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Custom Lexus GX bakes oven fresh pizzas in the boot, comes with luxe appliances and exclusive Monogram interiors

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2024 Lexus GX as a 7-seater off-road SUV has hit the right notes with the most critical reviewers after the official launch. The car carries forward the Japanese automaker’s promise of luxury with performance. To bring something unique to the world of a kitchen on wheels, Lexus has teamed up with GE’s Monogram (luxury appliance division) to fit a Smart Flush Heart Oven in the rear of the bossy car.

The luxury culinary experience on board this off-road SUV seems like an odd combination when we talk of practicality since the vehicle will tread inhospitable dirt tracks bouncing around. That though fades away quickly as soon as one lays eyes on the exquisite vehicle, inside out. The interiors are embellished with a stainless-steel, black, and brass color scheme, with gold badges, gold accents. That’s a good start for the adventure-oriented GX, but there’s a lot more, so read on.

Designer: Lexus and GE Monogam

The idea here is to convert the capable off-roader into a bespoke culinary experience on wheels” right from the moment you enter the vehicle, drive it and then take a break to eat some delicacies. Monogram doesn’t just stop at the rear, the whole interiors are done in the matching theme with dual-tone camel leather seats and door panel trims, complemented by the brass and titanium metal along with the Dekton slate stone accents. The interior has numerous luxury appliances and accessories to elevate the whole experience. According to Lexus, the one-off GX comes fitted with a rare heated ice press (between the rear seats) that makes spherical ice cubes.

What makes it a lip-smacking proposition is the boot having a Smart Flush Hearth Oven with a 30-inch display. The electric oven is custom-made to mimic the performance of a wood-fired brick oven to bake pizzas and other eatables. Of course, you’ll need something to drink along, so there are pressured fitted cutouts on the side panels to store wine, bourbon, glasses and bottle openers. To complement this, Monogram has fitted a bar complete with a bar kit, glassware, bitters and a folding cutting board. Other essentials like cutlery and trash bin are houses inside the truck for quick retrieval. Everything is finely trimmed with quilted leather and carpeting, with the addition of a Dekton slate stone countertop-like plating station.

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Lexus Brings Its Brand Of Luxury To The Seas With The LY 680 Yacht

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Looks like automobiles are yesterday’s news because Lexus is making waves (literally) in the world of luxury yachts with its newly unveiled luxury yacht – the LY 680. This new vessel builds upon the success of its predecessor, the LY 650, offering even more space and innovative features for those seeking the ultimate in on-water relaxation and entertainment.

Designer: Lexus

The LY 680 embodies Lexus’s “Crafted” design philosophy, seamlessly blending exquisite aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Built by the Horizon Group, a leader in crafting exceptional yachts, the LY 680 promises to be a luxurious sanctuary at sea. Think unparalleled comfort, signature Lexus performance, and a design language that echoes the brand’s renowned attention to detail.

One of the most striking enhancements is the expanded flybridge. Stretching over a meter and a half longer than the previous model, this space now boasts a spacious lounge sofa – perfect for lounging under the sun with a cool drink. But that’s not all. Imagine whipping up delicious meals for your guests on the integrated barbecue grill, all while taking in the breathtaking ocean views. For those who crave adventure on the water, the swimming platform has also been significantly extended by 700 millimeters. This translates to more space for launching water toys like jet skis or paddleboards, or simply relaxing closer to the water’s edge.

Twin Volvo Penta IPS engines, available in two configurations, ensure the yacht handles beautifully. Expect stable maneuvering, a smooth ride, and remarkably quiet operation – all contributing to a truly luxurious experience at sea. No matter the conditions, the LY 680 promises to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Clocking in at over 20 meters in length and nearly 6 meters wide, the LY 680 offers ample space for up to 15 passengers. Three luxurious cabins provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for six guests, making this yacht ideal for extended getaways with family and friends, or spontaneous weekend escapes. Imagine waking up to the gentle rocking of the waves and the sound of the ocean breeze – pure bliss.

Lexus has partnered with the Horizon Group, renowned for their advanced yacht-building expertise, to create the LY 680. This luxurious yacht, available for order in Japan through Toyota Marine starting March 21, 2024, promises to be a haven at sea. Deliveries are expected by spring 2026.

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Lexus concept car displayed as a light sculpture in Miami exhibition

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When you’re visiting car exhibit shows, you expect to see nothing but cars on display. The brands have to figure out how to make it a bit more exciting and innovative since looking at cars can become repetitive and if you’re not really a car enthusiast, it can get boring. But when you’re displaying a car at an art and design exhibition, then you can expect a more non-traditional way to look at the vehicle.

Designer: Marjan van Aubel

An installation to celebrate the Lexus LF-ZC Battery Electric Vehicle Concept Car is now on display at the Miami Art & Design Week. The “sculpture” is called “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” which is the time it takes for light to reach earth. So instead of the usual car display, what you get is a self-illuminating 3D skeleton of the concept car itself. It’s made from organic transparent photovoltaic (POV) sheets and is powered by solar energy. Each cell gives off a spectrum of color and movement and they are transparent to give off the maximum effect of light and patterns.

The EV Skateboard, which is where the engine will be located, is highlighted with an LED panel. It is the main feature of the car so this is where eyes will be drawn. Depending on where you’re standing, you’ll get a different perspective of the sculpture. There are also motion sensors which will let the car respond to those walking around, triggering a ripple through the LED light panels. You will also hear bamboo chimes since the concept car uses bamboo materials as well.

Every 10 minutes, you’ll get a crescendo of sound and light patterns. Since the sculpture is located in a garden setting, the color temperature also shifts along with the natural circadian rhythms of its surroundings. It’s a pretty interesting thing to see this in person and to experience a different kind of display for cars, even if it’s still just a concept car.

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This Lexus Showroom in Melbourne has over 1,000 native Australian plants on its facade

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Unveiled at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at the Flemington Racecourse in Australia, this new Lexus showroom/pavilion takes ‘Green Design’ to new heights! Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the three-floor modular structure is quite literally a living entity, adorned with over 1,000 native Australian plants and flowers on its façade, creating a breathtaking visual dialogue with the Australian landscape. Dubbed “LANDMARK by Lexus”, the pavilion is the result of an ongoing partnership with Victoria Racing Club, with this year’s theme being ‘Close to the Source’. The beauty of the pavilion lies in its modular, repurposable design that will alter from year to year as the themes change. While the building highlights Australian flora this year, its sustainably-built structure can entirely be disassembled and rearranged for next year’s theme, allowing the building to pretty much metamorphose each year with minimal impact.

Designer: Koichi Takada Architects

Koichi Takada, the visionary behind this project, views his architecture as a “living billboard,” a medium to demonstrate the potential of integrating nature into our built environments. His approach is a reminder of the joy and importance of reconnecting with nature, especially in urban settings. In his words, the pavilion is an opportunity to showcase what can be achieved when we blend architecture with the natural world, emphasizing the emotional and psychological benefits of this union.

Guests are encouraged to engage with the plantings that adorn its façade, which include edible native flora like native pepper, saltbush, and lemon myrtle. This interactive element is designed to stimulate the senses, inviting guests to touch, smell, and taste the vegetation, a feature that brilliantly encapsulates the essence of Australian bush tucker.

The design of the pavilion is a marvel of modern engineering, with a focus on sustainability and adaptability. Its modular nature allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and reuse, catering to a future where environmental consciousness is paramount. The integration of prefabricated awnings, which interlock with the modular framework, introduces natural curves that beautifully contrast with the gridded, man-made structure. These curves not only add an aesthetic softness but also play a crucial role in supporting the lush greenery that envelops the building.

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Lexus unveils the futuristic and functional LX 600 overlander for adventure junkies at SEMA 2023

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Lexus has once again captured the spotlight at the 2023 SEMA Show with the customized Lexus LX 600. This luxurious, full-size SUV is designed to redefine the boundaries of automotive innovation, showcasing cutting-edge features that make it a standout in the competitive world of SUVs.

One of the most attention-grabbing aspects of the Lexus LX 600 is its stunning color-shifting exterior, a design element that sets it apart from the crowd. This unique feature allows the Overlander SUV to change colors depending on the angle and lighting conditions, giving the vehicle an air of mystique and elegance. It’s a testament to Lexus’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and aesthetics.

Designer: Lexus

The LX 600’s interior is where the innovation truly shines. It’s not just an off-roading beast, it’s a mobile luxury kitchen on wheels. Lexus has seamlessly integrated a fully functional kitchen into the rear of the vehicle, making it the perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life. The kitchen boasts top-notch appliances, a spacious countertop, and ample storage space, ensuring that every journey is a culinary adventure waiting to unfurl.

This kitchen setup is an unprecedented addition catering to those who love to embark on road trips and enjoy fine dining while on the go. It transforms the LX 600 into a home away from home, allowing you to prepare gourmet meals without ever leaving the comfort of your vehicle. Under the hood, the Lexus LX 600 doesn’t disappoint either. It’s equipped with a powerful and efficient engine that delivers robust performance and a smooth, comfortable ride. Whether you’re driving on the highway or tackling off-road adventures, the LX 600 offers the versatility to handle any terrain with ease.

In addition to its luxurious features, the LX 600 also offers advanced safety and technology-laden features. It comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems that prioritize your safety and the safety of your passengers, making each journey as secure as it is enjoyable. Lexus has truly outdone itself with the LX 600, combining the brand’s renowned commitment to quality with innovative features that set it apart from the competition. The color-shifting exterior and the rear kitchen are not only conversation starters but also practical additions that make the LX 600 an exceptional choice for those seeking luxury and convenience.

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Lexus Unveils Luxury EV With Prismatic Batteries that gives it a Stunning 620 Mile Range

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Lexus unveiled new EVs and tech at the Japan Motor Show… but its LF-ZC concept stole the limelight with its whopping 620-mile range thanks to Lexus’ latest innovations in Prismatic Battery Technology. That’s DOUBLE the range of the Tesla Model 3, giving you an EV that you can practically drive from New York to Detroit on a single charge.

The Lexus LF-ZC, which stands for “Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst,” is a four-door luxury car that the company plans to use as a basis for its future cars. Underneath the LF-ZC’s hood is Lexus’ highly anticipated solid state ‘prismatic’ battery technology which will make its way into Lexus’ automobiles as early as 2026, with lofty promises of a 1000-kilometer range on a full charge.

Designer: Lexus

The LF-ZC showcases a sleek, low-hanging roofline that gracefully flows from the hood to the rear, culminating in a design that blends elegance with modernity. The elongated windshield stretches over the front passengers, granting them an expansive field of vision. Remarkably, the LF-ZC shares a similar length with the iconic Prius from Lexus’ parent company Toyota, measuring 187 inches, just a whisker longer than the Prius at 181.1 inches.

In terms of size, the LF-ZC also falls in line with the Tesla Model 3, making it a true competitor in the segment. Its range and size aside, the LF-ZC’s eye-catching faceted design is sure to turn heads and elicit a couple of wows and more than its fair share of selfies. Its aesthetic appeal, combined with Toyota’s new battery tech, places it firmly in the spotlight.

The underlying Prismatic Battery tech’s impressive range is also vastly enhanced by just how aerodynamic the LF-ZC is. With an impressive approximate drag coefficient of 0.2, the LF-ZC outshines its electrical rival, the Model 3, which has a drag coefficient of 0.208. This bolsters the LF-ZC’s efficiency and ability to glide smoothly across roads with zero range anxiety. Toyota’s DIRECT4 AWD and smooth Steer-by-Wire systems further enhance the LF-ZC’s driving capabilities.

Beyond its striking design and aerodynamic prowess, Toyota is implementing its Tesla-beating gigacasting method to lower production costs, and the LF-ZC will be powered by the all-new dedicated “Arene OS” software platform. This platform not only facilitates advanced safety features but also enables seamless over-the-air updates. The spacious infotainment screen, strategically positioned for passenger convenience, hosts a myriad of multimedia features.

While passengers revel in the entertainment, the driver’s domain is equally impressive. Control screens on both sides of the steer-by-wire yoke provide intuitive command, complemented by an instrument panel and heads-up display. Furthermore, the LF-ZC introduces an AI-powered “butler” that responds to voice commands, offers directions, and adapts the drive mode based on driving patterns and mood.

The LF-ZC also boasts sustainability features, such as the Bamboo CMF (Color, Material, Finish) concept, which combines fast growth, significant CO2 absorption capacity, and enduring beauty. It’s a nod to Toyota’s commitment to eco-conscious design.

In addition to the LF-ZC, Lexus has teased an LF-ZL SUV concept, which is expected to be the pinnacle of its electric vehicle strategy. While the release date remains a mystery, it’s clear that Toyota is making bold strides in the world of electric mobility.

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2022 Lexus LX 600 First Drive Review

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14 Years after the last-gen LX went on sale, the LX 600 arrives with style and substance.

The 2022 Lexus LX 600 has arrived, and we’ve recently gotten behind the wheel of Lexus’s new flagship luxury SUV. It took 14 years after the last LX went on sale—we were on the first iPhone—but this time around, the LX is doing double duty. While some markets will have a choice of the famously capable Toyota Land Cruiser, and its upmarket Lexus version in the LX 600, the U.S. and some regions only receive one wearing a Lexus badge. As it turns out, that may work out favorably. The new generation arrives with a choice five trim levels—previously it was three—and the entry-level LX is priced starting at $88,245, a tad more than the previous Land Cruiser.

What’s New

For starters, the LX 600 has moved onto a new body-on-frame platform, the rigid GA-F, one it shares with the Toyota Tundra. Despite this, it’s almost exactly the same size, same length, and about a half-inch wider. Powering the new luxury flagship is an athletic 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. It replaces the storied 5.7-liter V-8, but actually bests the bigger engine’s output by 26 horsepower, and a very generous 76 pound-feet of torque. Importantly, fuel economy is improved substantially, up to 17 city/22 highway/19 combined, versus the LX’s thirsty predecessor and its 14 mpg combined EPA rating. This is in large part thanks to a 441 pound weight reduction, use of high-strength steel and that smaller engine block both paying dividends.

Apple Carplay and Android Auto are now standard, and the interior is flush with tech and luxury that were notably less pronounced on the previous generation. In addition to the 12.3-inch touchscreen that displays cameras and infotainment, there’s a 7-inch touchscreen stacked just below showing driving mode and climate information.

A Voice Assistant feature is meant as the main mode of interaction with the multimedia and infotainment options, though key buttons and the touchscreen remain at the ready to facilitate traditional use of those features. We briefly sampled the Voice Assistant, and found it to be thankfully intuitive and easy to use, though we appreciate physical buttons and controls remaining in the cabin.

Design

The LX’s tough, refined-but-brawny aesthetic remains, though there is a little variance in styling throughout the trim levels. There are three grille options, including a spindle grill with seven sets of “floating bars,” evenly spaced, with the gaps acting as vents to cool the engine. The new headlamps feature an L-shaped clearance and daytime running lamp that boasts a three-dimensional design, one that can give a sense of depth when viewed from different angles. The L-shaped LED gives off a sharp modern, technical impression.

Wheels range in size from 18 inches up to 22 inches like on the F-Sport we’re driving, the largest found on any Lexus. A base two-row five-seater LX acts as the entry-level model, but Lexus tells us this will make up only about five percent of sales. The Premium grade will be the primary one buyers opt for, and this new F-Sport model adds distinct design, features, and handling. A unique F mesh blacked-out grille—this might be the best looking grill on the new LX—those upsized 22-inch aluminum-forged alloy wheels, and uniquely-tuned front and rear dampers are a few of the features. A Luxury model rounds out the three models with three-row power-folding seating for seven, while a new Ultra Luxury model represents the pinnacle of the range, with exceptional interior design.

The Ultra Luxury, which starts at $127,345 and climbs, features two rows, and the best seat in the house may be in the rear, one which we happily sampled. There, a pair of sumptuous captain’s chairs offer an opulent in-car experience. They can slide forward, recline up to 48-degrees, and boast a generous 43 inches of legroom. The headrests are curved, and the rear can serve as a place to get work done on the go, or rest. They’re also designed to cosset and suppress unwanted movement. A reading light, sunshades, and rear seat display come standard. A 25-speaker, 2,400 watt surround sound Mark Levinson audio system adds to a sumptuous, indulgent environment. The focus on the rear here gives Lexus enthusiasts an alternative to the Maybach GLS, or twice-the-price Range Rover SVAutobiography, though those offer a notch of refinement more, to our eye. We don’t know how much off-roading the Ultra Luxury customers will do, but the LX offers an upgraded experience from the previous-gen there, as well.

The Drive

As we wind up the road to Bandelier National Monument, the 2022 Lexus LX 600 F-Sport’s 10-speed automatic transmission is shifting seamlessly through the gears, proving deceptively nimble for a brawny, luxe-tank required to be able to tow 8,000 pounds. These rugged, beautiful New Mexican canyons and plateaus look as if they may have changed little since the Ancestral Puebloan communities thrived here. The Lexus LX 600 on the other hand, has undergone quite a significant metamorphosis.

To test out the LX’s off-road chops, we get into a Luxury model, the trim that is likely to be the best-seller of the five, along with Premium. We climb a steep dirt road in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the crawl control feature on the 2022 Lexus LX 600 is making easy work of a seemingly daunting climb. As we come up to a ridge, the high-res front view camera displayed on a 12.3-inch touchscreen alleviates the uncertainty of what’s below. Noting the steep descent, I switch the crawl control’s speed setting with the turn of a dial from level three down to two. A downhill-assist feature automatically controls hydraulic pressure on the brakes for a stable descent, as I navigate a narrow split through the trees. The new LX is loaded with space-age tech that can make even the least-experienced off-roader navigate challenging terrain.

Our Take

While it may have taken a while for Lexus to deliver a new generation of the Lexus LX luxury flagship, the new truck proves the adage that good things are worth waiting for. With fresh design boasting some variety through the five grades, a new platform, powerful and more efficient engine, smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, ample cutting-edge tech, and an Ultra Luxury model, the LX 600 has arrived loaded with appeal, and in luxurious style.

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LEXUS NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid Review

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The all-new NX450h+ joins the Lexus lineup by making some pretty big claims. Firstly, and most critically, this flagship model of the new NX range is the luxury brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) which is surprising given that Lexus has offered electrification through hybrids for so long. It also gets Lexus’ first-ever interface boasting a huge 14-inch touchscreen that totally dominates the dashboard. According to Lexus, this electrified SUV also just happens to be the first of 20 new products slated to appear in the range over the next four years.

The model we’re testing today is the 450h+ F Sport all-wheel-drive which is the top-of-the-range model and is new from top to bottom.

According to Lexus, this second-generation NX is the most comprehensive redesign in their 32-year history. And it needs to be after the brand was caught napping in the electrification and tech arenas. While rival brands such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Audi forged ahead with PHEVs, Lexus was content just to offer basic hybrids. Now, however, as we will see, it offers one of the best in its class.

New NX gets more mature, subtle refined look

The NX’s exterior design is a result of an evolutionary process but you will find new parts wherever you look. Firstly I do like the beautifully styled optional triple beam LED headlights with the integrated daytime running lamps which kind of remind you of a Nike swoosh. I retain the same positive feedback for that humungous signature ‘spindle grille,’ a shape that often has me grimacing. The reason? I’m not normally a huge fan of that grille shape, but I do think the stylists did a great job in finishing it with a gloss black treatment which tones down the impact of the grille and gives it a more subtle, mature and refined look.

After all this time, it would seem as though Lexus designers have finally found a happy medium between seeking a strong identity—through that grille—while giving it the subtlety it desperately needed. I also give the thumbs up to the brake ducts, once again finished in gloss black, which are functional and actually work to suck air in and cool the brake assemblies. The LED fog lamps and the silver front splitter work superbly to contrast with the black accents on the front of the vehicles.

The gloss black treatment on the 20-inch wheels is chic, especially when set off nicely by those bright orange brake calipers. And one design feature I especially like is the reluctance of designers to use black wheel arch surrounds that seem too common on many SUVs today. On our test car, the wheel arch surrounds are a deep blue, the same color as the rest of the body. This feature, in my opinion, makes the NX look classier and more luxurious.

Between the A and C pillars Lexus has fitted some subtle dark chrome finished window surrounds and gloss black-capped door mirrors that employ new 360 degree full surround camera technology. As for the door handles, they too are totally new. On the second generation NX, you do not pull on the door handles to open the door. Instead, you insert your fingers inside the handle and push the switch on the inside to open the doors. Along the side of the SUV, you have a character line that flows from just below the A-pillar backwards through the front door handles and then, from around the middle of the rear doors, heads north towards the angled C-pillar.

At the rear of the car, you have some very stylish lines that match the front end. The wrap-around brake light assemblies stretch from just aft of the fuel filler caps to one-third of the way across the rear door, connected by a full-width red LED bar that gives the NX a futuristic look. It’s just a shame that stylists did not hide the rear wiper under the roof spoiler as it would have cleaned up the tail end look no end.

Below the wiper, designers have done away with the Lexus logo and replaced it with the new Lexus font. And below that you have the model badging — NX450h+ AWD, which is what every 450h+ offers. Then at the lower extremity of the rear bumper you have a silver accent on the bumper flanked on either side with fake exhaust outlets, just for show.

The new 14-inch touchscreen redefines Lexus interiors

Inside the car is as innovative as it is on the outside and under the hood. The dashboard is luxurious and futuristic, highlighted by a massive 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. Gone is the fiddly touchpad, replaced by an easy to use screen that offers wireless updates, and wireless Apple and Android compatibility. It also boasts Lexus’ new ‘Hey Lexus’ voice activated feature that allows you to do everything from asking your car—while not taking your hands off the steering wheel— to turn on the wipers, change radio stations, switch on seat heaters and turn the air-con up.

Notably, this system is intuitive and as smart and responsive if not smarter than most of its rivals. I also like the way that designers have decluttered the dash and halved the number of switches and dials making the interior look more luxurious and classier. The Mark Levinson audio system is also specially designed and fitted for Lexus and delivers a truly excellent sound experience.

Before you take off, you can also push a button on the dash that will give you a quick 360-degree scan of the environment around your vehicle, to allow you to check for any stray kids or pets or obstacles that might be lurking just out of view. And of course, when you select reverse, your rear view appears on the monitor in full HD quality with trajectory lines that allow easy reversing.

Just below the touchscreen, the NX offers a USB port, a USB-C port, and a wireless charging tray that is actually a lid hiding a secret compartment. Around the gear shifter, you will also find some luxurious gloss black treatment with aluminum accents around the two centrally located cupholders.

The two-toned seats offer excellent lumbar and back support and are artistically contoured and sexy, featuring some subtle F Sport badging. Drivers also have a choice of using the standard rearview mirror or a newly fitted digital mirror, which is high definition and clear but does take some getting used to. What is pleasing to the eye and to the touch however are the stitched dual leather steering wheel, full digital display, and aluminum paddle shifters and pedals. I really liked the super clean graphics inside the driver’s instrumentation showing power readout, digital speedometer, fuel and battery gauges, and level of charge. It also offers different gauges depending on what mode you use.

In the back, you have plenty of headroom and legroom and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The floor is flat meaning that three people can enter and exit easily while rear seat passengers get their own air-con vents as well as two USB-C ports for charging smartphones. In the luggage area, you have 22.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. Fold them down, and you’ll create 46.9 cubic feet which is comparable with German rivals.

In keeping with the vehicle’s innovative underpinnings and features, the new NX now gets bespoke door handles that require finger pressure to open them. On the inside, you have a choice of either pushing a button that automatically opens the door or if you need to get out quickly or your battery fails you can open the door manually with a handle as well.

The exterior might get a choice of 11 colors, including the heat blue contrast on our test vehicle, but inside buyers will have a choice of no less than seven trim color combinations. These include the ‘F Sport bespoke white’ and black trim on our test car in addition to an F Sport flair red, a hazel, black and rich cream, dark rose, and a black. I also liked the contrasting white stitching on black leather and the soft materials throughout the cockpit. This NX is also fitted with the Lexus’ new safety system 3.0 which offers features such as automatic steering corrections when needed and emergency braking.

The Driving Experience

So the 450h+ might be the brand’s first PHEV, but it actually shares its TNGA-platform with the Toyota RAV4 as well as its 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and CVT. The 450h+ gets two electric motors, an 18.1kWh battery pack, and up to 40 miles or EV driving range. One feature the NX450h+ does not have is a quick charging port. Lexus explains that its strategists decided that this PHEV did not need a quick charging port and that a standard 200V port would suffice. I beg to differ as many owners, I’m sure, would like to have the option to quick charge their car when a quick charger is available.

Boasting a total power output of 302hp, the 450h+ can jump from zero to 60mph in just 6.0 seconds which is more than quick enough in this segment. Given that the NX is based on the RAV4’s underpinnings, the throttle response and steering feel are almost identical, which is no bad thing given the RAV4 has sharper steering than many rivals. But, as expected of a Lexus, the NX is more refined, comfortable, and rides better and quieter without sacrificing body control. It will easily cruise on the electric motor only up to 83mph for zero-emissions driving. In hybrid mode, the NX delivers strong battery-assisted driving as it works hard to manage how the battery is efficiently deployed.

The 450h+ is fitted with the F Sport suspension set-up that adds performance damping and a two-step variable adaptive suspension system to the MacPherson strut front-end and double-wishbone rear, and the resulting high levels of grip and comfort are what you expect from Lexus. It also uses a different braking system, with the traditional booster set-up replaced in our test car for an electrically-boosted system, complete with larger orange front brake calipers offering 340x38mm front discs in contrast to the 328x34mm rotors in the non-plug-in hybrid.

Of course, below the 450h+ you have the 350h model which employs a hybrid system in contrast to the more hi-tech, more efficient, heavier PHEV system. The 450h+ raises the weight of the car from the 350h’s 1790kg to 1990kgs, which comes from the larger battery pack, power electronics, and cooling system for the batteries. On the road, the NX is smooth and quiet and handles surprisingly well for a heavy SUV. The ride quality is far better and organized than its predecessor, but the biggest improvement is that the electrical power running through the e-motors means the 2.5-liter engine can rest more often, and exert itself less whenever it’s forced to stir into action.

Flick the drive mode switch on the dash from S to S-sharp and you will notice your instrumentation changing instantly as your dampers stiffen, your throttle response quickens and your steering gets sharper. While the NX tries to stay in EV mode as much as possible, once in S-sharp, you are needing more responsiveness from your powertrain so the engine will cut in more often with a slight buzz from the engine bay to let you know that you are running with the engine and motor together.

Price and Options

Starting at around $55,900, the 450h+ F Sport qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit which means that you can purchase the car for under $50,000, making this SUV a very desirable car.

Compared to its main rivals in the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, and the Volvo XC60, we feel the new NX is a more current and better-looking SUV overall with higher levels of interior quality and stronger street cred. Meanwhile, in terms of PHEV credentials, we also think this particular NX outperforms the Range Rover Evoque PHEV, BMW X1, and the Volvo XC40 Recharge and delivers quieter, smoother running in EV mode and even when the gasoline engine fires up to charge the batteries. Potential buyers will have the option of the lower-spec (9.8-inch touchscreen) and cheaper 350h priced at $41,000. But we feel that the 450h+ driven here, given its performance, luxury levels,
interior features and that huge 14-inch touchscreen, plus the 450h+’s prestige value and $7,500 tax credit, make the 450h+ F Sport the better buy.

Lexus successfully identified where the new NX needed to improve and in what areas it had to catch up to its rivals. The NX450h+ is efficient, quick when it needs to be, comfortable, practical, refined, and relaxing to drive in EV mode or not. It will redefine the Lexus brand and give it that much needed plug-in hybrid status.

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Lexus brings its signature luxurious touch to EVs with its newly-launched LF-Z Electrified Concept

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With its first electric vehicle, Lexus’ focus is razor-sharp – the technology, the details, the features, all culminate in and focus on just one thing and one thing only – an incredibly luxurious driving experience. With a car, just like with any product, you’re less likely to remember the car’s features but you’re much more likely to remember how the car made you ‘feel’, and that’s exactly what the LF-Z focuses on. Every detail of the car is crafted with user emotion and user experience in mind, resulting in a vehicle that’s hard to ignore and definitely hard to forget! The crossover-styled vehicle sports an edgy, authoritative aesthetic that commands one’s attention, with slick, razor-thin headlights and taillights, side mirror cams, and door-handles that sit flush within the surface, popping out when a driver or passenger approaches the vehicle.

The LF-Z comes powered by Lexus’s new all-electric platform that sits underneath the automobile. Lexus claims its all-new powertrain will vastly improve acceleration and power delivery compared to traditional cars, offering an impressive range and accelerating speed. The car comes with a lower center-of-gravity, allowing for razor-sharp handling and enhanced control. The car comes outfitted with Steer-By-Wire, a technology that replaces the traditional steering mechanism for a “fully electronic and speed-sensitive system that filters out any unwanted road vibration.” The futuristic concept comes with an auto-drive feature too, that not only lets you summon the car to your doorstep or from the parking lot, but also lets you switch to auto-pilot while you drive, allowing the car to take over all driving functions while you kick back and enjoy the in-car experience.

“Envisioning an open and minimalist design, the interior embodies an elevated level of the Lexus human-centered approach. The Tazuna cockpit features an augmented reality head-up display, gauges, touchscreen display, and other functions that are grouped into a single module. On the road, the artificial intelligence acts as a lifestyle concierge, acknowledging by touch or voice the driver’s preferences, proposing routes, restaurant reservations and more”, says Lexus in a press release.

The LF-Z currently exists as a ‘vision’ concept, outlining Lexus’s vision for an electrified future. The company plans on releasing as many as 20 cars as a part of its electric line-up by the year 2025, with the goal of achieving carbon-neutrality through the lifecycle of its entire model line-up by the year 2050.

Designer: Lexus

The Lexus Design Award is on a mission to make the world better. Here’s how you can participate!

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I’ve noticed something rather interesting over the past couple of years. The purpose of a design, any design, is to see itself evolve in a way that benefits users as well as the designer that had the idea in the first place. A well-designed product isn’t something that can exist in isolation with a ribbon pinned to it… yet most award programs do just that. They look at products, identify a few of them which look promising, give them a certificate or trophy, and move on to the next product… and the process repeats itself year after year. Most award programs don’t incubate great ideas into wonderful products… they just identify them and put them on a website for others to see, and that’s something I’ve come to identify with a lot of awards, but not the Lexus Design Award.

Imagine having great designers gather around your idea and nourish it into something truly fruitful. Imagine having all the resources you need to prototype your idea into something that WORKS… not on paper, in reality. Imagine spending 3 months under the wing of industry-leading mentors who help guide you through the design process. The Lexus Design Award isn’t really like other awards… it’s part award, part internship, part incubator, and part institute. When you apply for the Lexus Design Award, you’re enrolling yourself into a 3-month course with internationally-recognized mentors like Joe Doucet (Founder, Joe Doucet x Partners), Mariam Kamara (Principal Architect, Atelier Masomi), Sputniko! (Associate Professor of Design at the Tokyo University of the Arts), and Sabine Marcelis (Founder, Studio Sabine Marcelis. Out of all the award participants, 6 Finalists are chosen to be a part of this mentorship experience. During this time, the mentors work with you ON your project (sort of like the most personalized internship ever), taking your rough concept to fruition, while Lexus incubates the product with as much as 3 million Japanese Yen or $25,000 dedicated to prototyping the projects to a working proof-of-concept.

The Lexus Design Award’s core objective has always been to foster great ideas and great talent. Creating the perfect environment for a design to grow, Lexus helps engineer ideas into real, impactful solutions for a better future. The awards are free for all, focusing on young talent looking to find their footing in the industry, and offering them the ability to take their nascent ideas to new heights, with advice from established professional mentors. At the end of the mentorship phase, a Grand Prix finalist is chosen by the award’s esteemed judging panel comprising of Paola Antonelli (Senior Curator at MoMA), Greg Lynn (Architect and CEO Piaggio Fast Forward), Dong Gong (Founder & Design Principal of Vector Architects), and Simon Humphries (Head of Toyota and Lexus Global Design).

Entries for the 2021 edition of the Lexus Design Award are now open, with the theme echoing Lexus’ brand principle – “Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate for a better tomorrow”. Head to the Discover Lexus website to submit your own designs for a chance to collaborate with world-class mentors and incubate your ideas into reality, or scroll down to check out some of the past winners of the Lexus Design Award as inspiration!

Submit Your Designs Now for Lexus Design Award 2021. Last Date for Submissions: October 11th, 2020.

Lexus Design Award Past Winners

Lexus first launched this annual international award in 2013 to nurture up-and-coming designers and help them realize their vision around the future of design.

Open Source Communities by BellTower (2020 Grand Prix Winner)

A vast number of Kenyans suffer from a combination of problems like water shortage, diseases caused by consumption of unfiltered/unfit water, having to walk miles to get water on a daily basis, or alternatively having to pay high rates for local water distribution. “In Nairobi, high-tech coexists with urban poverty”, say the team at BellTower, who designed the Open Source Communities project which creates a new format of community-building that relies on efficient allocation of resources that help the lower-income communities get access to basic necessities like water. The project creates a centralized water-reservoir – a structure that sits between hundreds of homes, providing water to every single one of them. The structure’s innovative format allows it to harvest and conserve rainwater, while actively filtering it of dirt, microorganisms, and other impurities. During the monsoons, surplus water helps generate money for the communities too, allowing them to get an extra source of income while bridging the vast resource gap. However, the best part about the Open Source Communities is that it exists as a public-utility template. Its open-source nature gives it unlimited flexibility, allowing it to be modified to fit in practically any scenario.

Algorithmic Lace by Lisa Marks (2019 Grand Prix Winner)

Bringing Algorithms and Attire together in a beautifully crafted garment with a noble purpose, Algorithmic Lace uses advanced three-dimensional modeling to handcraft bespoke bras for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy surgery. Algorithms have a long-standing love-affair with the textile industry, as one of the first machines to use algorithms was the Jacquard Loom back in the 1800s. The loom was controlled by a series of punched cards, which contained information that the loom read. Different cards had different algorithms into it and by switching the cards in the loom, you could tell it to alternate between complex textile weaves like brocade, damask and matelassé. Algorithmic Lace builds on that rich history, by using lines of code to create bras that are custom-built for their wearers. These garments are made specifically to functionally suit women who’ve undergone surgery, and the algorithmic pattern helps create a well-fitted, comfortable brassiere that’s also incredibly aesthetic to look at, empowering the wearer with confidence, along with their new lease of life.

Pixel by Hiroto Yoshizoe (2017 Grand Prix Winner)

There’s sheer magic in how the Pixel can actually take what you see and reduce its resolution to a handful of pixels… creating an illusion of being in a low-res world. At its heart is a uniquely crafted module that takes light as an input, and through repeated internal reflection, turns inputted images into square outputs. Imagine how the mirrors on a periscope work, taking an image from the top and carrying them down to the viewfinder below… this module does something similar, but with a different result. Stack enough of these modules together and you get the Pixel, a dynamic wall that instantly pixelates anything behind it. The Pixel relies on a powerful light source, and in this case, uses a projector. Project an image on it and the modules average out the light entering them, instantly pixelating the image and giving us a new perspective on the way we see light and shadows!

Agar Plasticity by AMAM (2016 Grand Prix Winner)

As its name suggests, the Agar Plasticity project uses Agar, a gelatinous marine algal material, as a replacement for plastics, creating a naturally occurring alternative to one of nature’s largest pollutants. Perfectly encapsulating the Lexus theme of ‘designing for a better tomorrow’, the project envisions a use of Agar as an alternative to the plastics found in packaging. Given that packaging for a product is often discarded immediately after purchase, Agar Plasticity hopes to create a solution that is eco-friendlier. Agar itself is derived from nature, and when treated a certain way, can be molded into containers, trays, and films that can replace single-use plastics. When discarded, the Agar can easily degrade in water or land, turning into nutrition for microorganisms and helping reduce waste. Japan-based design-trio AMAM is currently working to get larger institutions and corporations to look into the use of Agar as a safe plastic-alternative.

Inaho by Hideki Yoshimoto and Yoshinaka Ono (2013 Grand Prix Winner)

Yet another example of how lighting can be more of an experience, Inaho captures the tranquil beauty of watching rice-plants sway in the breeze. Created by Japanese duo Hideki Yoshimoto and Yoshinaka Ono, Inaho captures a strong Japanese cultural element, creating something that’s not just eye-catching but also rooted in history. The lights come mounted on tall, flexible metal rods, which gently lean towards people as they approach it. The interactive element doesn’t just make the Inaho interesting in a tactile sense, it also creates a wonderful series of moving highlights and shadows as the rice-plant-inspired lamps lean in your direction as you approach them, prompting you to move closer. The word Inaho literally translates to ‘a ear of rice’ in Japanese.

Submissions are being accepted until October 11th, 2020.