Lexus has done something few luxury brands dare: it has killed the petrol-only NX. The 2027 NX will be sold only as a self-charging hybrid (350h) or plug-in hybrid (450h+) when it goes on sale globally by end-2026. India likely gets it in 2027, so if you want a Lexus NX today, the current ₹67.59–74.50 lakh strong hybrid is your only option.
What's new in the 2027 Lexus NX, and when India gets it
This is a mid-life update, not an all-new car. The body shape stays the same, but the lights, cabin tech and hybrid systems have all been touched up. The big news is that Lexus has dropped the pure petrol version. From 2027, the NX comes only as the 350h (strong hybrid, no plug needed) or the 450h+ (plug-in hybrid you charge from a wall). Globally it goes on sale by the end of 2026. India is expected to get it in 2027, so current buyers can't walk in and buy this new one yet.
Lexus NX
SUVExterior: dual-L LED lights and three new colours
Look past the badges, and the overall silhouette is unchanged. The headlight setup now gets a dual-light signature, and the LED DRLs (daytime running lights) carry a fresh look. At the back, the tail lamps get a dual-L LED signature plus an illuminated 'Lexus' logo in the centre. Three new paint shades join the range: Shaded Ivy, Ash Green Tone and Incognito, with Incognito kept only for the sporty F-Sport trim. So the changes are evolutionary, not dramatic.
Interior: 14-inch touchscreen and new upholstery
The cabin gets the most useful upgrades. There's a new 14-inch touchscreen, up from the smaller unit before, plus a 12.3-inch digital driver's display (the screen behind the steering that shows speed and info). The steering wheel is redesigned, now spelling out 'LEXUS' on the centre horn pad in the brand's latest font. Two new interior colour schemes arrive, Abalos and Radiant Red, with Radiant Red reserved for the F-Sport. Dual-zone AC and the 17-speaker, 1,800W Mark Levinson sound system carry over.
Powertrain: petrol axed, PHEV jumps to 306 PS with 64 km range
This is where the real change sits. The 350h strong hybrid gains a small 4 PS. The 450h+ plug-in hybrid gets a bigger lift of 20 PS, now making 306 PS. Its electric-only range rises from 60 km to 64 km, thanks to an 8 percent bigger battery. For the first time it supports 50 kW DC fast charging, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 35 minutes. Both versions also get a lighter, more compact e-Axle (the motor-and-gear unit) that lowers the centre of gravity for better handling. Note: the India-spec current NX is a strong hybrid making 188 bhp, not the PHEV.
Features & safety: Level 2 ADAS stays, DC charging is new
The safety kit carries over strong. You get multiple airbags and a full Level 2 ADAS suite (safety tech that can brake, steer and hold lane speed for you on the highway). The headline new feature is the 50 kW DC fast-charge support on the PHEV, something the plug-in didn't have before. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson system and dual-zone climate control continue. So on tech, it's a gentle top-up rather than a full overhaul.
Current India NX: ₹67.59–74.50 lakh and the hybrid explained
The NX on sale today comes in four trims. Exquisite starts at ₹67.59 lakh, Overtrail Grade at ₹71.43 lakh, Luxury at ₹72.33 lakh and the F-Sport tops it at ₹74.50 lakh (all ex-showroom; on-road adds road tax, registration and insurance, which varies by state). All use the same 188 bhp, 239 Nm strong hybrid with an automatic gearbox and five seats. ARAI mileage is 17.8 km/l (ARAI is a government test, always higher than real driving); expect roughly 14–16 km/l in the city and a little less on the highway. A strong hybrid runs on the electric motor at low speeds and brings in the petrol engine on acceleration, recharging itself through braking. You never plug it in. That's the key difference from the new 450h+ PHEV, which you do charge.
Lexus NX — Price by variant
| Variant | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|
| Exquisite | ₹67.59 lakh |
| Overtrail Grade | ₹71.43 lakh |
| Luxury | ₹72.33 lakh |
| F-Sport | ₹74.5 lakh |
(Current price* as of October 2026)
NX vs BMW X1 LWB and Honda ZR-V: is the premium worth it?
The NX isn't cheap next to its rivals. At ₹67.59–74.50 lakh it sits ₹18–26 lakh above the BMW X1 LWB (₹49.90 lakh) and the Honda ZR-V (₹47.99 lakh). What that money buys is the 17.8 km/l strong hybrid and Lexus badge quality against their petrol engines doing roughly 12–14 km/l. Over heavy city use the fuel saving adds up, but the payback takes well over a lakh kilometres, so you're really paying for the brand and the hybrid refinement, not just the mileage. It also undercuts the Mercedes GLC (around ₹77 lakh) on the top end.
Buy the 2026 NX now or wait for 2027?
Here's the honest call. If you want a proven, fuss-free strong hybrid today and don't want to wait 12–18 months, the current NX makes sense. It needs no charging and holds resale better than most EVs. Strong hybrids also qualify for road-tax waivers in states like Uttar Pradesh (check your RTO, as rules vary). But if you can wait and like the idea of 64 km of silent electric running and plug-in flexibility, the 2027 450h+ PHEV is the smarter long-term buy. Just remember the facelift isn't confirmed for India, no price is announced, and PHEV incentives here are still unclear. For most buyers who want Lexus calm without charging headaches, today's Exquisite at ₹67.59 lakh is the value pick.
References: Lexus India — official website
