The 2027 Lexus NX is bringing a whole new meaning to new car smell.

Lexus has fitted its second-best selling model with something called Sensory Concierge, a system that coordinates lighting, sound, climate control, seat temperature and fragrance in an effort to improve your emotional well-being. Similar systems are available from Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus has given its version a choice of three fragrances: Shinmei, a citrus scent; Seiyo, a floral aroma; and Hanya, a musk.

But the NX has a more fundamental problem than its perfume counter.

The NX comes in Premium, Premium Plus, F Sport and Luxury configurations. The Premium and Premium Plus are nearly twins, save for the Premium Plus' panoramic sunroof. The F Sport gets adaptive variable suspension, 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers and distinctive exterior trim. The Luxury model takes the quieter route, adding heated rear seats, a comfort-oriented suspension and a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson audio system. If you must spend your afternoon sitting in traffic, you might as well have a decent soundtrack.

Climb inside the base Premium model and you encounter an all-black interior that could use a little cheering up. The design is considerably cleaner than last year’s, and the cabin is perfectly serviceable. But the materials lack the richness and extravagance that once distinguished a Lexus from its competition. There is nothing particularly wrong with the interior. There is simply too little here to make you feel that you've purchased something extraordinary.

The steering wheel is smaller than last year's, and the narrower center console gives the driver's legs more room. Both are welcome changes. There's also a new transmission toggle that is considerably more sensible than the peculiar electronic shifter it replaces. The old drive-mode knob has disappeared, another casualty in the automotive industry's apparently relentless campaign against knobs. Soon, one suspects, we'll be adjusting the windshield wipers with facial expressions.

The dashboard has been redesigned around a standard 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The revised infotainment system is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, which is encouraging. Unfortunately, the navigation system doesn't provide an obvious way to make it announce directions. It's like having a butler who refuses to answer the door.

Under the hood, the NX offers two versions of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine working with electric motors. The NX 350h hybrid produces 244 horsepower. The plug-in NX 450h+ delivers a combined 324 horsepower, up from 304 in the previous model. The latter's revised lithium-ion battery is estimated by Lexus to provide 45 miles of electric-only driving, compared with 37 miles before. Standard DC fast charging can replenish the battery to 80% in an estimated 35 minutes when connected to a 50-kW charger. All-wheel drive is available throughout the lineup, while the Premium and Premium Plus also come with front-wheel drive. EPA fuel-economy figures haven't been released, but every NX requires premium gasoline.

Out on the road, the NX remains a car for gentle progress rather than vigorous motoring. The NX 350h's 244 horsepower is adequate, but it delivers its performance with the urgency of a fellow who has just been told the restaurant doesn't take reservations. Press harder and the continuously variable transmission allows the gasoline engine to drone away in protest, although less so than last year. The NX 450h+’s extra 80 horsepower makes it appreciably stronger, and its ability to cruise on electric power without summoning the gasoline engine gives it a welcome degree of refinement. It feels smoother, quicker and more relaxed. In short, it behaves more like the luxury automobile the NX badge promises.

Cornering brings the usual helping of body roll, and a brisk change of direction can send your smartphone skating across the wireless charging pad, which has apparently been designed on the assumption that phones never experience lateral acceleration. AT east the ride has improved. Additional structural reinforcement gives the NX a more composed demeanor, and ordinary bumps are dispatched with greater civility. But expansion joints and larger potholes still make their presence known. Road noise remains another disappointment, especially on rough pavement. Lexus says engine noise is down 20 percent from last year. The road surface, evidently, was not invited to the engineering meeting.

And that brings us to the central issue. The 2027 NX is quieter in some respects, more efficient and better equipped with technology. Those are worthwhile improvements, and the plug-in hybrid in particular makes a strong case for itself. Lexus has clearly been busy refining the machine, and it shows.

But a luxury automobile feels special. And while a 14-inch screen is impressive and the fragrance dispenser amusing, neither can substitute for the feeling that somebody has gone to extraordinary lengths to build a genuinely exceptional automobile. The NX is competent, economical and considerably more agreeable than its predecessor in several important respects. The NX 450h+ even manages to deliver the sort of smooth, effortless performance that the Lexus name ought to guarantee. There’s plenty here to like.

But the distinction between a very good Toyota and a convincing Lexus remains stubbornly elusive. At the moment, the NX is a perfectly respectable Toyota wearing an expensive suit and carrying a bottle of French perfume in its pocket. The suit fits better than it did last year. Now Lexus needs to give us a reason to admire the man wearing it.

2026 Lexus NX 350h

Base price: Not finalized

Powertrain: 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder hybrid

Horsepower: 244

EPA rating (combined): Not finalized

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 185/73/66 inches

Ground clearance: Not listed

Cargo capacity: 22.7 cubic feet

Towing capacity: Not listed

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