Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover Confirmed for Geneva Motor Show

Posted by Kevin on February 20th, 2018

Lexus have announced the long-awaited UX subcompact crossover will debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th — here’s a short teaser video:

There is little detail in the press release beyond confirmation of the UX name, but crank up the brightness on the teaser image and there’s plenty to discuss (click for high-resolution):

“Lexus

Here we get a general idea of the shape, and the similarities between the UX and the LF-1 Limitless concept are undeniable. Both have the three-dimensional rear light bar that breaks away from the body, both have the same slope in the roof.

Zoom in closer, and the powertrain is revealed:

“Lexus

Here we have it — the UX will be offered with a 250h hybrid engine, an all-together new engine and designation for the Lexus lineup. This nameplate was trademarked two years ago and doesn’t come as a surprise, but it’s exciting nonetheless.

There we have it, the first teaser of the UX subcompact crossover — what do you think?

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Comments
C
I agree with Krew. It's a mix of CT, IS, and NX.

It looks better than I expected. Let's see the rear now!
S
It certainly looks bland, even compared to the C-HR. I don't quite understand why Lexus decides to play safe here.
A
Lexus is playing it waaay too safe with the UX. Don't think it will sell well. Kind of reminds me of mazda.
Trexus
Most likely the UX will sell well because the price point which obviously will be lower than the NX (which is on fire), it's an SUV and it's a Lexus, people want the badge (brand recognition) and of course the tech/hybrid, not too sure of the performance. Lexus is gonna make a killing with the UX, NX, RX, GX and somewhat of the LX...and in the future LF-1 limitless...
C
I share the disappointment. After the utterly desirable and unaffordable, (to me) LC, I really expected and hoped for a more 'edgy' styling of the UX.

A year ago we swapped our NX Premier for a C-HR thinking it would give me an insight into how good the UX was going to be. The C-HR has exceeded my expectations in all respects, fuel consumption, chassis, ride quality etc. My hope was to have the C-HR for a couple of years and then step back up to a Lexus.

Based on this image I can't see me paying a premium for something that looks so mediocre. I was really looking forward to the reveal next week at Geneva, I might not even bother to tap in now. Very underwhelmed, sorry Lexus.
A
isanatori
I apologize if I confused anyone with my wording. I acknowledge this site is not related to Lexus company and I expect nothing particular from any member. It was just a request only. I should did not make the request.

I just assumed from the brightened photo, there are major deviations from the concept and expected something different.

Having seen the chassis of the production version of LC, remaining identical to the concept, I was expecting Lexus to bring the UX design more closely to the concept too.

From the brightened photo, it seems to me, the rear columns were moved outwards (I guess in favour of cabin roominess). Also the rear windshield is less curved.
As a consequence, the rear design changed dramatically. Basic design elements and shapes had to be changed or removed. Having the impressively raised & sculptured sheet metal next to the rear columns removed, the taillight edges twisted and shortened, degenerated lying in the air like horns. This is what I meant.

Having seen the Toyota CHR, I can say that it's silhouete favours style over function, which is a surprising and quite risky decision for a budget car.

I believe Lexus should aim for making a luxury and sensational statement even more radical and futuristic than the budget car Chr. That's my concern and I hope my worries to be proved unreasonable.
There are also people, including myself, like the production teaser much over the concept. I feel the styling was too much in the concept especially for the tail part. It’s simply to many elements that I fail to appreciate completely. So I guess TMC has to balance out the flavors for the entire target audience
krew
spwolf
It wont outsell NX everywhere... NX has cool situation where it sells well EVERYWHERE.

For instance, UX might outsell it in Europe and even in Japan, but then in US it wont get more than 50% of NX sales and likely the same goes for China where they prefer larger vehicles too. Same goes for Russia.
Oh, you know what -- I assumed the NX was the #1 selling crossover for Lexus worldwide, which is pretty silly in retrospect. I take back my comment, and believe worldwide it will be RX, NX, then UX.

So embarrassed. :cold_sweat:
krew
amoschen7
There are also people, including myself, like the production teaser much over the concept. I feel the styling was too much in the concept especially for the tail part. It’s simply to many elements that I fail to appreciate completely. So I guess TMC has to balance out the flavors for the entire target audience
My feelings on the UX are complex, but I can say without a doubt that I like this production model over the concept. Lexus has chosen to be pragmatic with the UX, keeping it fairly close to the other current crossovers instead of pushing the Lexus crossover design forward. The UX will fit alongside the NX & RX -- remember, the RX hasn't even had a mid-cycle refresh yet and the NX update is less than a year old. There's still a lot of life left in these two models, and no real point to have the UX as an outlier with its design.

I echo what others are saying -- after the LS & LC & LF-1, I fully expected the UX to be wild. Even so, I wouldn't call the UX design "safe".
I
The UX is impressive and beautiful. I am just extremely enthusiastic about the concept.
https://goo.gl/images/Km8Lxo
S
krew
My feelings on the UX are complex, but I can say without a doubt that I like this production model over the concept. Lexus has chosen to be pragmatic with the UX, keeping it fairly close to the other current crossovers instead of pushing the Lexus crossover design forward. The UX will fit alongside the NX & RX -- remember, the RX hasn't even had a mid-cycle refresh yet and the NX update is less than a year old. There's still a lot of life left in these two models, and no real point to have the UX as an outlier with its design.

I echo what others are saying -- after the LS & LC & LF-1, I fully expected the UX to be wild. Even so, I wouldn't call the UX design "safe".
I hope you have seen full pics when you wrote this :)

I still feel a bit uneasy about exterior design, not sure if there are any negative surprises - i am hoping that shoulder lines and rear is a positive.

But interior... OMG. So far i think it is big step up for affordable Lexus, just like how C-HR has been for Toyota.
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
F1 Silver Arrows
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
Nope. Surprisingly, other than that eyebrow DRL where in nicest terms I would say "not very appealing", but the front fascia is actually quite nice. The spindle is a lot more regal than the RX (where its spindle grille is horrifically comical), and it has cleaner lines than the NX. Still is not a LC/LS job but it is still nice.

So, nice one Lexus. Continue triggering the haters with their blinded comments, Lexus design always needed time for people to warm up to it, and this is no different
Trexus
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
I love the front end. It's not as aggressive as the concept. The grill on the F Sport looks good. I like how the front fender and hood are bulged right a the A pillar. The inner part of the headlight seems elongated. Overall I love it and can't wait to see it in person and drive it...
Andyl
corradoMR2
I agree with Krew. It's a mix of CT, IS, and NX.

It looks better than I expected. Let's see the rear now!
Me, too. Really want to see the rear. Not to mention more interior shots and engine choices, etc.. Still a week to go.. This 2nd teaser from Lexus is quite effective to keep people interested in what UX offers.
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. 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.
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