What's the difference?
One of the great, unsung success stories over the last few years has been the Lexus NX.
Out since 2014, it turned Toyota's ailing luxury brand around, connecting with buyers gravitating towards luxury midsized SUVs like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60. Today, no school run is complete without them!
Now there's an all-new one. And, as Lexus' bestseller by far, any new NX is a big deal. The recipe is much the same – including petrol, turbo and hybrid versions – but with fresher and better ingredients. Plus, there's also a new plug-in hybrid flagship to really shake things up.
Is it time to cancel your order for that German, British or Swedish luxury midsized SUV? Keep reading to find out...
When the BMW iX first showed up a few years ago, it was a promising look at what BMW seemed capable of when it comes to electric cars.
While mildly flawed, the iX was fast, comfortable and felt properly premium. Now it’s had a decent update, with the iX xDrive45 M Sport here to replace the former entry-level xDrive 40.
BMW claims among other mechanical and tech updates a power increase of 25 per cent, a 30 per cent greater energy content for the battery, a 38 per cent increase in driving range and a 17 per cent faster charging rate.
But in the time since the iX launched, there have been big strides in the premium electric SUV space, including new arrivals from European opposition like the Polestar 3; even a new American in the form of the Cadillac Lyriq.
The all-new NX is a massive step forward over its popular predecessor.
In every way, it is an improvement, with better refinement, comfort, performance, efficiency, safety and choice.
Indeed, look out, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo: the NX has finally come of age. If we were in the market for a luxury medium-sized SUV, we'd definitely have the Lexus on our shortlist, especially the incredibly efficient hybrids.
Europe, you've been warned.
If anyone was worried that it would be too late to get a decent bit of value out of an entry-level iX, there's reassuring news.
With more power, range and features added to the model and the cost remaining close to its former sticker price, the iX has held up well despite now existing in a more competitive environment.