Lexus reveals NX by Will.I.Am special edition in Paris
Lexus has partnered with musician Will.I.Am to create a limited-run NX 200t F Sport, unveiled with bespoke styling and technology at a Paris event in September 2014.
Lexus introduced a special edition of the NX 200t F Sport in September 2014, developed in collaboration with musician and producer Will.I.Am. The car made its debut at a dedicated event in Paris, joining a growing list of celebrity-influenced special editions in the SUV sector.
The NX by Will.I.Am stands out visually with a wider body kit, flared front and rear wings, and a monochrome matte pearl white finish. The exterior features a black panoramic glass roof, aluminium and carbon vinyl accents, and orange brake calipers behind 22-inch luminous black machined alloy wheels. Suspension is lowered compared to the standard F Sport, emphasising the car’s stance and design brief.
Inside, the special edition receives soft Nappa leather upholstery, with the “willpower” logo embroidered into the seats. Brushed aluminium floor mats and a wireless charging tray are fitted as standard. The in-car entertainment system is upgraded to a 10-speaker Pioneer surround sound setup, and a 180-degree camera system is included for improved visibility. The overall effect is a cabin tailored to both luxury and the personal branding of Will.I.Am.
Performance and technical details
Based on the NX 200t F Sport, the special edition uses Lexus’s 2.0-litre VVT-iW turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 235hp (175kW) and 350Nm of torque. According to Lexus, the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds. The powertrain and performance figures are unchanged from the standard NX 200t F Sport, with the focus of the edition on design and equipment rather than mechanical upgrades.
| Base model | Lexus NX 200t F Sport |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol |
| Power | 235hp (175kW) |
| Torque | 350Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 7.1 seconds |
| Wheels | 22-inch black machined alloys |
| Interior | Nappa leather, Pioneer 10-speaker audio, wireless charging tray |
Position in the market
The NX by Will.I.Am follows a trend of manufacturers using celebrity partnerships to create limited-run special editions, aiming to reach buyers seeking exclusivity and a link to pop culture. Like the Nissan Juke Ministry of Sound Edition, these models tend to focus on unique styling and technology packages rather than performance changes. Lexus has not announced production numbers or pricing for the Will.I.Am edition, but the specification and branding suggest a premium over the standard NX F Sport.
Features unique to the Will.I.Am edition
- Monochrome matte pearl white paint
- Black panoramic glass roof
- Aluminium and carbon-effect exterior detailing
- 22-inch luminous black alloy wheels
- Orange brake calipers
- Lowered suspension
- Nappa leather with “willpower” logo
- Brushed aluminium floor mats
- 10-speaker Pioneer surround sound system
- 180-degree camera system
- Wireless charging tray
