Introduction to the Lexus NX 350 F Sport

Hey guys! Let's dive straight into the Lexus NX 350 F Sport review, focusing on how it handles here in the UK. The Lexus NX has always been a strong contender in the compact luxury SUV market, and the latest NX 350 F Sport aims to elevate that reputation even further. Combining bold styling, a tech-forward interior, and a sporty driving experience, the NX 350 F Sport promises a lot. But does it deliver, especially on our diverse and often challenging UK roads? That's what we're here to find out. We’ll explore everything from its performance and handling to its interior comfort and technology, giving you a comprehensive look at whether this SUV is the right fit for you.

The NX 350 F Sport distinguishes itself with a more aggressive exterior design compared to the standard NX models. The signature spindle grille, unique to the F Sport trim, is more pronounced, and the larger air intakes give it a sportier stance. The exterior also features distinctive alloy wheels, exclusive badging, and body-colored accents that enhance its athletic appeal. The adaptive variable suspension (AVS) is another key feature, adjusting the damping based on road conditions to provide a smoother, more controlled ride. Inside, the F Sport gets bolstered sport seats, aluminum pedals, and a unique steering wheel, all contributing to a more engaging driving environment. These enhancements not only make the NX 350 F Sport visually appealing but also improve its performance and handling dynamics.

The UK roads present a unique set of challenges for any vehicle. From the well-maintained motorways to the narrow, winding country lanes and pothole-ridden city streets, a car needs to be versatile and robust to handle the diverse conditions. The NX 350 F Sport is designed to tackle these challenges with its advanced suspension system and responsive powertrain. Its performance is particularly notable, providing ample power for confident overtaking and smooth acceleration. The interior comfort is also crucial for long journeys, and the NX 350 F Sport excels in this area with its supportive seats and well-insulated cabin. We'll delve deeper into how the car performs in various driving scenarios, assessing its ride quality, handling precision, and overall suitability for UK roads. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Lexus NX 350 F Sport lives up to the hype and meets the demands of the UK driving environment.

Performance and Handling

Alright, let’s get into the heart of the matter: performance and handling of the NX 350 F Sport on UK roads. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, delivering a combined output of 240 horsepower. While that might not sound like a massive figure, the electric motor provides instant torque, resulting in brisk acceleration and a responsive feel. The car manages 0-60 mph in around 7.2 seconds, which is plenty quick for everyday driving and merging onto motorways. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is smooth and refined, though some drivers might miss the more engaging feel of a traditional automatic gearbox. However, the CVT is well-tuned to the hybrid powertrain, ensuring optimal fuel efficiency and seamless power delivery. The all-wheel-drive system provides added grip and stability, especially useful in wet or slippery conditions, which are common in the UK.

When it comes to handling, the F Sport trim sets itself apart with its sport-tuned suspension and adaptive variable suspension (AVS). The AVS system continuously adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers based on road conditions and driving inputs, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride. On smooth motorways, the NX 350 F Sport glides effortlessly, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. When the roads get twisty, the suspension firms up, reducing body roll and improving cornering stability. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback and allowing you to place the car accurately on the road. While it's not a sports car, the NX 350 F Sport provides an engaging and enjoyable driving experience, striking a good balance between comfort and performance. We put it through its paces on some challenging B-roads, and it handled the undulating surfaces and tight corners with confidence.

One of the standout features of the NX 350 F Sport is its ability to switch between different driving modes. The selectable drive modes include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom, each altering the car's throttle response, steering feel, and suspension settings. In Eco mode, the focus is on maximizing fuel efficiency, with a softer throttle response and reduced power output. Normal mode provides a balanced driving experience, suitable for everyday commuting. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response, firms up the suspension, and adds weight to the steering, providing a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. Custom mode allows you to tailor the settings to your preferences, mixing and matching elements from the other modes. This versatility is particularly useful in the UK, where you might encounter a wide range of driving conditions on a single journey. Whether you're navigating city traffic, cruising on the motorway, or tackling winding country lanes, the NX 350 F Sport can adapt to suit your needs, making it a well-rounded and capable performer on UK roads.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Moving inside, let’s check out the interior comfort and technology of the Lexus NX 350 F Sport. The cabin is a blend of luxury and modern tech, designed to make every journey a pleasure. The F Sport trim adds unique touches like bolstered sport seats, aluminum pedals, and a distinctive steering wheel, enhancing the sporty feel. The seats are incredibly comfortable, providing excellent support for long drives, and the leather upholstery feels premium and durable. There’s plenty of space in the front, and even rear passengers will find adequate legroom and headroom. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, creating a quiet and relaxing environment.

The centerpiece of the NX 350 F Sport's interior is its large touchscreen infotainment system. The standard screen is 14 inches, offering crisp graphics and intuitive menus. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The voice control system is also impressive, responding accurately to natural language commands. Lexus has improved the user interface compared to previous models, making it easier to navigate and access various functions. The F Sport also includes a digital instrument cluster, which displays important driving information in a clear and customizable format. The head-up display projects key data onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

In terms of technology, the NX 350 F Sport is packed with advanced safety features. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and road sign assist. These systems work together to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. The adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed. Lane departure alert warns you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane keeping assist can gently steer you back into position. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if you don't react in time. These features are particularly useful on UK roads, where traffic can be unpredictable and road markings can be unclear. The NX 350 F Sport’s interior combines comfort, technology, and safety to create a premium driving experience, making it a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip.

Pros and Cons

Alright, time to break it down. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of the Lexus NX 350 F Sport after testing it out on UK roads.

Pros:

• Sporty Handling: The F Sport trim delivers a more engaging driving experience thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and adaptive variable suspension. The car feels planted and confident on winding roads, offering a good balance between comfort and performance.
• Luxurious Interior: The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and comfortable seats. The F Sport-specific touches, like the bolstered seats and aluminum pedals, add to the sporty feel.
• Advanced Technology: The large touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, and the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a big plus. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provides a comprehensive suite of safety features.
• Hybrid Efficiency: The hybrid powertrain delivers good fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving. The electric motor provides instant torque, resulting in brisk acceleration.
• All-Wheel Drive: The all-wheel-drive system enhances grip and stability, especially useful in wet or slippery conditions.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: While the CVT is smooth and efficient, some drivers may prefer the more engaging feel of a traditional automatic gearbox.
• Infotainment System Quirks: Although the touchscreen is a welcome improvement, some users may find the menu system a bit complex at first.
• Price: The NX 350 F Sport is priced at the higher end of the compact luxury SUV segment, which may put it out of reach for some buyers.
• Engine Sound: The engine can sound a bit strained under hard acceleration, which may detract from the overall luxury experience.

Overall, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded and capable SUV that excels in many areas. Its sporty handling, luxurious interior, and advanced technology make it a strong contender in the competitive compact luxury SUV market. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a compelling choice for UK buyers.

Final Verdict: Is the Lexus NX 350 F Sport Right for You?

So, the big question: Is the Lexus NX 350 F Sport right for you? After spending a considerable amount of time driving it on various UK roads, I can confidently say that it's a fantastic option for those looking for a compact luxury SUV that blends style, performance, and technology. The NX 350 F Sport stands out with its distinctive design, both inside and out. The sporty exterior, combined with the luxurious and tech-forward interior, creates a premium driving experience. The comfortable seats, advanced infotainment system, and comprehensive safety features make it a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip.

If you value a sporty driving experience, the F Sport trim won't disappoint. The sport-tuned suspension and adaptive variable suspension provide confident handling on winding roads, while the hybrid powertrain delivers brisk acceleration and good fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system adds an extra layer of security, especially useful in the unpredictable UK weather. However, if you prioritize a more traditional driving experience, the CVT transmission may not be your cup of tea. Some drivers may prefer the more engaging feel of a conventional automatic gearbox. Additionally, if you're on a tight budget, the NX 350 F Sport’s higher price point may be a deterrent. There are other options in the compact luxury SUV segment that offer similar features at a lower price.

Ultimately, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport is a well-rounded and capable SUV that excels in many areas. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a compelling choice for UK buyers. If you're looking for a stylish, sporty, and technologically advanced SUV that can handle the diverse conditions of UK roads, the NX 350 F Sport is definitely worth considering. I highly recommend taking it for a test drive to see if it's the right fit for your needs and preferences. You won't be disappointed!