Reviews: The 2019 Lexus UX 200 & UX 250h

[Motor]

 

[Sadman]

I've just found the answer to my previous question about that particular air vents "knob".



It's a specific detail to show that the model is equipped with the Nanoe air mosturizer system for the climate control.

Now I have to understand if it's a specific equipment for the Luxury trim or if it can be had with other model, as optional.

My guess is that could be related to the presence of the ventilated front seats, so for the F-Sport too.

 

[krew]

This sort of "3D" effect knob for the air vent equips a Luxury UX, as shown on the official Lexus website. Do you have any idea of what that piece is and what is its function? Is it a merely aesthetic purpose?

Thanks!

Sorry I didn't see this earlier -- here's the full story on the new vents in the UX:

As another example, each of the UX’s air vents uses a new single-knob control for airflow direction and volume. By combining the two functions in a single control, the air passages of each vent could be made larger, improving airflow while reducing noise.

Luxury-grade models feature illuminated vent controls with distinctive LED light source wirelessly powered by electromagnetic resonance of two adjacent coils vibrating at the same frequency. Using the same design principle as the Lexus LC’s rear combination lamps, the vent control LEDs use mirror optics to create the effect of floating lighting depth, even though the light element is just 3mm thick.

 

[Sadman]

here's the full story on the new vents in the UX

Oh well, I was wrong.

I didn't expect Lexus would've produced a similar detail only for just one trim!

 

[internalaudit]

Hmmm, I wonder if there is the same limitation on our RAV4H

https://reviewgarage.com/2018/11/06/2019-lexus-ux-250h-a-driveways-review/

An unusual apparent shortcoming: Lexus says the UX 250h’s all-wheel drive operates only up to 43 mph, after which it becomes a front-wheel drive vehicle.

According to Lexus, that’s because the UX all-wheel drive system is electronic instead of mechanical. It operates in all-wheel drive at lower speeds when needed and front-drive at higher speeds for optimal efficiency and fuel economy. But road conditions mitigated by all-wheel drive can get nasty at more than 43 mph.

 

[Sadman]

Consider that the rear electric engine on the AWD UX, the one responsible for the movement of the rear wheels, has 7 (seven) hp and 55 nm of torque this sadly is not a surprise.

I think there's no point in choosing the AWD UX instead of the FWD model (I ordered this one) because in our market it costs 2000€ more, weighs and consumes more while being a little less fast on the 0-62 mph launch (not important).

The Rav4 will have a WAY more powerful rear engine, just like the NX 300h AWD currently has if compared to the UX.

 

[spwolf]

Consider that the rear electric engine on the AWD UX, the one responsible for the movement of the rear wheels, has 7 (seven) hp and 55 nm of torque this sadly is not a surprise.

I think there's no point in choosing the AWD UX instead of the FWD model (I ordered this one) because in our market it costs 2000€ more, weighs and consumes more while being a little less fast on the 0-62 mph launch (not important).

The Rav4 will have a WAY more powerful rear engine, just like the NX 300h AWD currently has if compared to the UX.

not so sure they are so different though, actually UX should have new generation system that should be able to work better than RX/NX and actually stop the spinning wheel if it has no traction... current one is not being able to do that efficiently, so you have videos when NX and RX450h are stuck when one of the rear wheels is slipping.

 

[Sadman]

not so sure they are so different though, actually UX should have new generation system that should be able to work better than RX/NX and actually stop the spinning wheel if it has no traction

I think the torque splitting system (with the diff) will be only available for the new RAV4 imho, I really can't see how 55 nm of torque can be useful in the same scenarios they tested in the videos you're talking about.

Maybe I'm wrong but only time can tell this, so we have to wait and see.

 

[spwolf]

I think the torque splitting system (with the diff) will be only available for the new RAV4 imho, I really can't see how 55 nm of torque can be useful in the same scenarios they tested in the videos you're talking about.

Maybe I'm wrong but only time can tell this, so we have to wait and see.

torque split is on mechanical awd system, but new e-four is also a lot better than before... and I am not sure that it is significantly more powerful in NX either. In any case, new system can better distribute power to the wheel that has traction vs old one that would get stuck when one rear wheel was out.

 

[internalaudit]

This 250H UX has a CVT and not an eCVT like in the Prius and RAV4H right?

 

[spwolf]

This 250H UX has a CVT and not an eCVT like in the Prius and RAV4H right?

it is psd ("e-cvt"), and it is on every single TMC hybrid.

 

[spwolf]

After a day behind the wheel of this cute ute that now represents the entry point into the Lexus brand, it is clear the UX has more than a decent shot at success.

Lexus executives forecast 17,000 UX sales in its first full year in the U.S. In the recently ended ’18 model year, the BMW X1 led the lot, with 32,075 deliveries, followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLA (24,322), Audi Q3 (20,610), Volvo XC40 (9,033), Infiniti QX30 (8,751) and Jaguar E-Pace (2,808), according to Wards Intelligence data.

It’s inside where the UX shines, with impeccable build quality and seats beautifully stitched and striped to envelop the shoulders and waist.

Lexus expects an even split between customers opting for the standard UX 200 and hybrid UX 250h.

https://www.wardsauto.com/test-drives/urban-explorer-user-experience-lexus-ux-gets-it-done

 

[ssun30]

torque split is on mechanical awd system, but new e-four is also a lot better than before... and I am not sure that it is significantly more powerful in NX either. In any case, new system can better distribute power to the wheel that has traction vs old one that would get stuck when one rear wheel was out.

Could you show me the source where it says the UX E-Four is the 'Prius-type' (i.e. a 5kW motor only meant to add traction at low speeds) not the 'RX-type'? What about the RAV4 E-Four?

 

[spwolf]

Could you show me the source where it says the UX E-Four is the 'Prius-type' (i.e. a 5kW motor only meant to add traction at low speeds) not the 'RX-type'? What about the RAV4 E-Four?

i know that AU media talked about it... but all of them are meant to work at lower speeds, not at high end. And supposedly it works well at that, despite 55nm in UX.

I guess if you thinking about it, at low speeds it is not "just" 55nm, it is plenty...

Rav4 certainly has more power, question is how much... not going to be 10x more hp... 20? But I am just guessing.

Problem with the system so far was that e-lsd did not always work well... supposedly new system can break those wheels via e-lsd better, so it should be even better in snow.

 

[Sadman]

Could you show me the source where it says the UX E-Four is the 'Prius-type' (i.e. a 5kW motor only meant to add traction at low speeds) not the 'RX-type'? What about the RAV4 E-Four?

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

E-Four AWD

The E-Four system gives the UX 250h all-wheel drive capability by using an additional electric motor on the rear axle. Power distribution between the front and rear axles is automatically optimized when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. When a loss of rear-wheel grip is detected, power directed to the rear is increased to around 80 per cent, at speeds up to 43mph (70km/h), contributing to handling stability.

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/compact+crossover+refined+luxury+driver+all+new+2019+ux.htm

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

The UX 250h model offers all-wheel drive (AWD) using a separate, dedicated electric motor-generator with 7hp output integrated into the rear differential. Power distribution between the front and rear axles is automatically optimized by the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. AWD provides stable driving on uphill slopes or snow-covered roads with lower fuel consumption than a conventional all-wheel drive system that employs a power split device and driveshaft. AWD does more than assist traction in slippery conditions; the system can actively improve stability by adjusting rear-wheel power to help correct an over- or understeer condition.

 

[Motor]

In this feature review from Lexus, learn more about the design and technology that went into the first-ever 2019 Lexus UX, the UXh and the UX F SPORT.

 

[internalaudit]

Sounds like Lexus thinks there will be no slippage above 43 mph.

 

[ssun30]

^^Driving at 40mph in snow or on ice is a bad idea.

Unless you are Scandinavian, in which case please ignore my comment.

 

[internalaudit]

43 mph can easily be exceeded on the highway during winter time, even with some amount of snow.

If that isn't a limitation and a blunder by Toyota, I don't know what is.

Also what about traction in really wet conditions? AWD is suppose to help that, right?

No way would I consider such a limited AWD system. I can accept a non full-time AWD but that 43 mph limit isn't acceptable at least for my household's usage and safety.

 

[Sadman]

Well, to be fair some of the opponent's FWD based AWD system work in the same way: after a certain speed the AWD "switches off".

Since this is an "urban explorer" vehicle, I wouldn't mind...as a matter of fact I didn't because I ordered mine FWD, just like my current CT is.