Daily Slideshow: Lexus Launches All-New UX Compact Crossover

Gateway

If there was any doubt about whom Lexus wants to attract with the UX, its first-ever compact luxury crossover, executive vice president of Lexus International (and chief engineer of the UX) Chika Kako removed it, saying, "We designed the UX to appeal to buyers in their 30s who seek not only what is new and exciting, but what is also relevant to their lifestyles." Debuting at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March, the 2019 UX plugs a hole in the brand's never more important SUV-oriented lineup. Lexus hopes the crossover will bring new buyers to the marque, their literature referring to the UX repeatedly as "a new gateway into the brand." The word 'urban' figures heavily into the automaker's vision of the new vehicle's market, calling the vehicle the "UX urban compact crossover," with Kako stating, "The first-ever Lexus UX is designed for the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving." Let's take a look at what Lexus hopes will lure young urbans.

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New Platform

Significantly, the UX is set to be the first Lexus vehicle to utilize the brand’s GA-C (Global Architecture – Compact) platform. The platform boasts super-rigid construction and a low center of gravity, offering an agile, car-like driving experience and purportedly boosting comfort. The UX is designed to be maneuverable—it can manage a 34-foot turning circle, and its 177-inch length will fit into 'compact only' parking spots. Styling-wise, the new crossover maintains a strong family resemblance to recent LC, LS, and RX debuts, providing a modern, managed-airflow theme.
  

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Interior Ethos

Lexus seems to have hit on a way to answer all those "what about the Germans?" questions when it comes to the interior of the UX. Their press release for the UX makes strong connections between cabin design and "centuries-old Japanese traditions in craftsmanship and hospitality," mentioning that with "a traditional Japanese concept that blurs the boundary between a home’s exterior and interior, designers created a feeling of seamless continuity." What this means in practice is an instrument panel designed look as if it flows into the hood and small A-pillars that offer excellent visibility. The uncluttered interior integrates audio controls into a center console palm rest, features illuminated air vents, and comes in two available finishes, including one with leather upholstery "inspired by sashiko, a customary Japanese quilting technique."

>>Join the conversation about the UC Crossover right here in ClubLexus forum!

200 and 250h

The UX will be offered in two modes of propulsion: a UX 200 version featuring an all-new, 168 horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an also-new Direct-Shift CVT, and a UX 250h version, using the same 2.0 liter four assisted by a new fourth generation hybrid drive system. Additionally, the UX 250h's E-Four system gives the UX 250h all-wheel-drive capability via the use of an additional electric motor in the rear. The new four-cylinder will feature multi-hole direct fuel injectors, a variable capacity oil pump, a variable cooling system, and VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing. The new CVT has an additional set of gears for starting from a dead stop, designed to impart an improved initial acceleration sensation. Both versions will utilize electric power steering, as well as MacPherson strut front, and double wishbone rear, suspensions. Available wheel options will include UX-specific 17- and 18-inch aluminum rims, the 17-inch versions featuring spokes designed for brake cooling without sacrificing aerodynamic slipperiness.

>>Join the conversation about the UC Crossover right here in ClubLexus forum!

Predictive Systems

Lexus UX 250h crossovers will introduce Predictive Efficient Drive, a system that analyzes driving habits, and combines them with data about expected road and traffic conditions, in order to optimize hybrid battery charging and discharging. Lexus' Predictive Deceleration Support system uses data about a driver’s behavior to predict braking activity and locations, allowing an increase in regenerative braking, and boosting the efficiency of the hybrid battery. 

>>Join the conversation about the UC Crossover right here in ClubLexus forum!

F Sport

Both the UX 200 and UX 250h will be available as F Sport models with all the visual upgrades that entails, including the mesh spindle grille, an exclusive rear bumper design, and jet-black trim. Joining interior changes in seating and trim is Active Sound Control, which pipes in the sound of a non-CVT transmission's upshifts and downshifts. Mechanical changes to F Sport models include a tuned suspension with sport springs and sway bars, and available Adaptive Variable Suspension, which lessens roll in cornering or lane-changing situations without affecting straight line ride. The UX is slated to hit U.S. showrooms in December, but we'll have to wait until closer to then for pricing to be revealed. Young urbanites will just have to wait.

>>Join the conversation about the UC Crossover right here in ClubLexus forum!

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