U X crossover new Lexus entry point
APPARENTLY, Japan-headquartered luxury car maker Lexus doesn’t shirk from making bold predictions about the newest vehicle in its portfolio. There’s clear confidence in the UX, which the company debuted at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show.
During the entry-level subcompact premium crossover’s so-called Global Dynamic Press Launch held in Sweden in September, Lexus Asia Pacific vicepresident David Nordstrom said that the UX is expected to make up “23% of Lexus sales” in the region. Along with the all-new Lexus ES, sales are projected to grow by a hefty 60%. “We’re confident that the UX will provide a highly attractive alternative to existing products in the market,” the executive had underscored.
The UX is a direct and clear product of the brand’s transformative journey over the last few years. “You have seen our design language change to become bolder and more distinctive, and hopefully you have experienced a significant change in our driving dynamics that pairs our world-renowned comfort with Lexus’ unique sense of dynamic handling,” explained Mr. Nordstrom. “The all-new UX showcases the Lexus design language and highlights our ability to craft luxury interiors.”
Lexus Philippines understandably wasted no time bringing the UX into the local market. Now here in two grades — the UX 200 and UX 200 F Sport priced at P2.478 million and P3.048 million, respectively — the vehicle is ready to commence with the real-world testing of the company’s avowed confidence. The market should be composed of “loyal Lexus owners looking for a crossover alternative to their sedan,” those who want to “downsize their SUV, upgrade from a mass-market brand, or [simply] change their luxury brand.”
Expressed more distinctly, the marque is looking at an “even mix of male and female customers in their 30s, with an average household income of $110,000.” These “urban explorers” (which the appellation stands for) are “styling, tech savvy, and seeking experiences [as] they make the most of their time and opportunities.”
COUPE PERFORMANCE, CROSSOVER LOOKS
During the press launch in Stockholm, BusinessWorld was able to speak with the design team head responsible for the UX. Chika Kako is an affable, brilliant executive — the first woman at Lexus to be accorded such an honor, and is its first female managing officer. Ms. Kako had posited that the UX is a “car developed for the customer who’s entering the luxury market for the first time — and for people joining the Lexus brand for the first time.” She had asserted, “That was my first mission. This may be the youngest of all the siblings, but for us, we don’t look at it as just small, medium and large sizes… We understand completely that there is a large base of customers who enjoys sedans. But here was a chance to create something new and exciting that we’ve never seen before. So think about something having the driving performance of a sporty coupe, but with crossover looks... That was something I really wanted to achieve. That’s why I went for this body type.”
Along with its entry-level pricing, the UX is should attract buyers with a showcase of new toys and tech — while staying true to the look that Lexus has proudly claimed for itself. The iconic spindle grille gives the vehicle an aggressive fascia and augments its muscular, taut presence that is consistently applied in and out.
In a statement, Lexus said that the “UX brings to the table the widest field of vision and best turning radius of any luxury compact SUV.” The design team also took inspiration from the traditional Japanese concept of Engawa that “blurs the boundary between a home’s exterior and interior” to create “a feeling of seamless continuity inside.” For instance, the upper instrument panel extends out beyond the windshield and provides the driver a sweeping view of the car and its surroundings.
The F Sport variant will reward drivers with more keenly