Lexus NX 350h replaces NX 250 as entry-level NX in Malaysia – 2.5 hybrid, two-motor AWD, from RM396k

Visit the Lexus Malaysia website and you’ll see a new NX variant – the Lexus NX 350h Luxury, priced from RM395,888. The RM371k NX 250 Luxury, which was the cheaper of the two launch variants in 2022 (the other being the RM390k NX 350 F Sport), seems to be gone, which means this NX 350h is now the entry-level NX in Malaysia.

The hybrid system brings together a A25A-FXS 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine, two electric motors (one on each axle, so it’s all-wheel drive), an eight-virtual ratio CVT and a lithium-ion battery. Total system output is 243 hp and 239 Nm of torque, the century sprint is done in 7.7 seconds and Lexus claims a combined fuel consumption of five litres per 100 km.

Comparatively, the NX 250’s 204 hp and 243 Nm of torque get it from 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, while the range-topping NX 350 F Sport’s 275 hp and 430 Nm of torque give it a seven-second 0-100 km/h time. The fact it’s a hybrid doesn’t seem to have affected boot space, which remains at 520 litres.

Armed with front-MacPherson strut and rear-double wishbone suspension, the NX 350h has Normal, Eco and Sport modes, and 20-inch Dark Gray Metallic alloys wrapped in 235/50 run-flat rubber, just like the NX 250, but it does without the NX 350 F Sport’s adaptive variable suspension and performance dampers.

The NX 350h is pretty similarly-equipped to the NX 250 – self-levelling LED projector headlamps with washers, L-shaped DRLs, front fog lamps, auto wipers, satin silver roof rails, black wheelarch mouldings and a hands-free tailgate.

Inside, besides a change to 3D Cutting Black dash trim from the NX 250’s ash open pore wood finish, you’ll continue to find a power-adjustable leather steering wheel with memory, shift paddles, auto dual-zone air-con with rear vents, 64-colour ambient lighting, 10 Lexus Premium Audio speakers with subwoofer, plus a 14-inch touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Also still present are voice recognition, navigation, head-up display, a wireless charger with sliding tray and an eight-way powered driver’s seat with memory and four-way lumbar. There continues to be seven airbags including driver’s knee, and Lexus Safety System+ (including AEB and ACC with stop and go).

For more on the second-gen Lexus NX, you can take a closer look at the range-topping NX 350 F Sport here, and the SUV in general here.

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