Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover Revealed!

Posted by Kevin on February 27th, 2018

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
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Comments
LDeleuran
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
I think a lot of the comments have been misunderstood. The front end is pretty and homogenous. In other words it is "safe" like all the competitors. However. A lot of people expected more given other recent Lexus releases.
S
In any case, this is certainly the biggest thread so far here :). So people want it!

Lets hope Lexus prices it as subcompact premium suv... for instance around here, XC40 got similar price to XC60 if you want some options, which makes little sense to me.
S
spwolf
In any case, this is certainly the biggest thread so far here :). So people want it!

Lets hope Lexus prices it as subcompact premium suv... for instance around here, XC40 got similar price to XC60 if you want some options, which makes little sense to me.
XC40 is reasonably priced in USA, especially considering AWD comes standard. For some reason the XC60 is really overpriced in the U.S.

Since all UX trims are less powerful than competitors, the price should be somewhat lower. Would be really great if it has CT prices. Anywhere above $33k would be hard to justify since all competitors have at least a 2.0 turbo that will comfortably outrun it.
S
ssun30
XC40 is reasonably priced in USA, especially considering AWD comes standard. For some reason the XC60 is really overpriced in the U.S. which makes the XC40 look like a bargain.

Since all UX trims are less powerful than competitors, the price should be somewhat lower. Would be really great if it has CT prices. Anywhere above $33k would be hard to justify since all competitors have at least a 2.0 turbo that will comfortably outrun it.
US is not the main market for UX, it is going to sell 1.5k-2k at best there. There is no way it will sell at CT prices, how can it? It cant.

Main markets are Europe and Japan. In Europe, XC40 base with FWD and 150hp diesel with cloth, ugly wheels and 6MT is 28k... better equipment with AWD and AT is 36k (not top!). XC60 with same engine and even better equipment is also 36k now.

Lets hope that premium over C-HR wont be more than 8k, with taxes included.
S
UX unveil in 10hrs (10AM CET)... can be watched at:


Toyota is also unveiling new Auris and Supra at 9:45 AM CET:
krew
krew

Lexus UX to Debut Tomorrow at Geneva Motor Show
[​IMG]

The press conference will be livestreamed.
View the original article post
Tragic Bronson
krew
Lexus UX to Debut Tomorrow at Geneva Motor Show
mikeavelli
Without seeing it in person yet I like it a bit and it is exactly as I thought it would be, an honest looking car with the spindle grill. At this price one I don't expect amazing styling though I admit the CH-R is a knock-out for its price.

They are going to sell every last one. Also note a white show car isn't the best color and will seem bland compared to a more vibrant color like the LF-1.
mikeavelli


UK LIve Stream
mikeavelli
UK LIve Stream was good. I'm up so until KREW posts the good stuff here is some links.

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/all+new+lexus+ux+crossover+makes+world+debut+geneva.htm

4:20am here lol...

Car looks much better in professional photos. I am beginning to think those initial images are computer renderings/complete photoshops.

The UV also looked much better live. Very well done.
http://pressroom.lexus.com/album_display.cfm?album_id=1283&section_id=421

Killer photos there..
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krew
Introducing the Lexus UX 200 & Lexus UX 250h

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Revealed today at Geneva.
View the original article post
L
It is ok from a product/sales perspective. Interior is really nice, especially compared to other cars, even premium, in this class.
zeusus
F Sport will sell like hot cakes!

Going on sale in the US in December, seems like its Lexus' strategy to pad up their 2018 sales reports.
krew
Photo Gallery: The Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover

[​IMG]

60 official photos released.
View the original article post
Brooks2IS
Would love to see a closer look of the center console near the Remote Touch interface--Integrating radio controls into the hand rest is an interesting idea.
Ian Schmidt
It's actually kind of cute, in a "honey, I shrunk the RX" kei car sort of way. That interior is phenomenal for the class - it's better than the NX, IMO.
J
  • J
    J Le
  • March 6, 2018
Love the looks and interior But why a 2.0 non turbo combined with a turbo, it is definitly going to be under powered compared to the GLA or Q3.
Ian Schmidt
mikeavelli
Car looks much better in professional photos. I am beginning to think those initial images are computer renderings/complete photoshops.
Agreed, I like it better in these new photos than I did in the teasers. As I said on the other thread, it's actually a genuine cute-ute.
S
Predictive Efficient Drive
Some hybrid drivers enjoy using “hypermiling” techniques to maximize fuel efficiency. The Lexus UX 250h introduces new technologies that take hypermiling to new heights. The UX 250h debuts Predictive Efficient Drive, a Lexus-first system that analyzes driving habits and the expected road and traffic conditions to optimize charging and discharging of the hybrid battery. The more the UX 250h is driven, the more data is gathered to help optimize fuel consumption. (The system can be turned off if desired.)

Predictive Deceleration Support technology uses accumulated knowledge about a driver’s behavior to predict when and where the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop. For example, when the UX approaches a location where the driver has slowed or stopped in the past, and the driver releases the accelerator pedal, Predictive Deceleration Support increases regenerative braking, allowing more efficient energy recovery and recharging of the hybrid battery. The system can provide deceleration support up to about 1,000 feet ahead of the vehicle.

Predictive State of Charge (SOC) control for the hybrid battery is a world-first technology that functions on both downhill roads and in congested traffic. Operating when the UX is following guidance from the navigation system, it will predict the route for a distance of up to about six miles (10km) ahead.
This is something that I wanted to post on the forum but never found an appropriate opportunity for it. The next big thing in vehicle efficiency is Predictive Hybrid System Control. I expected TMC to debut such technology on the next-gen Prius, but it seems they are putting a Beta version right now. The Predictive Regenerative Braking thing is already a feature on the Prius Prime. Looks like the UX takes it a step further.

In an ideal world, a highly intelligent hybrid system can predict how much energy it will take to complete a certain route. It will then divide that energy by the optimal power at which the ICE is the most efficient, and only operate the ICE at that point. Whenever there is a power overflow or deficiency, the battery will balance the power budget by regeneration or boost. Such a hybrid system will be completely neutral to driving style, so any driver can get close to hypermiler MPGs. As a hybrid hypermiler myself, I commit a considerable amount of my attention span during driving on managing regen and boost. A computer that will do it automatically will be super helpful.

It looks like Lexus incorporates some level of machine learning here. To fully unlock the potential of the system, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication working in tandem with machine learning is a necessity. A fleet of networked hybrid vehicles can automatically work out a solution to minimize congestion, and every vehicle in that fleet knows how to perfectly balance the individual power budget.
C
Looks good. Overall I like it and I may want to get one. We'll see what the wife says though if she wants to give up her '17 RX F SPort! :D

However, one gripe I have with Lexus still with most their cars is they are underpowered. 168 hp or 176 hp (hybrid) does not cut it today when competition has turbo fours pumping out 250+ hp (Volvo XC40, Jag E-Pace, to name a couple.)
S
OK now the looks make much more sense.
S
corradoMR2
Looks good. Overall I like it and I may want to get one. We'll see what the wife says though if she wants to give up her '17 RX F SPort! :D

However, one gripe I have with Lexus still with most their cars is they are underpowered. 168 hp or 176 hp (hybrid) does not cut it today when competition has turbo fours pumping out 250+ hp (Volvo XC40, Jag E-Pace, to name a couple.)
While US is not UX's major market and despite the fact that there will be a 206hp UX250 for the US. It is very true that the UX will not be convincing enough when the XC40 starts with 248hp and AWD.
Gecko
ssun30
While US is not UX's major market and despite the fact that there will be a 206hp UX250 for the US. It is very true that the UX will not be convincing enough when the XC40 starts with 248hp and AWD.
Are we sure there will actually be a UX 250? The press release says:

"The UX 200 and UX 250h will start production this fall and go on sale in the U.S. in December. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date."
S
Gecko
Are we sure there will actually be a UX 250?
Maybe I should use 'despite the fact' less then...it will suck if there isn't one.
M
Don't want to steal the thread but CT replacement has debuted as new Toyota Auris as well, all together with UX hybrid powertrain. Can you imagine UX interior with this exterior? Surfaces and lights look more premium than UX. I don't want to spam with pictures but the back of it look like evolved CT

I
Could this be the first Lexus to be fully electrified? Early 2020's is what Toyota says and this is the only Lexus (at least at the moment) on the new platform.
Gecko
A few things I like:
  • The non-F Sport model is definitely nicer looking than the F Sport model, IMO. I like the normal mesh grille pattern a lot more.
  • The sashiko leather treatment is absolutely gorgeous - I hope this moves to many other models quickly.
  • Similarly, the washi trim also looks really unique and beautiful. I'm loving these traditional Japanese influences... finally!
  • Overall, the interior looks top-rate for the class.
  • Are the triple LED projectors standard? If so, that's also impressive for this class.
  • There is a lot of tech packed into this thing: eFour AWD, new CVTs, new engines, Predictive Efficient Drive, etc
  • I was worried about the unibrow tail lights but they actually look really nice

A few things I don't like:
  • When is this horrendous front overhang issue going to stop? With a strong tailwind from the rear, it looks like this UX could tip forward. Awful. Awful, awful. I don't know if it's FWD or the packaging around the spindle grille or both, but it really is TERRIBLE.
  • The overall design. Why does it just look like a lifted hatchback? I feel like Lexus could and should have done more to make it look like a proper SUV - more upright at the front, a straighter, more upright roofline and ditch the fastback rear end. As much as shoppers are caught up in the CUV craze, what we know is that they like SUV-looking vehicles that drive like cars. The Toyota FT-4X and forthcoming Mercedes GLB are going to be immensely popular for this reason. I'd have preferred something that looked less like a lowered Nissan Juke and more like a mini SUV.
  • Anemic engines. 168hp base and 176hp hybrid is just not enough for North American luxury buyers. C-HR is already 3,300lbs... what is this going to be? 3,600lb? 3,700lb? Probably so. That is too much weight to be powered by a 168hp 4cyl. They need a small 2.0T or the A25A-FTS under the hood and the press release makes no mention of UX 250.
Overall:

This is probably a 5/10 for me. For where Lexus is at now with LS 500, LC 500, LF-1, I completely understand that this UX is at the rock bottom of the portfolio, but it doesn't have to look like it. The design looks dated, plain and too cheap for a Lexus - like a Nissan Juke with a spindle grille. With the success of the NX and RX, they should have done more to tie the design to those two instead of making it look so much like a Toyota hatchback. The weak engines are really disappointing also.

While certainly flawed, I feel confident saying the X1 or XC40 would be my choices over the UX. Much stronger engine options and it looks like a small X5/XC90 (read: PREMIUM) instead of a mainstream hatchback. Same can be said for the E-Pace. New Q3 is around the corner as well.

Lexus seems to be engineering vehicles in a vacuum without much regard for the competition, lately (LS, UX). Not a good strategy.
A
Still the CHR looks better. This NX is trying toot hard
Gecko
For comparison:











How could you ever purchase UX over either of these two - especially the Volvo? I couldn't.
M
1. Lexus finally got the guts to pull off sharp triangle sculpting at the back that first premiered on LF-Gh seven years ago. It took them a while.

2. They were benchmarking Q3 for paint options, both gold and organic green are signature hues on Q3

@Gecko, XC40 is nothing spectacular in person, reminds me of old Freelander but again whole class is one big meh! and UX blends in just fine. I have no clue what are the benefits of premium CUVs over common badge midsize sedans that you can buy for the same money.

M