GS69

https://www.yahoo.com/news/two-crossovers-lexus-segments-143543817.html

2 new crossovers will take Lexus into new segments

Ronan Glon,Digital Trends 2 hours 24 minutes ago

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According to a recent report, Lexus will soon expand its lineup with 2 new crossovers. The models will take the Japanese luxury brand into segments that it has never competed in.

The 1st model will be a toned-down version of the striking UX concept (pictured) that was presented a couple of months ago at the Paris Auto Show. Sources close to Lexus have revealed the model will replace the aging CT hatchback, which will be phased out without a direct successor.

More: Lexus’ brand-new 2018 LS sedan is over-engineered in the best possible way

Trademark filings uncovered by British magazine Autocar indicate the UX lineup will initially be made up of three models named UX200, UX250, and UX250h, respectively. The first two will get a four-cylinder engine, while the range-topping, h-badged version will receive a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain likely built using components borrowed from parent company Toyota.

The UX will compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLA. It will help the company get a bigger slice of the European market, a region that it has historically struggled in due largely to a complete lack of image.

Lexus’s 2nd crossover will slot at the other end of its lineup. The brand is reportedly about to release a longer RX with space for up to 7 passengers. Leaked trademark applications reveal plans for a RX350L and a RX450hL, indicating that Lexus won’t make any major modifications under the hood. The 350 will use a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 295 horsepower, while the 450h will be equipped with a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain tuned to deliver 308 horsepower.

The 7-seat RX will compete in the same segment as the Volvo XC90, and high-end models will square off against the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Importantly, it will bridge the wide gap between the current, short-wheelbase version of the RX and the body-on-frame GX that traces its roots to a rugged, no-nonsense Toyota off-roader.

The 2018 LC coupe is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the spring, and the new LS debuted in Detroit, so Lexus is free to allocate its resources to developing hot-selling crossovers and SUVs. The UX and the RX L will both debut at a major auto show this year, and they’re scheduled to go on sale next year.

EZZ

Lexus is mostly an SUV company with a side car division now

RNM GS3

All these are on FWD Toyota platforms.

Why not spend some $$$$$ and use the new LS/LC chassis to develop a class leading flagship luxury crossover.
RX L sounds like an easy way out imo.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

UX and RX L... this isn't new news lol

Sulu

It seems everybody is. That's the way the market is going right now. Look how BMW and MB are busy filling every available (tiny) market niche with some type of crossover utility -- coupe CUVs! .

situman

I hope they build the RXL on the new TNGA platform. It will be silly to continue using an old platform. The next gen RX should be a shortened version of the RXL instead of the RXL being a lengthened version of the current RX.

coolsaber

I doubt the RX will be based on the TNGA platform when they already have the current highlander platform to work with.

This is going to be fun to hear about in the upcoming months since it will either close the book on the infamous GX, keep it alive, or push Lexus to LX the GX in price and design (which would be a welcome addition).

mmarshall

Yes.....there's been several discussions in Car Chat about whether the LX or GX would ultimately end up biting the dust as a truck-based SUV, as Lexus marketers seem to feel there is no need for two truck-based models, at least in the American market.

703

It will take another 4 years till we see a new RX. The 7 seater RX is not new, they have been testing it for a while.

mmarshall

Well, they have taken a lot of time already on getting a third-row RX out. Money and resources for that were (probably) diverted to other projects, such as the LC, RC, and new LS.

SW17LS

I find this distressing too. Hyundai gets it, why can't Toyota?

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

what Hyundai CUV is a class leading flagship with a RWD derived chassis??

davyjordi

i really hope that one of the new models doesn't look like the concept pictured above. ugh.

TangoRed

I believe he's referring to Genesis' two upcoming RWD SUV's.

SW17LS

I'm talking about Genesis. They've said repeatedly they have no plans to build FWD Hyundai derivative vehicles and badge them as a Genesis.

I would like to see Lexus focus on building great luxury cars, not cheap transverse FWD Toyota platform variants. They have multiple excellent premium platforms from which to build great CUVs...