At an exclusive function held at the Wattayah showroom, the All-New 2015 Lexus NX was launched in Oman. The Guest of Honour at the event was the creator of the All-New NX – Mr. Takeaki Kato. He was accompanied by the General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Middle East & North Africa, Mr. Takayuki Yoshitsugu. Mr. Takayuki Yoshitsugu, in his introductory speech talked about the exciting new Lexus NX. He said, “As you can see, we are passionate about creating amazing. The new Lexus NX is a step forward in the state of the art amazing design and an amazing brand experience.

All praises for the NX he said, “The Lexus NX is a no compromise SUV, a true hero that expresses the aspirations of its drivers. The NX is all set to change the game.”

Elaborating further he said, “The design is aggressive. The vehicle has a wide powerful, solid stance. The sweeping lines and angles make the car stand out in the crowd. The NX is not just sporty but, “athletic”: muscular.

Later in the evening, guests received detailed information about the All-New NX, from none other than the Chief Engineer of the All-New NX himself – Mr. Takeaki Kato. Outlining the philosophy behind the development of the All-New NX Mr. Kato said, “NX had to be “urban” — a sophisticated, modern, stand-out vehicle that makes you proud and expresses your values. And it had to be an “athlete”. It’s like a top class football player — defined by its talent.”

Highlighting what makes the NX so special Mr. Kato said, “It took over four years and the creative efforts of over 2000 engineers to create the NX. It had to be the best. As I have indicated, it had to be game changer. So, how did we do it? First came dynamic performance. Although engineers like to quantify performance, for drivers, it is the “feel”. Dynamism is more than just numbers, more than, say, zero to sixty. Of course, Lexus’ newly developed two litre turbo engine provides all the power you need. But power is just one factor in real world performance. Handling is another, big factor. The NX handles superbly — intuitively — to offer sheer driving pleasure under all conditions. The NX does not follow it leads. It’s for people who want to stand out from the crowd, too and lead.”

Having pioneered the luxury-utility crossover category more than a decade ago with the original midsized RX300, Lexus is now poised to disrupt the SUV segment once again with the all-new NX. The turbocharged NX combines the expertise of racers within the engineering team and the impeccable touch of Lexus luxury through an exciting and sporty design to set a new benchmark in the automotive world.

For its first-ever turbocharged gasoline engine, Lexus created all-new engine architecture. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder port and direct-injection turbo engine uses an advanced valve control system to switch between Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle operation to optimize performance.

The NX with all-weather drive introduces Dynamic Torque Control AWD to provide maximum traction and cornering stability. The system continuously controls torque transfer between the front and rear wheels, using sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, throttle angle and yaw rate.

The NX’s array of technology innovations sets new standards for future Lexus models. It features the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with a touch pad. A highly visible and easy-to-understand navigation screen enables users to confirm a range of information at a glance.

The NX is the first Lexus to offer a Qi Wireless Charging Tray inside the console box: just placing a compatible smartphone or tablet in the tray will recharge its battery.

The look and feel of Lexus luxury detail begins before you enter the NX. A single LED elegantly streams a welcoming beam of light along the top of the handle and also to the ground as the driver approaches the vehicle. The cabin design combines structural elements with luxurious yet functional materials and textures. A neat-looking switch layout and aesthetic surfaces epitomize the NX’s interior concept – “traditional luxury accentuated by simple functional beauty”.

The Lexus NX comes with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. The Panoramic View Monitor, introduced into a Lexus vehicle for the first time, helps the driver avoid other vehicles and pedestrians approaching from the sides. Frontal and side collision protection measures on the NX include the use of high tensile steel, across the center-pillar hinge reinforcement, outer rockers and roof cross-members. The NX has ten SRS airbags, including a dual stage driver’s airbag and knee airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, and offers the Lexus Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) which uses the all-speed Adaptive Cruise Control system’s millimeter-wavelength radar sensor to detect vehicles and other obstacles.

The F SPORT variant promises a special driving experience with its aggressive looks such as a grille that’s even bolder than on the standard model. The L-mesh black grille integrates with a metallic coated lower bumper moulding, and black side mirrors match the grille. Exclusive wheels, cabin styling and trim and bolstered sports seats add to the F SPORT repertoire in the NX.

Later in the evening the first few customers of the All-New NX were felicitated by Mr. Takeaki Kato and Mr. Takayuki Yoshitsugu. Invitees also went around viewing the displayed vehicles and getting a first hand experience of what makes these vehicles so special.

The All-New NX will be on display at the Lexus showroom at Wattayah and shortly at all branches across the country. Experience the All-New NX and you are bound to be impressed.