The Lexus NX 2027 after a major upgrade. Larger battery and over 100 km of electric range!
In short:
Lexus has completely overhauled the popular NX
The 2027 model features a new body and interior, as well as the sixth generation of hybrid systems
A much larger battery is available in the 450h+ version
The result? Over 100 km of range in electric mode
The first vehicles will reach customers in early spring 2027.
Lexus with another generation
The second-generation Lexus NX has been on the market since 2021, so it was time for an update. However, the Japanese manufacturer didn’t settle for just new bumpers, headlights, and a few interior changes.
The NX gets a redesigned body, a completely new dashboard, the next generation of multimedia systems, modified suspension and steering, new safety features, and the sixth generation of hybrid powertrains. The most significant changes are in the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+.
Lexus officially describes the vehicle as a model updated mid-life cycle, rather than a third generation of the NX. However, the scope of changes is greater than that of a typical facelift.
The NX is longer, but the wheelbase remains unchanged
The new NX retains the dimensions of the current model. It is 4690 mm long, which is 30 mm more than before. The width is 1865 mm, the height is 1660 mm, and the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2690 mm.
The most noticeable change is on the front end. Lexus’s classic grille has lost its distinct frame and is more integrated into the body. New headlights have also been introduced.
At the back, the light signature has changed, and the central element of the trim strip is the illuminated “LEXUS” logo. The brand has also abandoned chrome accents, replacing them mostly with dark elements.
Depending on the version, the NX will come equipped with 18- or 20-inch wheels. New paint colors will also be available, while the F SPORT version will feature its own body accents and 20-inch rims.
Everything inside is practically new
Significantly more changes have taken place in the cabin. The dashboard has been redesigned and stylistically draws inspiration from the latest Lexus ES.
In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch instrument display, and the central multimedia screen is 14 inches large. Both are positioned at similar heights to minimize the need to take eyes off the road.
Hidden switches are also a new feature. When not in use, they blend into the dashboard panel, and they light up when a hand approaches. Lexus has retained a physical feedback mechanism for pressing them.
The new LexusConnect system offers four times the computing power of the previous version, eight times more storage space, and 256 GB of memory. The navigation map can now be displayed directly on the digital displays.
A new digital key has also been introduced, stored directly on the phone or Apple Watch. Up to seven keys can be created, and access to the car via a compatible NFC-enabled phone should remain possible even when the device’s battery is depleted.
One of the new features in higher trims will be Sensory Concierge. This system integrates settings for climate control, seat heating and ventilation, lighting, music, and interior scent. Three preset modes along with 50 lighting shades will be available for selection.
The Lexus NX 450h+ now has a 23 kWh battery
The previous NX 450h+ used a battery with a capacity of around 18 kWh. In the new model, the capacity has increased by 30%, reaching 23 kWh.
As a result, the claimed electric range has increased by nearly 40%, exceeding 100 km according to WLTP standards. However, Lexus notes that these figures are still preliminary before final approval.
The system power has also increased. The NX 450h+ now produces 307 horsepower instead of the 292 horsepower listed for the previous European specification. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The powertrain still uses a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine along with electric motors and all-wheel drive.
For the first time, Lexus’s plug-in hybrid also supports fast DC charging. Charging the battery from 10% to 80% should take 30 minutes. This feature will be standard in all NX 450h+ models.
The battery’s design has been revised as well. The cells are now arranged horizontally, and the entire pack is mounted low under the floor.
The NX 450h+ weighs between 2050 and 2130 kg depending on the configuration. The maximum weight of a towed trailer is 1500 kg.
The NX 350h remains a conventional hybrid
The other powertrain in the European lineup will remain the NX 350h without plug-in charging capabilities.
It also features the sixth generation hybrid system, with a total system power of 199 horsepower. Customers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel electric drive E-Four.
The AWD version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, while the front-wheel drive version takes 7.7 seconds.
The traction battery itself has been updated. By adopting a design from the new ES and reducing the number of cells, its weight was lowered from 32.7 kg to 23.5 kg, a reduction of 9.2 kg.
The weight of the NX 350h ranges from 1730 to 1810 kg with front-wheel drive and from 1790 to 1870 kg in the AWD version. The NX 350h will also be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 1500 kg.
Both powertrain systems are designed to meet Euro 7 standards. There is no fully electric version in this lineup — the new ES has one, for example — but customers interested in a Lexus electric SUV must look at the RZ model.
Simpler electronics and stiffer body
Changes also affected components that are not visible from the outside. The power controller and transmission have been combined into one more compact module. The entire unit is 10 kg lighter and 10 cm lower than before. Silicon carbide semiconductors are used in the inverter to reduce energy losses.
The stiffness of the floor has increased by about 25%. The structure around the front suspension pillars and A-pillars is approximately 30% stiffer as well.
Lexus also installed new shock absorbers, altered the steering system’s characteristics, and changed how brakes are controlled when taking turns.
In the NX 450h+, the drive system’s range has been expanded to both axles. The rear axle can now be utilized in more situations, not just during acceleration, cornering, or when slip is detected.
Interestingly, the NX was also further tuned at Nürburgring. Lexus used this legendary German track and public roads to adjust the suspension, steering system, and driving dynamics to European conditions.
Even the driver’s position has changed. The seat is lower, the steering wheel’s diameter has decreased by 10 mm, and its adjustment range has been increased.
It’s supposed to be quieter inside the cabin
The manufacturer also paid considerable attention to noise reduction, which was one of the areas that needed improvement in the current NX.
Additional sound-absorbing materials were added, such as to the rear bumper, trunk lid, and center pillars. The engine block design was altered as well, along with the mechanism for switching between electric driving and gasoline engine operation.
According to Lexus’s measurements, noise levels from the engine and road conditions were reduced by about 20%.
The car’s cameras will replace the dash cam
The NX will also receive a new generation of internet-connected services. One of the more interesting features will be the ability to use the factory-installed cameras as a driving recorder.
The system can record minute-by-minute footage and store up to 90 such files in a loop. Recording can be started manually or automatically upon detecting a collision. In the latter case, footage covering at least 10 seconds before and 10 seconds after the event will be retained. The recordings can be transferred to a USB drive.
A remote immobilizer secured with a six-digit code, along with a system to help locate stolen vehicles, will also be available.
Lexus Safety System+ aims to see much further
The next generation of Lexus Safety System+ will be standard across all versions.
According to the manufacturer, the field of view of the new sensors has increased by 115%, while the detection range has risen by 170% compared to the previous system. The adaptive cruise control can utilize map data to react in advance before curves, intersections, turns, stop signs, or highway toll gates. The system is also designed to detect vehicles changing lanes in front of the NX earlier.
The lane-keeping assist recognizes not only lane markings but also barriers and other road infrastructure elements. This is complemented by an emergency braking system. If the camera monitoring the driver detects that the driver is unable to control the vehicle, the NX can slow down on its own, come to a stop in its lane, and activate hazard lights.
The new Lexus NX arrives in Europe in spring 2027
The European pre-order for the upgraded NX will begin in the fall of 2026. The first vehicles are expected to arrive at customers at the beginning of spring 2027.
At the European level, Lexus has announced four main trim levels: Business, Executive, Luxury, and F SPORT. The final lineup may vary by country. Prices for the Polish market have not been announced yet.
Piotr Sobczyk