The range indicator on the Lexus NX’s gauge cluster reads “820 km”. Therein lies the appeal of a hybrid powertrain, especially the self-charging kind. Because at the end of said 800-odd kilometers you’re not met with extensive charging downtime. You can just put some petrol in and carry on.
You’d think this distinction would help the Lexus NX 350h soar over its rivals. However, high purchasing costs have kept this from being the case.
So Lexus has decided to spruce-up the already spruced-up NX. The result is the NX Overtrail. A compact, luxury SUV, it carries with it signature Lexus design curves which now lie considerably enhanced by a new beige colour scheme called ‘Moon Desert’. The NX has always been a looker, but the new paint scheme, aided by the new blacked-out grille, wing mirrors, fog lamp cavity and roof rails makes for a massive visual upgrade. So much so, that while being driven around the streets of Mumbai, the NX invited a lot of staring and rubbernecking. Even when parked, the number of double takes it provoked, suggested Lexus might be on to something.
Not merely cosmetic
Changes to the NX are minimal, yes, but not entirely cosmetic. It also gets a new set of high-profile tyres along with a new set of 18-inch alloys (blacked-out of course) swapping the 235/50 section tyres found on the NX F-Sport with 235/60 section tyres to improve on-road ride comfort. Thankfully it’s a trend several manufacturers are waking-up to. Low-profile tyres, while great to behold, really firm-up the ride quality, and while this is all fine and dandy on the Autobahn, it plays havoc on the spinal discs of anyone battling the unique topography of urban Indian roads. The latest BMW 5-Series LWB is the best example of a sporty car having adopted this trend.
On the inside, you now get an all-black leather treatment along with organic-looking faux wooden trims above the doorpads. You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a heating function, ventilated front seats, a split-screen sunroof and of course, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is much simpler to operate than the touchpad based systems found in the previous model but it isn’t entirely seamless. I found myself jabbing the massive, laptop-sized 14-inch touchscreen a few times in order to get the Google Maps navigation rolling.
ADAS functions include lane departure warning, proximity warning, with sensors that are always on the edge, causing me to mute the proximity alarm on more than one occasion. Still, there are other wonderful touches, like the push-buttons on the door pads for opening the doors and the presence of a variety of buttons and knobs on the centre console that help control the temperature, switch driving modes etc. It shows that Lexus has been paying attention to the little details that make a huge difference.
Driving the Overtrail
In terms of powertrain, the Overtrail is the same as the NX F-Sport. It gets the same self-charging “strong hybrid” powertrain which combines the power of a 2.5-litre petrol engine, paired with a battery, and both power two electric motors – one at the front and one at the rear axle. The front wheels are however powered entirely by the engine, sending 182 of the total 243hp to the front while the battery sends electric power to the rear. Taking care of transmission duties is a 6-step e-CVT . While the e-CVT helps enhance its efficiency and lower maintenance costs, it’s not quite as smooth as the units found on the likes of the ES and the LS.
Mash the throttle and the rubbberband effect can feel pronounced, even when both the transmission and the drive mode have been set to “Sport”. That isn’t to say the NX can’t get up to speed. Overtaking is a fairly easy task, so maneuverable is its compact frame and quick throttle response (it does have 243 hp) but it does make a fair bit of noise while getting up to speed and that certainly counteracts some of its more likable attributes. Like having a particularly well-insulated and quiet cabin.
Ride quality is superb. The high profile tyres and 18-inch wheels have certainly made a difference. Thanks to that and the variable dampers, the Overtrail reads the terrain well and ensures that most of the bumps don’t make their way to your dental fillings. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the NX isn’t just the most fuel-efficient machine in its segment, it’s also right up there in terms of ride quality.
Verdict
At Rs 71.7 lakh (ex-showroom) the Overtrail is a pricey proposition. That’s Land Rover money if you’re into the whole brand hierarchy thing, and a good bit more than any of its German rivals cost.. It’s a Lexus so it’s focussed on comfort, convenience and reliability rather than outright driving thrills. Small luxurious design flourishes, an efficiency-oriented powertrain and a comfort-oriented ride set-up are the added feathers to this lone, ecologically conscious wolf. For those whole value a hassle free ownership experience above all-else.
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