Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover Revealed!


Lexus has revealed the UX subcompact crossover in advance of the Geneva Motor Show next week — there’s the photo above, and this new video that briefly shows off the interior:

Let’s take a closer look at the interior with two screenshots:

“Lexus

“Lexus

The press release is light on specifics, but does give a sense of the vehicle overall:

These first visuals reveal the UX’s bold and stylish, SUV-inspired design, combining powerful bodywork with a condensed appearance. Its crossover credentials are signalled by its muscular wings and haunches and high beltline, but under the skin an all-new platform gives the UX exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity for the agile handling of a hatchback.

The scene inside the cabin combines a highly focused driver’s cockpit, a wide and inviting passenger space and a commanding view of the road. With its brave design, superior craftsmanship and imaginative technology features, the UX will offer strong appeal as a gateway model to the luxury brand in a dynamic and growing part of the market.

The UX has deviated significantly from the original concept, with an exterior looking like an amalgamation of the IS sedan, CT hatchback, and NX crossover. The interior is also reminiscent of the same vehicles, but with a strong dose of the LS flagship in the arrangement of the center console, the instrument panel, and the Drive Mode Select placement.

Although we’ve now seen the exterior and interior, there’s still plenty of detail left to be revealed. What’s your first impression of the newest Lexus model?

FeaturesLexus UX: First Generation
Comments
Going to be interesting... now, ready to see the damn thing!
Very interesting
The C-HR has been selling like crazy in Japan, so it is indeed highly likely to see the debut of the C-HR-based UX in Tokyo IMHO.
ydooby
The C-HR has been selling like crazy in Japan, so it is indeed highly likely to see the debut of the C-HR-based UX in Tokyo IMHO.
Europe too... it might be sooner than Tokyo.

I can see them offering larger engine for UX, and i hope they will... CHR is already pretty luxurious so it will be much easier transition to Lexus than NX had.
Okay once again we will have a great looking SUV more aggressive than most on the market wil we get a F version of this car...? The first F SUV would be a huge statement.
James
Okay once again we will have a great looking SUV more aggressive than most on the market wil we get a F version of this car...? The first F SUV would be a huge statement.
That would be great!
I'm so surprised:scream:
C
This is great news though not too surprised. I will be surprised if the UX doesn't make it to N. America seeing that subcompacts are gaining in sales as a genre.

I agree with krew for a Tokyo reveal but as for sale date, my guess is no sooner than late 2018 as a MY 2019 to spread the near-term launches a little:

LC May 2017 / MY 2018
LS Q1 2018 / MY 2018
UX Q4 2018 / MY 2019
At least everyone here has the same views........
spwolf
Europe too... it might be sooner than Tokyo.
Indeed, 2017 being an odd-numbered year, I'd say it's 50/50 whether UX debuts in Frankfurt (Press days: September 12 & 13, 2017) or in Tokyo (Press days: October 25 & 26, 2017)
After having seen the concept UX, I hope that the styling is toned down big time for the production version.
Can someone tell me at Toyota why the C-HR was there much earlier than the UX?
This was supposed to be the other way around, and a few years previously. The competition is huge these days.
So, don't wait too long...
corradoMR2
This is great news though not too surprised. I will be surprised if the UX doesn't make it to N. America seeing that subcompacts are gaining in sales as a genre.

I agree with krew for a Tokyo reveal but as for sale date, my guess is no sooner than late 2018 as a MY 2019 to spread the near-term launches a little:

LC May 2017 / MY 2018
LS Q1 2018 / MY 2018
UX Q4 2018 / MY 2019

The UX in Q4 2018 ? I guess a little bit earlier here in Europe, in Q2 2018, otherwise Lexus can forget. But that's not the first time....
C
OlFius
Can someone tell me at Toyota why the C-HR was there much earlier than the UX?
This was supposed to be the other way around, and a few years previously. The competition is huge these days.
So, don't wait too long...
It's a strategy that works with Toyota Motor Corp that I suspect to iron out any kinks with the platform as a Toyota model first.

Some recent examples:

'10 Prius -> '11 CT
'14 Highlander -> '16 RX
'13 Rav4 -> '15 NX
'18 CH-R -> ~'19UX

A less likely strategy IMO is it could also be to stagger product releases of "like" models even though they are not in the same price point/customer base.
corradoMR2
It's a strategy that works with Toyota Motor Corp that I suspect to iron out any kinks with the platform as a Toyota model first.

Some recent examples:

'10 Prius -> '11 CT
'14 Highlander -> '16 RX
'13 Rav4 -> '15 NX
'18 CH-R -> ~'19UX

A less likely strategy IMO is it could also be to stagger product releases of "like" models even though they are not in the same price point/customer base.

Maybe you're right, but not for the RC --> GT86.
And about the CH-R, I think that must be '17 CH-R, they're already on the road here in Europe. That's why I think that the UX is for Q2 '18.
C
OlFius
Maybe you're right, but not for the RC --> GT86.
And about the CH-R, I think that must be '17 CH-R, they're already on the road here in Europe. That's why I think that the UX is for Q2 '18.
Could be Europe might get the UX earlier...

As for RC -> GT86/FT86 ? No no... Both ride on their own unique and very different platforms. Nothing shared whatsoever.
OlFius
And about the CH-R, I think that must be '17 CH-R, they're already on the road here in Europe..
C-HR indeed launched in Europe earlier than in North America. U.S. pricing was announced just earlier this week. It hasn't even arrived at the dealers yet. And, in the U.S. (presumably also Canada) it's considered an early 2018 model year debut.
OlFius
Can someone tell me at Toyota why the C-HR was there much earlier than the UX?
This was supposed to be the other way around, and a few years previously. The competition is huge these days.
So, don't wait too long...
because it is more important and its markets are more about Toyota than Lexus? Toyota C-HR just jumped to #3 in Japan and it is going to be likely a #2 best selling Toyota in Europe for 2017. And this is for fairly expensive vehicle for its size. So between Europe and Japan, C-HR will likely sell between 200k and 300k units.

On the other hand, Lexus is big in USA where most of the press is asking why isnt C-HR bigger and some are even comparing it to Honda Fit, or writing how it is more expensive than a Corolla. So in USA where expectation is that size=price, premium, near-luxury Toyotas like C-HR are not a greatest fit.

For Europe, they have just proven that if Toyota builds it (near-premium vehicle), they will come. Most of European markets have Toyota up by 20%-25% for 2017, solely due to new C-HR as rest of the lineup is getting very old now.
spwolf
because it is more important and its markets are more about Toyota than Lexus? Toyota C-HR just jumped to #3 in Japan and it is going to be likely a #2 best selling Toyota in Europe for 2017. And this is for fairly expensive vehicle for its size. So between Europe and Japan, C-HR will likely sell between 200k and 300k units.

On the other hand, Lexus is big in USA where most of the press is asking why isnt C-HR bigger and some are even comparing it to Honda Fit, or writing how it is more expensive than a Corolla. So in USA where expectation is that size=price, premium, near-luxury Toyotas like C-HR are not a greatest fit.

For Europe, they have just proven that if Toyota builds it (near-premium vehicle), they will come. Most of European markets have Toyota up by 20%-25% for 2017, solely due to new C-HR as rest of the lineup is getting very old now.
Good to hear from you spwolf!
R
corradoMR2
This is great news though not too surprised. I will be surprised if the UX doesn't make it to N. America seeing that subcompacts are gaining in sales as a genre.

I agree with krew for a Tokyo reveal but as for sale date, my guess is no sooner than late 2018 as a MY 2019 to spread the near-term launches a little:

LC May 2017 / MY 2018
LS Q1 2018 / MY 2018
UX Q4 2018 / MY 2019
Oh, it's coming to America alright after the new ES generation and RX third seat intros. Sadly it shelves the CT200h which will be only offered in other world markets. About the only drawback is the FWD powertrain. Here in the East we get some weather that demands AWD. I like the look so I will probably get one anyway.
Hmm...How close is this?
View attachment 2627

Remember this rendering back in an September 2004 issue, that was already released for purchase at the end of July 2004. Exactly 26 months before the 4LS went on sale in Japan on September 19, 2006 and 27 months before U.S. sales.
(Still baffles me how close they got, that early even as 2004 LS 430 facelift was still very fresh then)

Carmaker1
Hmm...How close is this?
View attachment 2627

Remember this rendering back in an September 2004 issue, that was already released for purchase at the end of July 2004. Exactly 26 months before the 4LS went on sale in Japan on September 19, 2006 and 27 months before U.S. sales.
(Still baffles me how close they got, that early even as 2004 LS 430 facelift was still very fresh then)

I hope not close at all :dizzy:
How close are we to a UX release? Are we going to see it in Detroit?
I hope that it will look better than this.
The proportions on that rendering are all weird - just look at how the grille looks like an elephant sat on the hood. I think it's safe to assume the real vehicle will look much better.
C
There's a Pontiac Aztec vibe to the rear 3/4 view I'm not liking. Will reserve judgment until its production release.
Carmaker1
Hmm...How close is this?
View attachment 2627

Remember this rendering back in an September 2004 issue, that was already released for purchase at the end of July 2004. Exactly 26 months before the 4LS went on sale in Japan on September 19, 2006 and 27 months before U.S. sales.
(Still baffles me how close they got, that early even as 2004 LS 430 facelift was still very fresh then)

I own a LS430 mark2(2005 model) Still the best car I have ever owned.Decided to skip the LS gen 4 which had no appeal relative to my 2005 model.
Looking forward to 5th gen LS.
corradoMR2
There's a Pontiac Aztec vibe to the rear 3/4 view I'm not liking. Will reserve judgment until its production release.
i guess it is very similar to the concept, looks all weird... i will find some better concept pics
corradoMR2
There's a Pontiac Aztec vibe to the rear 3/4 view I'm not liking. Will reserve judgment until its production release.
i guess it is very similar to the concept, looks all weird... i will find some better concept pics

S