A new luxe leader? 2023 Lexus NX could beat Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC to be best-selling mid-size luxury SUV

Increasing supply and continued strong demand have combined to create a market environment in which Lexus’ NX mid-size SUV is overtaking its European rivals after a record month for the brand.

Excluding the electric Tesla Model Y, the NX leads the ‘Medium SUVs above $60K’ category as defined by the FCAI, ahead of traditional European rivals like the Audi Q5.

While the NX medium SUV boasts 2121 sales in 2023 so far - which puts it 45.2 per cent over its figures for the same period last year - Audi’s Q5 is on its heels with 2069 sold, both ahead of the BMW X3’s 1658 sales and the Mercedes GLC’s 1521 across its wagon and coupe variants.

Keep in mind however, the Mercedes GLC, the usual segment leader, is in runout with a new-generation version set to land later this year.

A Lexus Australia spokesperson said increased production and supply for Australia have not only improved its rate of sales and deliveries for the NX, but have also begun to lower wait times.

The popular hybrid NX350h variants - which comprise most of the range - and the petrol base NX250 and NX350 are both arriving in higher numbers, while supply for the top-spec NX450h+ plug-in hybrid remains relatively constrained.

Last month was Lexus' highest sales month to date in its 33-year history in Australia, notching 1794 sales, while year-to-date figures have reached 5419 for the brand.

May was also the first month the Lexus RZ electric SUV hit the books, marking up 44 sales. Lexus has more than 100 orders already to fill, so expect to see that sales number rise.

While next month isn't certain to be another record-breaker, Lexus’ spokesperson said the brand is expecting to crack the milestone of 10,000 sales in a single year by the end of 2023, something the brand has never done before.

To beat the NX, rivals from Europe will have to step it up. The new Mercedes GLC goes on sale in Australia this month with a very slimmed-down line-up, starting from $104,900 before on-road costs. The NX, by comparison, starts from $61,900.

The BMW X3 was last updated in late 2021, and its current generation has been around since 2017. The current-generation Audi Q5, the closest rival in sales to the NX, follows the same timeline, having been revealed in 2017 and updated in 2021.

The Q5 will need to pick up its sales by at least some 25 per cent to catch up to the NX, a big ask given its age and higher price point, starting at $67,900.

Of course, being a segment leader shouldn't be entirely unfamiliar to the NX, which shares its underpinnings with one of Australia's most popular cars, the Toyota RAV4.