Lexus’ bestseller “NX” gets an outstanding offroad treatment!

In order to stand out in the booming crossover market, Lexus launched the NX in a further and refreshing trim called ‘Overtrail’. A vehicle that joins the growing off-road trend and aims to expand Lexus as a brand into the world of adventurers.

First impressions

Lexus describes the NX as exuding a uniquely radical and sophisticated car idiom, designed for people who want to stand out from the crowd in the city. Beside the fact that SUVs and Crossovers do not make any sense in cities, Lexus completely hits the spot with this statement. The NX is an outstandingly interesting, contemporary designed and great proportioned car to look at. With the additional offroad-trim, the Overtrail becomes an eyecatcher. Especially with the design wrap and roof rack set up by the Lexus Switzerland Team.

What it’s all about

The NX Overtrail will be recognisable by its styling with black decor on the exterior mirrors, door handles, roof rails, trim strips and radiator grille. These details contrast with the new Moon Desert paint finish (CHF 600.- extra), a sand-coloured metallic shade that is only available in the Overtrail trim level is one of the seven available colours to choose from. What looks like a uni-colour paintjob turned out to be a beautiful metallic shade of beige under the sunlight. The khaki and black bi-colour interior with wooden inlays is the only available interior option for the ”Overtrail” variant.

The 18-inch alloy wheels in a matt black finish are a suitable match, and the tyres are capable for off-road use as they are fitted with coarse-tread all-terrain profile. To complete the offroad look, the chassis is slightly raised by 15 millimetres.

The new Overtrail trim level is available in Switzerland with both NX drive options: the NX 350h Hybrid or the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. In both versions, power is provided by all four wheels.

The shown model is a Lexus NX Overtrail and equipped with the same drivetrain like the NX 350h with an All-Wheel-Drive system.

Compared to a PHEV, the NX350h's much smaller, lithium-ion battery pack has only enough energy to power the SUV short distances and lower speeds on electricity alone, whereas its plug-in peers are all capable of traveling more than 40-50km on battery power only. The old-school NX350h still delivers impressive fuel economy, though. Speaking of approximately 6.5l/100km (much better compared to most of the PHEVs when you’re about to drive more than 100 kilometers). And it’s more basic powertrain also keeps costs down, allowing the CHF75,500 gasoline-electric Lexus to take the title of a valuable hybrid in its segment.

Driving experience

Getting from A to B is defined through a luxurious driving experience as comfortable as possible. The Lexus NX is a very chilled cruiser with a soft suspension. Even on these stubby tires, the ride isn’t recognizably loud. I only recognized that the ABS jumps in earlier on wet surfaces than I’d have expected. Drivers need to be aware that offroad tires provide way less grip on tarmac.

The all-wheel-drive NX350h packs an additional 45 horses compared to its predecessor, extracting a total of 239 horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and trio of electric motors. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) causes the car to emit a slightly uncomfortably monotonous engine noise, which in my opinion doesn't quite do justice to a luxuriously leaning vehicle.

The steering feels let’s say a little spongey with these tires and isn’t engaging enough to hunt down any corners. Does the Lexus need to? Well, not at all. Its optics speak for the manufacturer’s intentions. Speaking of comfort and steering characteristics: The NX’s software and cruise control doesn’t want you to allow high g-forces in corners and “throws the anchor” before entering corners, lowers the speed while driving light curves on the motorway or recognizes things they not even exist. Annoying. The RX’s rear parking sensors are equally programmed and will punish you if you’re even slightly sketchy (but still save) on a reverse manoeuvre. Another downside was the average fuel consumption a reached during the whole test: 8.6L/100km driving distance is far off the promised 6.3L/100km WLTP consumption. Of course, the press car had a roof rack mounted which obviously doesn’t help to keep the fuel economy low.

But the whole concept bases on a chilled way to travel long distances as comfortable as possible. And this works pretty well to be honest.

To the interior

The first thing I noticed while having a seat in the Lexus NX are the extremely comfortable seats in this car. The NX has set the bar definitely on top of its smaller sibling, the UX I’ve tested the previous two weeks. The large and excellent touchscreen catches the driver’s eye immediately. Not only are the graphics crisp and modern, but the touchscreen is quick to respond, and the menus are laid out in a logical manner. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is available and simple to connect.

The touchscreen’s bottom third is always reserved for the climate controls, which are clear and easy to use but should have rather be found as physical knobs (like the temperature regulation as rotating knobs) or buttons below the screen. It would have made the use of the additional climate control settings and functions a lot more intuitive.

To improve the air quality, the air conditioning system works with nanoe-X technology, which feeds water molecules into the air conditioning system, thereby eliminating bacteria, viruses, mould and unpleasant odours while moisturising the skin. Perfect for any zombie apocalypse, right?

The touchscreen buttons are large enough that a quick glance is all you need to hit the right one, and the climate control knobs placed on the surface of the screen with the temperature reading glowing inside is a fancy look that passengers seemed to be impressed by.

The back seats provide enough leg space for long distance driving. Speaking of long drives: The Lexus’s seats are very comfortable and are equipped with heating and cooling functions. Additionally, the NX has a wireless charging pad to charge up your phone.

With the 60/40-split rear seats folding flat I just hoped for an additional hatch to put through your skis if you don’t want to use a roof box. Or a roof rack in this case.

Now what to buy

If you want a practical family SUV with head-turning looks and efficient hybrid engines, the Lexus NX should definitely be on your shortlist and worth to have a proper look at. It does the job at least as good as any of the german contenders. Just in a different and refreshing style.

The warranty until 10 years or 185’000km is a huge number compared to other manufacturers and worth mentionable.

To end this review, I wanted to thank Lexus Switzerland, for the opportunity to have a go in their Lexus NX 350h Overtrail for two weeks. A car that definitely spices up the booming crossover market.

Review & Photos: RPM | Robin P.M.