Production Lexus UX, Extended 3-Row RX Rumored for Tokyo Unveiling
Two new Lexus models will strengthen the automaker’s foothold in the scorching hot crossover market.
The concept of a 3-row Lexus SUV is certainly nothing new. But a lot has changed since the HPX concept debuted way back at the 2003 New York Auto Show. These days, consumers can’t get enough crossovers and SUVs in their lives. And automakers can’t produce new variants quickly enough. So it should come as no surprise that we might see not one, but two new production spec Lexus SUVs at the 2017 Tokyo Auto Show in October.
Those two new models consist of one we already know is coming, the Lexus UX, and one we didn’t: an extended, 3-row version of the Lexus RX. According to Japanese magazine Mag-X, Lexus filed trademarks for RX350L and RX450hL earlier this year, which would seem to provide a clear indication of their intentions to finally build a family-friendly version of their best-selling crossover.
The mag claims that the extended 7-seaters will maintain the standard RX’s wheelbase while pushing the rear window further back. Instead of a sloping roofline, the top will remain flat all the way back to add space. Lexus could have opted to add a third-row seat to the RX without any body modifications, but likely chose to go with the modified roofline to add a bit more headroom.
According to AutoCar, the extended RX will be joined by yet another new crossover in Tokyo – the production Lexus UX. Lexus confirmed that it would build the compact SUV earlier this year. But we’ve yet to see what a production version of the wild concept might look like.
The production UX is expected to retain its angular styling in an effort to appeal to younger buyers. However, its most extreme styling elements (like the torture chamberesque interior) should be much toned down considerably.
