2015 Lexus NX Enters Luxury Compact Crossover Arena

The New York Auto Show won't be the only major automotive event this week. Halfway around the world in China, the Beijing Auto Show will be holding court as well. This is the place where Lexus has decided to reveal their contender in the luxury compact crossover group, the 2015 Lexus NX.

While we're glad Lexus didn't apply the entire NX concept design to the production model, it is still a very polarizing model to look at. Up front is the company's now trademark spindle grille that can either feature the standard bar grille or a mesh insert. Headlights are narrow and a set of LEDs looking like upside down eyelashes sit beneath them. The side profile reminds us a bit of the current RX lineup, aside from the bold line running along the doors.

Inside the NX follows the same design trend of the GS and IS with a center stack that has a display sitting on top and controls sitting right underneath. The latest-generation of Lexus' RemoteTouch with a touchpad will be available. Depending on whether you opt for the standard or F-Sport model, the interior will be trimmed with either leather and either wood or metal.

Under the hood sits a first for the Lexus brand. The base NX 200t will get the brand's first turbocharged engine: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder unit. The NX 300h will come with a hybrid powertrain. Lexus hasn't revealed performance specs, transmissions, or drivetrains for either model at this time.

We'll have more information on the NX crossover in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.