Spy Shots: Lexus NX Mule Caught Testing for the First Time
We’ve known that Lexus has been considering a new compact SUV for over a year now, but it took until today to catch the tiny SUV testing. Lucky for us, it was out doing some hot laps around the Nürburgring and out spy guys picked it up.
The new model - trademarked as the NX - will be sit under the current RX crossover and will be Lexus’ response to other small luxury SUVs, like the Audi Q3 and the 2015 Mercedes GLA.
At a first glance, it appears that the prototype caught testing is just an updated Lexus CT 200h, but upon closer examination, you will notice it features a significantly taller ride height, a higher profile and CUV-size, tires.
The new NX will be built on Toyota’s MC platform, which it will share with the RAV4, Camry, Lexus RX, ES and nearly every other Toyota and Lexus vehicle.
The base model will come with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the Camry, while top version will get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot engine for a little more power. There will also be a hybrid alternative.
Lexus will put the NX into production in the third quarter of 2014.
Click past the jump to read more about the Lexus NX.
Spy shots
The prototype caught testing today was a tricky one that had us doing double-takes. It was an NX model with the CT 200h covering up the guts. This is more obvious when you have a look at just how high it rides, plus the larger wheels and tires. To figure out what the actual NX will look like, just take an RX crossover, shrink it a little bit and add some new design elements, like the one seen in the recently launched sedans.
Up front, we will see an inverted trapezoidal upper grille and slanted lower grille, new powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and large air intakes on the bumper for engine cooling.
On the rear, we will also see the same taillights from the sedans, powerful wheel arches and trapezoidal end pipes for the exhaust system.
