THE Lexus UX it is Lexus' first compact crossover, and we saw it at its public debut in Geneva. It stands out for its distinctive style, with the brand referring to potential owners as “urban explorers”.
If at the front we find a new interpretation of the dominant “Spindle Grille”, the rear is marked by a thin luminous bar made up of 120 LEDs that taper towards the center, measuring just three millimeters in height at its narrowest point.
The Lexus UX can come equipped with 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, which also debut a new aerodynamic design that allows airflow towards the brakes, but at the same time is able to reduce aerodynamic friction — it's all about the design of the rim arms, carefully modeled on a computer and tested in the wind tunnel.
New platform debut
Named GA-C, the new platform is debuted by the Lexus UX which, according to the brand, guarantees high structural rigidity and the lowest center of gravity in the segment. In addition to the platform, Lexus' war on weight is felt in the use of aluminum for the doors, mudguards and bonnet.The Lexus UX suspension is made up of a MacPherson layout at the front, while at the rear we find a layout with overlapping double wishbones, solutions that allow, according to the brand, comfort and sharp dynamic response.
The dimensions of the new crossover place it at the center of the segment: 4,495m long, 1,520m high, 1,840m wide and 2,640m wheelbase.
interior
Lexus promises good visibility indices for the UX, where the instrument panel assumes a low position and the A-pillars are narrow. As usual, you can expect a high quality of interior design and choice of materials. The leather coverings stand out, with padding inspired by sashiko, a traditional Japanese technique also used in uniforms for judo and kendo.
Lexus UX interior
Chika Kako, Lexus UX Engineering DirectorWe have the crossover with the lowest center of gravity in the segment. (…) We were concerned about the materials and the feel of all the components (inside). We debut a new wa shi material, (which reveals) a unique aesthetic reference to a typical Japanese paper.
4th generation hybrid system
The Lexus UX will currently be available with two engines. THE UX 200 , equipped with a new 2.0 liter gasoline engine with high thermal efficiency — 40% according to Lexus — coupled with a new CVT called Direct Shift-CVT.
The highlight goes, however, to the debut of the fourth generation of the self-chargeable hybrid system in the UX 250h , with 178 hp, and available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (E-Four). The new hybrid system is more compact and lighter than its predecessors. All powered by a new NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery pack, which features new construction and a more compact cooling system located under the rear seat.
The UX 250h E-Four ensures traction on both driving axles through an electric motor located on the rear axle, with power distribution over the two axles being managed automatically.
Technology enhanced security
The Lexus UX comes equipped with the latest version of the Lexus Safety System + which includes, among others, pre-crash system, pedestrian and cyclist detection. In the field of driver assistants there is the Lexus Co Drive package that integrates from adaptive cruise control to adaptive high beams.
Lexus UX
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