2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Review

In Malaysia's increasingly competitive C-Segment SUV market, consumers are looking not only for the luxurious quality of premium brands but also for practical features and outstanding performance—this is where the Lexus NX 350 F Sport comes in. It not only incorporates Lexus's luxurious genes but also features a 2.4L turbocharged engine and is equipped with a comprehensive range of intelligent safety features. This has led many potential buyers to wonder: Can this vehicle achieve the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and practicality? In this test drive, we will comprehensively experience the car from static details to dynamic performance to see if it meets the expectations of Malaysian consumers.

In terms of exterior design, the NX 350 F Sport maintains Lexus's family identity while incorporating sporty elements. The front spindle-style grille is larger in size, featuring a black honeycomb pattern inside, complemented by sharp LED headlights on both sides, creating a strong visual impact. The side profile of the vehicle features smooth lines, while the length of 4660mm and wheelbase of 2690mm ensure ample interior space, and the 20-inch alloy wheels emphasize the sporty feel. At the rear, the through-type LED tail lights offer high recognition when illuminated at night, and the dual exhaust layout at the bottom reinforces its F Sport identity. In terms of lighting, full-LED headlights, daytime running lights, and front and rear fog lights are all standard, while automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers add convenience for daily use.

Stepping inside, the first impression is the signature Lexus material quality. The interior is primarily adorned in black with silver accents. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a pleasant tactile experience. The 14-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard is the core of the interior, with a simple and user-friendly interface supporting both touch and voice control, while retaining some physical buttons for ease of use. The instrument panel is fully digital and can switch between different themes, while the heads-up display (HUD) allows the driver to keep track of speed, navigation, and more at a glance. In terms of features, the front seats offer 8-way electric adjustment with ventilation, and the driver's seat comes with a memory function. The rear seats feature a 60:40 split-folding design, which can expand the trunk space. The dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system features Lexus Climate Concierge, which automatically adjusts the temperature and seat ventilation according to passenger needs, and rear passengers have independent air vents to ensure comfort for all occupants.

Regarding interior space, the 2690mm wheelbase provides ample room for both front and rear passengers. A 175cm tall passenger seated in the front has about a fist of headroom remaining; similarly, a rear passenger of the same height enjoys about two fists of legroom and a fist of headroom, making it comfortable even for long journeys. When it comes to storage, the central armrest box offers generous space, the door panels feature storage slots for water bottles and small items, and the trunk provides a standard capacity of 520L, which can be extended by folding down the rear seats to accommodate family trips or transporting goods. Additionally, the interior includes 220V/230V power outlets to conveniently charge electronic devices for passengers.

Powertrain: The NX 350 F Sport is equipped with a 2.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 279PS and a peak torque that kicks in at 1700rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, the engine responds quickly with a light and swift start, and stepping on the accelerator delivers a noticeable push-back sensation. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 7 seconds, making overtaking confident and effortless. The transmission shifts smoothly with almost no sense of jerking. When switched to sport mode, the shifting logic becomes more aggressive, and the inclusion of paddle shifters adds to the driving fun. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.9L/100km. During actual test drives, fuel consumption in urban conditions was approximately 8.5L/100km, while highway conditions brought it down to around 7L, which is quite acceptable for a 2.4T SUV.

The handling and suspension performance are also praiseworthy. The steering is precise with minimal slack, being light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, giving the driver ample confidence. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone independent setup, tuned more towards comfort without compromising resilience. When navigating speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, providing passengers with a smooth ride. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the addition of the all-wheel-drive system enhances stability on slippery surfaces or curves. Furthermore, the vehicle's noise control is commendable, with wind and tire noise being minimal during highway driving. Only slight engine noise is noticeable during rapid acceleration, ensuring a quiet and comfortable driving experience overall.

Safety features are a major highlight of the NX 350 F Sport, offering seven standard airbags, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and more. The inclusion of a 360-degree panoramic view camera and front/rear parking sensors makes parking significantly easier. During test drives, the active safety systems were highly responsive, promptly issuing warnings and assisting in braking when the vehicle approached an obstacle, greatly enhancing driving safety.

Overall, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport stands out for its luxurious interior quality, comprehensive features, robust performance, and advanced safety technologies. Compared to competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, it offers better value for money in terms of configuration. Features such as standard ventilated seats, a HUD (head-up display), and a 14-inch central control screen, which are only available in higher trims of some competitors, come as standard. Additionally, the 2.4T engine outperforms some competitors' 2.0T engines in terms of power. This car is suitable for families prioritizing luxury and driving comfort, as well as young consumers seeking both performance and features. Whether for daily commuting or weekend getaways, it can cater to diverse needs.

To sum up, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport is a highly balanced C-Segment SUV that perfectly integrates luxury, performance, and practicality. Combined with the reliability of the Lexus brand and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, it is undoubtedly a worthy option in the Malaysian market.