Bold Lexus UX fires up to join posh crossover fight
LEXUS has pulled the covers off its latest SUV at the Geneva show: the new UX crossover. The rival to the BMW X2 is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year.
The UX has a growing crop of premium competitors, from the Jaguar E-pace to the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3. It should stand out, though, thanks to its bold styling, adapting the latest Lexus design language into a more compact shape.
Familiar details are visible such as the gaping spindle grille, slim LED lights, rising shoulderline and sculpted bonnet. At the rear, a singlepiece LED light bar helps it stand out next to the larger NX, while inside is a more evolved dash design over the firm’s current models. Lfa-style dash top switchgear and digital dials are added, plus the infotainment screen is wider than on previous Lexus cars.
Technical details were scarce as we went to press, but we know the UX sits on Toyota’s all-new TNGA modular platform, shared with cars such as the C-HR crossover. Lexus claims its new crossover features “exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity to deliver the agile handling of a hatchback”.
Engines have yet to be revealed, but we can expect an evolution of the brand’s trademark petrol-electric hybrid system, with a conventional turbocharged petrol likely later on. Diesels are very unlikely, however.