Why should you buy-Lexus NX300h

Lexus has launched its most affordable car in India, the NX crossover in the 300h trim and has priced it at Rs 53.18 lakhs. It is a crossover rival to the ES300h and rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and the soon-to-be-launched next generation Audi Q5. In essence, it will be their volumes model and be the SUV entry-point into the Lexus family. So what exactly does the NX300h offer? Well, read on to find out the good and bad parts of buying the Lexus NX300h.

What’s good about it?
The NX that is sold in India comes with the all-important ‘h’ which means it is a hybrid and in our modern eco world of vegan food, sustainable architecture and recycled clothing, this is the right path to be on. You get a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor (similar to the setup in the Camry Hybrid) and this lets you drive on pure electric power while crawling around in traffic. It might be a hybrid car but it is a luxurious one at that and you get all the features and extra bits that are considered standard in this part of the market.

What’s bad about it?
It is a bit pricey thanks to the CBU route that Lexus uses for the Indian market. Its locally assembled competitors offer more features, AWD and diesel power putting the NX slightly on the back foot. Added to this will be the fact that the Q5 and X3 will both jump into new generations within the next few months and both the new vehicles will step up the game significantly.
Finally, you have to also consider the fact that the NX300h is an CBU and will attract higher charges at the RTO as compared to its locally assembly rivals.

The best variant to buy
We would suggest the luxury variant as you are paying Rs 2.40 lakhs for mostly cosmetic changes when you go in for the F-Sport variant.

Quick facts
Price Range- Rs 53.18 lakhs to Rs 55.58 lakhs
Specifications
Engine: 2500cc, inline four-cylinder petrol, electric motor
Output: 195bhp/210Nm
Gearbox: CVT  

Did you know?
The Lexus NX was showcased as a concept at the Beijing Auto Show in 2014