I would guess premium too. As mentioned, Q5 and X3 require it. Ford's Eco Boost run on regular though.

 

I hope the NX300h breaks the 32 MPG barrier in AWD form.

Otherwise, a 22 MPG (combined) 285 hp AWD on regular gas from the Lincoln MKC sounds like a good offer any day (with adaptive suspension).

I'm sure the Benz GLA250 can do at least 26 MPG (combined) in AWD, and it can top @ 143 MPH (premium gas required, of course).

It's luxo MPG or luxo MPH!

 

I guess you could throw the RDX in there as well, it has a V6 in the same ballpark. I am at least going to try out the MKC. The fact that I went as far as to find out where the dealer is located stands as a moral victory for Lincoln.

 

I like 6-cylinder engine, and I truly believe there's no replacement to CC displacement. Having experienced 3.5L, 3.0L, and 2.8L, there's also really no substitute to a more fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine.

In the 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine arena, I think the most balanced is a 2.3L or 2.5L 4 cylinder engine compared to a 2.0L. Even if you go turbo/hybrid, you will feel the difference on how the power is delivered.

Like you, I started locating Lincoln dealers.
However, I still got my eyes on the Lexus NX.

 

Same here. I was so looking forward to the NX but the 2.0L turbo DI is not for me especially if you have to feed it premium gas. I'll await the pricing on the Hybrid. Meanwhile the MKC certainly is looking good. I also looked up where the Lincoln dealers were in my area.

 

Since the NX300h uses the same powertrain as the 40mpg Camry, my bet is the NX300h even in its AWD form will get much closer to 40mpg than 30.

 

40mpg in AWD is overshot IMO, although I wish it is true. I think CorradoMR2's estimate is about correct, around 34mpg. My heavy right foot still feels it close to 32mpg (combined) on 194hp AWD.

 

Keep in mind the NX300h's AWD, like RX450h's, doesn't have the burden of a drive shaft, so the fuel economy of AWD and FWD models should end up very close, just like the RXh.

 

I actually had just assumed the MKC was a V6 based on the HP numbers. That's why I mentioned the RDX. I see now it's actually a 4 cylinder 2.3L turbo. Interesting.

 

Wait until you drive it before you discount the motor guys. Not every 2.0 motor is going to feel equal. Have you driven the Cadillac ATS and CTS with their 2.0T? I have and I came away very impressed with the engine. Very smooth, refined, good power band with no turbo lag. Lexus can do this too, have some faith.

 

its a hybrid, so 35mpg minimum really.

And turbo should get really good real world consumption as well.

 

I do have high expectations for the 2.0T in the NX. I think it will perform similarly to the X3, but with superior MPG. The X3 has no lag in my opinion, especially compared to my 2.0T Passat. It seems to show in the 0-60 time, where it has almost a full second on my car.

I really like turbo engines in general, the Passat does its best work in the 50-75 mph range. I get more jump when trying to overtake on the highway than I do with the wife's IS250.

The 2.3 Ecoboost is an interesting proposition though. You can't argue with the power numbers at 285 HP and 305 lb-ft torque. It looks like it will be a de-tuned version of what will be in the Mustang. It's also only premium recommended, so you could put regular in it although I'd expect you might see some performance degradation, and maybe lower mileage. The other thing with the MKC for us Americans is that there's none of this will-we-or-won't-we nonsense with the features. 700 Watt audio, 20 inch wheels, adaptive suspension, and actual parking assist are all there for the taking. and don't forget the pano roof! haha..

 

Even 8-10 more mpg wouldn't make me swap our barely broken-in 2010 RX 450h for a new NX 300h. Not only would I not want to give up the RX's power (which I mostly hold in reserve), but I'm doubting that the NX will offer a ride that's nearly as comfortable as the RX's. This was an important factor in my decision to bail out of our '07 V6 RAV4 Limited with less than 50K on it last November. Of course, I'm looking forward to driving one sometime, most likely as a loaner from the dealer, if only just to satisfy my curiosity.

 

i doubt NX will offer soft ride like RX... they are two very different cars, so for you, RX makes a lot more sense.

 

I'm not sure why you would expect that the NX would be a car that makes you want to swap out your 2010 RX in any circumstance.

The NX is supposed to be the entry level Lexus SUV, slotted beneath the RX in the lineup. Lexus doesn't want you to trade your RX in on an NX. They want you to trade your RX in on the new RX or better.

If all you cared about was MPG there were plenty of other more fuel efficient vehicles for you to choose other than your RX450h.