Lexus unleashes the NX

Lexus releases first official pictures of its NX “compact crossover”.

The NX is the car Lexus hopes will take on the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the compact SUV sector.

Due to make its official debut at the Beijing Motor Show, it’s a seriously aggressive looking beast from Toyota’s premium division.

The NX will be available as a petrol/electric hybrid in the NX 300h, a Lexus-first 2.0-litre petrol turbo in the NX 200t, plus a naturally aspirated petrol unit in the NX 200. All models will offer the choice of front and all-wheel drive.

Inside, the spacious five-seater is plush and packed with the kind of goodies you’d expect from Lexus including include a wireless charging tray for portable devices.

The NX is due to go on sale by the end of 2014, but there’s no word of its pricing yet.