At long last, we have eyes on the production version of the
Lexus UX compact crossover that will debut at the
Geneva Motor Show next month. The retail-ready model was
previewed by the UX concept shown at the 2016
Paris Motor Show, which looked like Batman’s loaner vehicle while his Tumbler was in the shop. As one would expect, the UX that customers will be able to buy has filtered out all of the bizarro, leaving what looks like a little
Lexus NX sprinkled with unique design cues, such as the upright vents in front and
the full-width taillight.
Lexus calls the UX its “first urban crossover,” for reasons we can’t imagine; even the
Lexus LX, which could probably drive from Boston to Reykjavik if given a long-enough snorkel, only gets dirty in Jackson Hole or at Whole Foods. More reasonably, Lexus promises “exceptional body rigidity,” a low center of gravity thanks to a hunkered-down platform borrowed from the
Toyota C-HR, and handling that “will be as agile as a hatchback.”
Engine specifics will likely wait until Geneva, but we do know that Lexus trademarked UX 200, UX 250, and UX 250h a couple of years ago. The big-brother NX comes in 300, 300 F Sport, and 350h guises, but is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo putting out 235 hp in standard spec. Lexus will need room between the UX and NX, but UX competitors like the
Audi A3 pump out 200 hp, and the
BMW X1 serves up 228 hp.
The teaser video above reveals the instrument panel, topped by a widescreen infotainment center that looks like a minimalist rework of the
Lexus RX interior. The gauge cluster has physical dividers but appears to be completely digital.
You can watch
Lexus’ livestream from Geneva for all the details we don’t have now, or just check back here on March 6 for the particulars and the photos.
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