Thanks to the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Cadillac SRX, the premium compact crossover segment is hot right now, so hot that other manufacturers are scrambling to enter the segment as quickly as possible. That’s why it’s no surprise Lexus is entering the segment. They did surprise everyone, however, by unveiling the 2015 Lexus NX200t at the New York International Auto Show on Easter Sunday.
Available in the fall of 2014, the NX will offer four models: the naturally aspirated NX200 (available in Russia and China only), NX200t Turbo, NX300h Hybrid and the NX200t F Sport.
With an overall length of 182 inches the NX is 6 and 9 inches longer than the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA respectively. With a projected 235 hp, the NX200t will have just 5 fewer horsepower than the BMW X1 28i and 26 more horsepower than the standard GLA.
Derived from the LF-NX concept that debuted in Frankfurt, the NX features a low roof height with a high beltline and Lexus’ signature spindle grille design. In pictures, the overall effect is both pleasantly tight and sporty. It will be available in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations and will have 17-inch wheels standard, with a more aggressive 18-inch design as an upgrade.
Inside the NX should seat four comfortably and will have quilted leather seating surfaces with a low seat height to increase headroom and create a more sports car-like driving position. Pricing has not yet been announced, but since it is targeted at the younger end of their demographic and in order to be competitive with the GLA and X1 we anticipate prices to start just south of $30,000.
We’ll have more information as it becomes available and bring you a first-hand look of the NX when it is available for test drives.