/2014 10:32:17 AM

+5 Boost

Looks are subjective but I'm glad they are taking chances as opposed to recycling the same design year after year

1dott8 - 7/28/2014 5:39:42 PM

+1 Boost

I'm far from a fan of Lexus but I know that it will sell because lexus can sell just about anything and loyalists will buy. Personally, I think this this is as ugly as sin but it's a Lexus so I'll have to get used to the fact that I'll be seeing these on a daily basis.

dumpsty - 8/5/2014 4:31:36 PM

+1 Boost

Hey, it's got a removable vanity mirror - cool! I want one. The mirror, not the NX.