The independent car safety testing organization Euro NCAP rated the new Lexus NX with five stars. The highest rating for a luxury mid-size SUV is intended both for the safety of children and adults transported in the cabin, for the protection of the most vulnerable road users, and for highly efficient auxiliary systems.

The NX model was rated 83 percent for adult occupant protection and 87 percent for children. For the protection of the most vulnerable road users, SUVs were assigned 83 percent, and the efficiency rating of auxiliary systems reached even 91 percent.

Compared to the previous generation model, the rating of security systems is 20 percent. higher. The safety test results are valid for both the plug-in hybrid version NX 350h and the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+.


Assists the driver

Lexus has significantly expanded the range of active safety systems and their functionality, so now this equipment detects an even wider range of dangers in various situations. For example, with the installation of ultra-short wave radar and new cameras, the PCS (Pre-Collision System) system, which helps to avoid collisions, now detects pedestrians and motorcyclists in the car's path.

Improved technology provides additional safety when crossing intersections: the equipment recognizes vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists crossing the movement path and warns of an emerging danger.

The NX also became the first Lexus model to feature Emergency Steering Assist. This system instantly recognizes the driver's actions when making a sudden maneuver or trying to avoid an obstacle on the road, such as a pedestrian or a parked car, and makes additional corrections to help keep the SUV in the starting lane. Together with other changes, this allowed to significantly improve the ability of auxiliary systems to detect unexpected hazards.


Not only Euro NCAP assessment criteria are important


NX's safety solutions go far beyond what is required by Euro NCAP criteria. Among the most important technologies is the e-Latch electronic door lock, which, together with the blind spot monitoring function, prevents an accident if the door is opened at the wrong time.

For the first time in the automotive industry, the Japanese manufacturer has combined this technology with a safe exit system and blind spot monitoring. When the equipment detects a vehicle approaching the car from behind, in order to avoid a possible incident when the passenger gets out, the door is blocked.

The Lexus Safety System+ package also includes an improved adaptive cruise control system that reacts faster to cars changing lanes and chooses a more natural trajectory when cornering. Also, the speed is adjusted more consistently, so the driver is less aware of the operation of the equipment.

The Lexus Safety System+ safety equipment is standard on all NX models sold in Europe. Drivers can also choose the additionally offered package of security systems with extended functionality.

The latter includes lane change assistance, which automatically steers the car into the next lane when a turn signal is displayed on the highway. Also, a system using radar data is additionally being implemented, which warns the driver about vehicles approaching from the sides when moving slowly from a place at an intersection.