Japanese luxury marque Lexus has the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLA in its sights with a new crossover likely to be called the NX.
The compact SUV has been spied testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
If there is something familiar about it that’s because the test mule is fitted with the body of the Lexus CT 200h hatchback wrapped in stick-on vinyl camouflage.
What’s underneath the CT 200h body is what counts. Expect the crossover to come with everything the German opposition offers.
The new model is tipped to be called the NX and slot in below the larger RX model.
Lexus filed patents in the United States for the names “NX 200t” and “NX 300h.”
Observers say the names imply that there will be two powertrains – a new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and a development of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and electric motor used in the new IS model.
Lexus is likely to borrow design cues for the NX from its latest LF concepts, meaning the NX will be sharper looking than the bigger RX. The new crossover is expected to be unveiled late next year.