Luxury Lexus NX gets big reveal in Dubai

The new car, which made its first appearance in 2014, now has a hybrid option

The all-new Lexus NX is now available in the UAE. All photos: Al Futtaim Lexus

Lexus says every exterior surface of the NX has been 'reimagined'.

Those after a bit of zip can opt for the F Sport version.

The driver's seat in the F Sport.

Inside the 'Tazuna' cabin.

There are now two powertrain options in the NX.

The detail on the F Sport's front door.

The new NX has been redesigned from the ground up.

The NX was tested by professional racing drivers during its development.

The F Sport in white.

The F Sport's rear seating.

The hallmark Lexus grille is an integral part of the NX design.

Lexus says the new hybrid version is a 'smooth evolution' of the model.

Lexus has had a grand reveal in Dubai for its NX compact luxury crossover, a new arrival the manufacturer is calling a “smooth evolution” from its predecessor.

While there has been some massaging of the outer shell, resulting in a less pointy appearance, the main upgrade comes in the form of a newly available hybrid powertrain.

Lexus assures us that the NX has been redesigned from the inside out, though, with every exterior surface being “reimagined”.

The car has been created around a concept the manufacturer calls “Tazuna”, which is taken from a Japanese word describing a rider’s use of the reins to control a horse. In short, it follows the principle of hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, presumably indicating a significant upgrade in convenience for whoever is in the driving seat.

On the outside, the NX’s front spindle grille features a series of U-shaped blocks, and the result is a more assertive look. As we said before, the body’s general overhaul has resulted in a neater appearance. The full-width light bar at the back will be a new Lexus signature styling touch as well.

When you get inside the cabin, there are more gadgets than we’ve seen before. You have the usual driver aids, but now you get a 14-inch touchscreen for all your multimedia needs, which is a first in a Lexus.

The hybrid powertrain comprises a 2.5-litre petrol engine, combined with two electric motors. If you want to go with the traditional fossil fuel-only option, that will involve a 2.4-litre petrol engine.

Those after a bit of zip can opt for Lexus’s F Sport version, which comes with a range of extras, including a black, F mesh-pattern grille, new front and rear bumper designs, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design inspired by the type used on Lexus’s LC flagship coupe.

The NX has sold more than a million units in 90 countries across the globe since its launch in 2014, so there are expectations for this new model. Few would bet against the upgraded version proving anything other than popular.

The car is available in the UAE now from Al Futtaim Lexus, with a starting price of Dh250,000 ($68,073).