The new-generation Lexus NX is shaping up to be a victim of its early sales success, with expected customer wait times on the hybrid grades already out past 12 months.
The second-gen NX hit the market in February this year, and topped its ‘Medium SUV above $60,000’ market segment right away, with 474 sales and 16.1 per cent market share in March.
A combination of strong demand and continued production snags across Japan and the globe mean Australian market supply can’t keep up.
Lexus Australia told us this week that the top-selling NX350h hybrid, as well as the all-new NX450h+ plug-in hybrid flagship, already had wait times out to 12 or more months.
The (expected lower-volume) NX250 and NX350 petrol-only models are better placed, with current wait times sitting at an estimated 3-6 months, although the situation is fluid as ever.
The short supply of NX’s should come as less of a surprise when you consider the closely related Toyota RAV4 – Australia’s top-selling SUV of any kind – has long been the subject of long waits, the hybrid in particular.
The NX is not the only new Lexus with greater demand than supply.
A combination of high demand and restricted supply means the new Lexus LX, essentially Japan’s Range Rover, will launch with an expected wait list of at least 12 months.
Factory allocation from Japan to Australia for the rest of 2022 on that car will amount to around 50 units per month, with 2023’s production numbers still up in the air.
Based on the number of people who’ve already placed an order, this means anyone looking to buy now will be waiting a year or more for their more luxurious LandCruiser.
MORE: 2022 Lexus NX review
MORE: 2022 Lexus NX450h+ PHEV review
