Lexus UX (UX 200, UX 300h, 300e) Megathread

[Gecko]

Honestly, the front end of the car reminds me of this:

 

[Joe]

For those who don't like the first looks on these pictures: bear in mind that almost every new Lexus doesn't look well on screen or paper (the LC was perhaps an exception, but then again we're talking sky high standards... )
The specific Lexus design with curves and edges is very difficult to grasp in a picture, whereas in reality most of their models show a whole other thing... White is not an easy 'colour' to communicate on picture, either.

Take the wheel arches, for example: they look rather similar to the UX Concept, luckily a bit downtuned. Also a nice detail is the visual continuation of the elevated side parts of the bonnet into the dashboard.
Combined with the original rear part with the horizontal continuous red line, I think the subtle original details of this car will surprise you positively when you see it in the flesh...

 

[Rob Grieveson]

Rather different from what we were expecting, however looks neat and together just hope that will be enough.
Is this the replacement for the CT or is it an additional model in the line up?
Surely the new ES must launch anytime now? Interesting times ahead any ideas on what will happen to the Gas?

 

[Rob Grieveson]

For those who don't like the first looks on these pictures: bear in mind that almost every new Lexus doesn't look well on screen or paper (the LC was perhaps an exception, but then again we're talking sky high standards... )
The specific Lexus design with curves and edges is very difficult to grasp in a picture, whereas in reality most of their models show a whole other thing... White is not an easy 'colour' to communicate on picture, either.

Take the wheel arches, for example: they look rather similar to the UX Concept, luckily a bit downtuned. Also a nice detail is the visual continuation of the elevated side parts of the bonnet into the dashboard.
Combined with the original rear part with the horizontal continuous red line, I think the subtle original details of this car will surprise you positively when you see it in the flesh...

Well said you are correct in your assessment of the style.

 

[mediumhot]

Interrupted shoulder line on a vehicle with premium badge. I'm all for design hocus pocus but concept has an angry and firm stance because front fender sharp shoulder line flows along the profile. FWD Lexus just can't stay away from Toyota graphics apparently and the usual placement of handles right across the sheet metal tension.

 

[isanatori]

Unfortunately, my worries so far haven't ceased. It looks great against budget cars. But, I think it steers away from the design direction that Lexus had seemed to follow lately.

It is quite possible that fwd will face internal competition from CHR hsd 4wd.

Edit : I will eat my hat for my criticism. The UX is more impressive and beautiful than CHR! I was just too enthusiastic about the concept.

 

[IS-SV]

In this class of premium vehicles, I fully expect the UX to be a competitive and strong seller.

 

[Rydo]

Very disappointing but I didn't expect much as the concept as an absolute mess to begin with so I could never imagine a production version. It just looks so underwhelming. I hate the headlights, they look like the latest Alfa Romeo SUV.

 

[OlFius]

For those who don't like the first looks on these pictures: bear in mind that almost every new Lexus doesn't look well on screen or paper (the LC was perhaps an exception, but then again we're talking sky high standards... )
The specific Lexus design with curves and edges is very difficult to grasp in a picture, whereas in reality most of their models show a whole other thing... White is not an easy 'colour' to communicate on picture, either.

Take the wheel arches, for example: they look rather similar to the UX Concept, luckily a bit downtuned. Also a nice detail is the visual continuation of the elevated side parts of the bonnet into the dashboard.
Combined with the original rear part with the horizontal continuous red line, I think the subtle original details of this car will surprise you positively when you see it in the flesh...

You're right, Lexus and photography is usually not a successful marriage.
And maybe is the white color not the best choice here, but why do they choose this?
Choosing a white color was hot, 5 years ago or so.

Was this car launched 2-3 years ago, then I was an enthusiastic. Now a little less, I expected more especially with the concept in mind.
I miss the WOW-factor here, and was not that promised to us, more emotion at Lexus?
It started well with the concept, perhaps a bit exaggerated on the other side, but that's allowed for a concept.

If we look around us once, especially in Europe, then we see a lot of those little-big ones.
Whether Lexus can still leave his mark here, I doubt it. Very late in the market and they do not jump out.
And they will not be cheap either. But certainly a good successor to the CT, is that the intention ?

 

[krew]

On a separate note, the Lexus Europe official news release adds a significant detail missing from its U.S. counterpart Mikeavelli linked to a few posts above: the UX's Chief Engineer is none other than Chika Kako, newly-minted Lexus International vice president, the highest-ranked woman in Toyota's corporate hierarchy and chief engineer for Lexus CT's first and second refresh.

VERY significant detail. Pretty amazing that the chief engineer for the UX is also the second-ranked executive for Lexus.

Regardless of what any of us say or think, they're about to sell so many of these it'll be stupid. Probably instantly Lexus third best selling model behind RX and NX.

If it wasn't for the new RXL, I could see this passing the RX worldwide.

One thing that is puzzling to me. There are two versions of the front fenders. One has smoother and the other one has a squared shaped besides the headlight. Maybe for different markets?

Honestly, I believe this is just the lighting on the photos vs. video.

 

[ThePenguin]

Yikes. While I like the interior, the exterior leaves much to be desired.

 

[spwolf]

The most important question is. Does it come in AWD?

well considering tech reveal that most likely featured UX tech, yes.. E-Four for hybrid and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD for the Petrol. Look at the top of this page for info.

 

[spwolf]

If it wasn't for the new RXL, I could see this passing the RX worldwide.

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.

 

[LexusSteve]

The problem of making the LC look so gorgeous. Everything else looks so bland...

 

[LDeleuran]

I'm afraid Lexus is playing it too safe with the UX. I see where they are coming from. The competitors (BMW, MB, Audi, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, etc.) all have similar conservative mini crossovers that don't stand out, but sell like crazy due to the low entry price. And when I say low entry price, I'm not kidding: The new Audi Q2 costs $20.000 less than an entry level CT200h in Denmark (I'm comparing with the price when Lexus sold cars in Denmark...)

I would have preferred that Lexus repeated the formula of the NX and RX and made a car that really stood out in the sea of beige German competitors. I hope the eyebrow DRL works better here than on the CT refresh, and that it has a rump to die for.

 

[spwolf]

I'm afraid Lexus is playing it too safe with the UX. I see where they are coming from. The competitors (BMW, MB, Audi, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, etc.) all have similar conservative mini crossovers that don't stand out, but sell like crazy due to the low entry price. And when I say low entry price, I'm not kidding: The new Audi Q2 costs $20.000 less than an entry level CT200h in Denmark (I'm comparing with the price when Lexus sold cars in Denmark...)

I would have preferred that Lexus repeated the formula of the NX and RX and made a car that really stood out in the sea of beige German competitors. I hope the eyebrow DRL works better here than on the CT refresh, and that it has a rump to die for.

I completely agree with you but I can see this looking better than NX these days. NX is now very regular looking vehicle, and UX certainly looks like it has way better interior too.

 

[Enthusiast88]

I don't think it looks too bad.
I've been kind of quiet here lately after I lost interest in Lexus products after the new LS (yes I went and saw the LS in person, and was actually driving behind one the other day and I absolutely hate the way it looks).
I am actually looking forward to seeing the UX in person. But, unless Lexus finally make a plug-in hybrid and adds features I can get on a RAV 4 but not an NX (360 camera, pano roof) I am afraid I won't be too interested.
But, at least they got me looking again.
I am enjoying my orange RC 350 though!

 

[Rydo]

I don't think it looks too bad.
I've been kind of quiet here lately after I lost interest in Lexus products after the new LS (yes I went and saw the LS in person, and was actually driving behind one the other day and I absolutely hate the way it looks).
I am actually looking forward to seeing the UX in person. But, unless Lexus finally make a plug-in hybrid and adds features I can get on a RAV 4 but not an NX (360 camera, pano roof) I am afraid I won't be too interested.
But, at least they got me looking again.
I am enjoying my orange RC 350 though!

I agree. To show the LF - FC and then show the facelift with overhauled interior actual nextgen LS was criminal.

Lexus showed and promised more outrageous products with the LC. The new LS looks little like the concept that had every corner of motoring media in love and this UX is a pathetically pale imitation of the concept.

Just look at the concept vs reality headlight. The production is just so ugly and samey.

 

[Ian Schmidt]

I think the exterior's fine and interior's great. I'm surprised at how toned down it is from the production RX and NX, let alone the UX concept. I mean, this is the first spindle-grille Lexus I'd call almost boring. Need to see it in other colors for final judgement though.

 

[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!