Lexus NX interior, tech and comfort
- Huge infotainment screen
- Tricky to use steering wheel buttons
- Optional head-up display
How is the quality and layout?
Step into the interior and if you’re getting into a model with the E-Latch system, the first thing you’ll notice is that the handle doesn’t actually move. It’s all controlled electronically and will throw you off your stride the first time you use it.
The seating position is spot on for a mid-size SUV, in that it’s commanding and has a good view out.
Everything you touch feels solid, and certainly weightier than any of its rivals. Even the glovebox opens and closes with a reassuring clunk.
Infotainment and tech
The cabin has a strong driver focus, with controls closely grouped around the driver’s seat and the infotainment angled towards it.
Infotainment has been a stumbling block in Lexus models for at least the last decade thanks to the firm’s insistence on operating it via a joystick or later, a touchpad. We’re pleased to report that the all-new Lexus infotainment system, now fully touchscreen, works a treat.
It’s controlled via a massive 14-inch screen (lower-spec models will have a 9.8-inch screen, but Lexus doesn’t expect to sell too many of those) which is bright, sharp and clear.
The interface, though not as immediately intuitive as the system on a BMW X3, is nonetheless easy to navigate through and reasonably responsive.
It’s a vast improvement on what came before and we can’t wait for more Lexus models to feature the new system.
Less nice to use are the new steering wheel controls, which are unmarked and multifunctional – you need to look in the head-up display to figure out what does what, and it feels quite awkward.
Comfort
- Broadly comfortable
- Seats firm but supportive
- Good amount of room for rear passengers
The seats in the Takumi model we tried featured eight-way adjustability. We found our natural seating position pretty quickly. They were firm but comfy, with plenty of elbow room. There is the option of four-way electric lumbar support too, perfect if you’re fussy.
We must admit the sports seats in our F-Sport test model were slightly huggy for those who are wider in the withers.
More expensive models get genuine leather, whereas cheaper ones get the man-made stuff. As you’d expect, heated and ventilated seats are up for grabs.
