A Multi-State, Multi-Terrain Adventure With Lexus NX350h Overtrail

It was an ideal end to the nationwide monsoon season, with the rains ebbing, and the mid-summer sunshine begging to take road trips on national highways and across rain-washed terrains. I happened to embark on a 450 km journey from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan to Delhi on the new multi-lane Mumbai-Delhi Expressway. The ride – the recently launched adventure-focused Lexus NX350h variant ‘Overtrail’. It was a fitting opportunity to put this hybrid SUV through a series of tests on the route spanning four states, which included Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Each of these stretches presented a unique challenge — loose dirt roads in Rajasthan right down to the chaotic traffic in Delhi.

A Terrific Drive Through Terra Firma

As I pulled out of Sawai Madhopur, a quiet village in Rajasthan, my co-passenger, another auto enthusiast, couldn’t help but marvel at the mellow start to the drive: “This feels too calm for a rugged off-road machine!” she exclaimed. It was true; despite the challenging 15 km stretch of uneven roads, the Lexus NX350h Overtrail handled the bumps and gravel with ease. With the wider treads and reinforced underbody design—specifically designed for off-road endurance, the Overtrail showed no signs of wear as we trundled deeper into the village, almost taking a wrong turn and having to back up about 800 metres.

Surprisingly, the reverse display here showcased a unique feature; the 360-degree camera system and terrain monitoring kick in, and the clever integration proves invaluable for off-road driving. It displays the undercarriage in real time, switching the metallic imagery of the vehicle to transparent, making any obstacles we might have missed, visible. Backing up over rough patches and narrow village paths was a smooth confidence-laden experience.

The suspension system was thoroughly tested on the village roads. Potholes were glided over effortlessly. Loose gravel barely caused a bump. But the real magic unfolded when we transitioned onto the smooth, multi-lane highway. The Lexus NX350h’s hybrid system came into full play, seamlessly alternating between electric and petrol power to deliver remarkable fuel efficiency. With a combined mileage of 16-17 km/l under mixed conditions, and stretching up to 18 km/l on highways, the car cruises without the need for frequent refuels.

The self-charging hybrid system combines a 2.5L petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined power output of around 240 hp. The transition between petrol and electric modes highlights the core Lexus principle of seamless luxury—no rough gear changes, no jolts. Effortless segue into a long, straight highway stretch.

The cabin remains quiet, even at 120 km/h, the maximum speed limit on NH48, allowing for a leeway into speeding up. With finely tuned acoustics inside, it feels as if the bubble of tranquillity envelopes you in soundless euphoria. The Mark Levinson premium sound system is a welcome install, given how listening in on long drives, be it music or podcasts, is imperative.

As we entered Delhi, the car transitioned smoothly into city-driving mode. Tight corners, sudden stops, and dense traffic barely phased the Overtrail. Its advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision systems, kicked in and made navigating Delhi’s notorious traffic a breeze.

Four states, and not one hiccup—the Overtrail had proven itself across every terrain imaginable, except perhaps for mountains—although given its performance, I have no doubt it would handle those with ease too.

Luxury and Overtrail Editions: What’s the Difference?

The Lexus NX350h comes in both Luxury and Overtrail editions, but it’s in the Overtrail version where Lexus flexes its muscles. The Overtrail offers enhancements that take its off-road abilities to a new level—wider tread patterns for better grip, a redesigned front bumper for better approach angles, and a reinforced underbody for additional protection against rough terrain, all of these a contrast to the luxury edition’s sleek, streamlined look, designed for city driving with a refined stance.

Inside, both models reflect Lexus’ renowned ‘Omotenashi’ philosophy, the art of Japanese hospitality, ensuring the driver’s needs are anticipated and comfort is paramount. However, the materials in each version set them apart. The Luxury model is all about opulence, with semi-aniline leather seats, wood grain accents, and an elegant minimalist layout. The Overtrail edition has an outdoorsy vibe with durable synthetic leather upholstery and textured, more rugged surfaces that are made to withstand the wear and tear of adventurous outings.

Lexus’ design ethos also shines through in both editions with the ‘Tazuna’ cockpit concept, which places controls and displays within easy reach to minimise distractions. But in the Overtrail, the design is more tactile, using hard-wearing materials designed for functionality without losing the signature Lexus luxury.

Japanese eye for craftsmanship is evident throughout both the models but they manifest differently. While the Luxury edition focuses on meticulous detailing for those who like to prioritise elegance, the Overtrail leans on durability and practicality, with waterproof elements in key areas, seamlessly aligning with a rugged lifestyle.

The Competition: BMW X3 Vs Audi Q5

When we compare the Overtrail to its competitors, like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, it becomes clear that Lexus has positioned itself uniquely in the market. While the BMW X3 excels with sharper handling and a more performance-driven experience, it lacks the hybrid advantage that Lexus brings to the table. The Audi Q5, on the other hand, offers a sportier drive but doesn’t quite match the Overtrail’s off-road capabilities.

One area where the Overtrail truly shines is its balance between fuel efficiency and luxury. The hybrid powertrain means you’re saving significantly on fuel costs during long drives, while still enjoying the smooth ride and high-end features of a luxury vehicle. The BMW and Audi, while strong competitors, don’t offer this same blend of eco-friendliness and high performance. Some may argue that the Overtrail’s rugged features, make it feel slightly less agile than the BMW on winding roads. However, the Lexus stands out in its versatility.

In the grand scheme of things, the Lexus NX 350h Overtrail represents a shift in how we think about luxury SUVs. It’s no longer just about performance or aesthetics—it’s about creating a versatile vehicle that respects the environment while offering a premium driving experience. Lexus has entered the Indian market with a hybrid-focused approach, and the Overtrail positions itself as a leader in this new category, easily representing: the future of luxury driving.

Key Features of the Lexus NX350h Overtrail

• Engine: 2.5L petrol + electric motor, 240 hp combined output
• Hybrid System: Self-charging, transitions seamlessly between petrol and electric
• Terrain Handling: Wider treads, reinforced underbody, off-road capable
• Interior: Bamboo steering wheel, eco-friendly materials, premium leather seats
• Safety: Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system, 360-degree camera with undercarriage view in reverse
• Fuel Efficiency: 16-17 km/l combined, up to 18 km/l on highways
• Performance: Smooth on highways, agile in city traffic, rugged off-road
•  Price: Starts at ₹67.35 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

Images: Nikhil Merchant, Lexus India