2015 Lexus NX Crossover Gets Beijing Auto Show Debut2015 Lexus NX Crossover Gets Beijing Auto Show Debut

Lexus has announced that its eagerly-awaited 2015 NX crossover will debut at the upcoming 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.
Thanks to leaked images back in January, we already have a pretty good idea of what the production NX will look like–but largely the car will be a toned-down version of the LF-NX concept shown at several auto shows over the past few years.
That car’s styling was divisive (to say the least), but the production NX will fit much better into Lexus’s range.
To that end, there’ll also be a hybrid model available.
The concept itself was powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and hybrid drivetrain. A similar layout is likely to make it to production–not least as Lexus trademarked the NX 300h badge back in November 2012.
It’s likely to share its drivetrain with the ES 300h, which means at least 200 horsepower. The taller body is likely to knock economy down from the ES 300h’s 40 mpg combined rating (40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway).
It isn’t known whether the new hybrid will use Toyota’s typical nickel-metal batteries, or the lithium-ion cells used in cars like the Prius Plug-In Hybrid.
A 2.0-liter, turbocharged gasoline engine–likely badged NX 200t–will round out the range. Speaking of the model in Tokyo, Lexus says the turbocharged unit will offer fast throttle response and strong performance–as well as high fuel-efficiency ratings.
Whether the turbocharged engine returns good real-world economy remains to be seen–rival Ford has struggled with its Ecoboost Escape models–but the hybrid at least gives buyers the option of a real gas-sipping crossover.
In terms of styling, the NX once again uses Lexus’s signature ‘Spindle’ grille design, and features split-level headlights like the Lexus IS sedan. It’s a lot less dramatic, and a great deal easier on the eye than the LF-NX concept Lexus originally revealed.
The Lexus NX crossover will be officially unveiled at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20.
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