2007 LF-Xh Concept: The Origin of Modern Lexus SUVs
Many of the current exterior and interior design themes found in Lexus SUVs can be traced back to this landmark concept vehicle.
A Japanese SUV
Back in 2007, Lexus debuted a very interesting concept car the Tokyo auto show. It was called the LF-Xh, and it acted as a styling and proportion template for future Lexus SUV and crossover development. It was also a charmingly clean design. And the dual-grille was an indication of what was to come.
Metal to glass ratio
Viewed in its side profile, the LF-Xh has a very small glasshouse, with the large metal surface areas dominating. The only real nod to any off-road capability was the presence of plastic protective cladding on the rocker panels and wheel arches. Unusually for a concept car, the wheels were of a rather simple, seven-spoke, design.
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A bold nose
Although nowhere near the size or boldness of current Lexus SUV grille design, the LF-Xh gives us a clue to where designers were going with the brand's front fascia. The dual-grille configuration is striking and in true Lexus SUV design tradition, it was set slightly lower than the headlights.
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Fishhook shape lights
Distinguishing the LF-Xh's rear styling were its large taillights, which featured a fishhook design outline. This was a particular Japanese taillight shape that would become popular on many vehicles throughout the 2010s.
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Where are those tailpipes?
From a pure rear view, the LF-Xh's tapered structure was clearly evident. The concept SUV had a very wide track width in relation to its narrower roof. Another notable feature, when viewed from the rear, was the absence of any exhaust pipes in or around the bumper area.
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LEDs were a big deal back then
LED headlights might be commonplace nowadays, but back in 2007, they were still a fantasy illumination feature. The LF-Xh featured a stack of three LED pods, arranged in series within each headlamp. To underscore the vehicle's hybrid credentials, blue backlighting was also added to the LF-Xh's headlamps.
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Lexus knew screens would dominate
Although the two-spoke steering wheel might not be your idea of a daring concept SUV design, the LF-Xh cabin was very futuristic for 2007. It also previewed a digital instrumentation pod, with selectable display configurations, which would become commonplace in SUVs a decade later. The center-console infotainment system was also a digital display, with all rotary controls replaced by digital buttons with haptic properties.
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A landmark design for Lexus
With its clean surfacing and bold proportions, the LF-Xh served as inspiration for the current generation of Lexus crossovers. It was a concept car which served a clear purpose. And Lexus remained true to its inspiration and design direction with the production vehicles which followed-on from the LF-Xh after 2007.
>>Join the conversation about the Lexus LF-Xh concept right here in Club Lexus Forum.
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