Lexus has been running the hybrid game for years now. And yet, never has it offered a plug-in hybrid solution with any of its models. That notion no longer holds, courtesy of the all-new NX. The crossover has entered its second generation, and oh boy, it looks good! Besides that, it has also become the first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) from Toyota’s luxury arm. If you don’t like that development, don’t worry as there are other powertrain options available.

Now, as is the case with most successors, the all-new NX has slightly grown in dimensions. As for the design, it’s more of an evolution on the previous one. Lexus has given the new NX a more balanced makeover. The newness includes a reprofiled and raised spindle grille, flanking which are pointier and blacked-out headlamps. Even the hood, now stretching to the edge of the front, has paid a visit to the drawing board. The tailgate has a more defined profile with a light bar stretching the vehicle’s full width Round the back. Also, the logo has been replaced by spaced-out Lexus lettering. The wheel sizes have gone up from 18 to 20 inches, and the treads have been widened at both ends.

Inside the cabin, one of the biggest differences is the infotainment system. The previous cumbersome unit paves the way for an all-new one that can stretch 14 inches diagonally, depending on the model variant. It also supports smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus has even tweaked the steering wheel, which now has controls for the Touch Tracer Operation. Using that, the driver can get the operation guide on the head-up display. That makes things more intuitive without having to take the eyes off the road. The gear selector is new as well and has been developed for the shift-by-wire function.

As you’d expect, the list of assistance systems has been extended too. It now includes an e-latch system in the door handles, front cross-traffic alert, radar-guided cruise control and safe exit assist. There’s also a panoramic view monitor, a digital key and automatic parallel parking with remote function.

Making a headline in the powertrain department is the new PHEV setup, serving the NX 450h+. The complete set of specifications aren’t out yet, but it uses a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor at each end. Coupled with the powertrain is an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery capable of delivering an electric-only range of up to 58km. Using the standard 3.3kW charger, one can replenish the juice box in 4.5 hours. Get the optional 6.6kW charger, and the wait time drops to 2.5 hours.

Those who want a self-charging powertrain can settle for the NX 350h. That uses the same 2.5-litre engine as mentioned above and two electric motors, one for each axle. With 239bhp, the crossover can hit 100kmph from a standstill in about 7.4 seconds.

Next up is the NX 350. That uses a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol mill with 275bhp/430Nm on tap. With a slick 8-speed automatic transmission doing its thing and sending power to all four wheels, the car can complete the 0-100kmph sprint in about 7 seconds.

The entry-level powerplant comes with the NX 250. It houses a 2.5-litre unit that produces 203bhp/250Nm and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Customers get to choose whether they want an all-wheel-drive or a simple front-wheel-drive system in place. In the same order, the times to hit 100kmph are around 8.8 seconds and 8.4 seconds.

So, there you have it. The all-new NX is much more appealing than before. Production is set to commence in the third quarter of this year. After it goes to more relevant markets around the globe, the new crossover will also arrive on Indian shores. How? As a direct import.