Lexus celebrates 30 years of forward-thinking design with a new compact SUV
Lexus will celebrate its 30th year as a luxury brand when its latest product, a compact SUV called the UX, goes on sale in early 2019. The upmarket Japanese marque launched by parent company Toyota has come a long way since 1989, first by gaining a reputation for build quality, reliability and customer service in the 90s, then through pioneering eco petrol-electric hybrid technology in the early 00s and latterly, through stand-out design (with the NX, LC and ES).
The new UX develops all of those attributes, as a well-built and very bold design which continues to push the brand’s hybrid approach. The latter is a unique selling point in the currently straight-petrol and diesel-dominated compact premium SUV segment (and the UX’s nearest rival is the more expensive Volvo XC40 T5 plug-in hybrid not due until late 2019). Proportionally, the UX has a much more hatchback/crossover feel than that more boxy and upright Swedish model too. It’s longer than any of its premium compact SUV rivals, lower than all but the Infiniti QX30 and Merc GLA and in the middle of the pack on width; the Audi Q3 is wider, BMW X1 narrower.
Those proportions, alongside a lower seating position than other SUVs, make the UX feel more car-like to manoeuvre. The new 176hp 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain offers brisk acceleration and the direct-shift continuously variable transmission doesn’t whine like the older Lexus CT hatchback (the CT will continue to be sold though, the UX is not, as rumoured, its replacement). The driving experience can be enhanced further through Drive Mode Select – a twistable knob unusually situated on the side of the driver display cowl but easy to access – with three settings. Beyond Normal, throttle responses are tempered in Eco, or quickened in Sport and steering feel is increased in the latter mode as well. On F Sport models there are five modes with Sport S, Sport S+ upping the ante again, although too much vigorous driving will dent the UX hybrid’s estimated economy (65.7-68.9mpg) and emissions (96-103g/km CO2) for the 17- and 18-inch wheel front-wheel drive models. An electric all-wheel drive version is also available but posts worse eco figures and will only suit those who absolutely need it. The F Sport trim’s adaptive variable suspension option – which irons out road surface inequalities brilliantly – is a box well worth ticking though.
The ‘Design Pack’ is also worthwhile. Adding to an already well-considered, generous and ergonomic front cabin space the pack is set to feature original materials and finishes including a subtle dashboard covering that resembles textured Japanese washi paper and triangular pattern perforations on the leather seats with specific stitching styles which reference similar techniques on Kendo martial arts clothing.
Genuinely original and Japanese in inspiration, all are signs that Lexus is finally embracing its brand’s cultural difference. This new-found confidence should bode well for the future of the marque and model. Indeed, Lexus sees the UX quickly becoming its European best-seller with 80 per cent of customers new to the brand. Pricing is not yet fixed before the UX’s April 2019 UK launch, but expect a range from £30,000 to £35,000.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Lexus website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Guy Bird is a London-based writer, editor and consultant specialising in cars and car design, but also covers aviation, architecture, street art, sneakers and music. His journalistic experience spans more than 25 years in the UK and global industry. See more at www.guybird.com
-
Victorian cottage transformed by radical extension into a light-filled living space
Glasshouse Projects has opened up the heart of this Victorian cottage in Adelaide, Australia, with a contemporary garden extension and pool
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Remembering Richard Serra (1938-2024), American art’s man of steel
American artist Richard Serra, whose vast sculptures transformed landscapes around the world, has died aged 85
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Architectural gardens around the world to soothe the soul
From small domestic gardens, to nature reserves, urban interventions and local parks, here are some of the finest green projects that place nature at their heart
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Lexus LM wants you to have the back-seat ride of your life
The back of the Lexus LM has the space, grace and accoutrements to rival a Rolls-Royce. Can this upscale minivan reinvent the luxury car?
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Marjan van Aubel’s ‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds’ installation with Lexus is our Best Solar Roller
The Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel mounted an interactive installation in Miami to introduce Lexus’ new zero-emission LF-ZC concept car
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
The debut Japan Mobility Show saw the country’s carmakers preview the near future
The 2023 Japan Mobility Show offered up a vast array of futuristic transportation, from concept sports cars to autonomous taxis, and eVTOL aircraft
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
New Lexus LBX is big on quality, small in size, with a clean contemporary design language
Lexus downscales luxury with the new LBX crossover, a compact hybrid that’s the Japanese premium brand’s smallest product to date
By Guy Bird Published
-
Peugeot’s sparky 308 gets hybrid power and handsome lines
The Peugeot 308 proves that mass-market design needn’t be dull, blending hybrid power with sharp lines and excellent detailing
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
BMW Motorrad brings out the big guns for its newest cruisers
BMW Motorrad R 18 Bagger and Transcontinental set the tone for high-voltage cruising with a brand collaboration with speaker specialist Marshall
By George Chapman Last updated
-
Dacia’s new Manifesto concept is a true outdoor utility vehicle
Utilitarian auto brand Dacia sets a bold new agenda with its Manifesto, a concept car pitched at the active outdoor market
By Jonathan Bell Last updated
-
The sun sets on traditional supercars at California’s Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week, the world’s most prestigious car gathering, is showcasing ever-more extravagant special editions, coachbuilt cars and all-new electric concepts. Here are seven key machines from 2022
By Rory FH Smith Last updated