• Compelling ‘Creative Urban Explorer’ design sets new standards in its segment
• Exceptional body rigidity and low center of gravity for sport-hatch agility
• Newly-developed 2.0-liter engine and advanced 10-speed Direct Shift Transmission
• Innovative Lexus Safety System+ offers unrivaled protection

Lexus UX, an innovative addition to the Luxury Compact Crossover segment. The model combines the brand’s latest luxury offerings and safety technologies in a package that combines new charismatic design elements and ultra-efficient powertrains.

While the UX name is derived from the guiding concept of the vehicle’s design team and describes the vehicle’s mission as Urban + X-over (crossover), the UX is engineered to deliver a quick and engaging driving experience with a Lexus-smooth demeanor, making it a unique entry in the luxury compact crossover segment.

“The Lexus UX is designed for the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary, and dynamic take on luxury driving,” said Chika Kako, Executive Vice President of Lexus International and Chief Engineer of the UX. “We designed the UX to appeal to young buyers who seek not only what is new and exciting, but what is also relevant to their lifestyles.”

She added: “I wanted to positively overturn the image of a crossover and offer a car with nimble performance and excellent maneuverability that makes it as easy to drive like a sedan.”

The UX is the first Lexus vehicle to be constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. With a lightweight yet super-rigid structure, extremely low center of gravity, and a refined suspension tuning, the GA-C platform provides the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality.

The  Lexus UX has a front-wheel drive configuration and is powered by a new high-efficiency 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a new 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT). It offers a host of exciting features, including a Drive Select controller with up to five modes that allows the driver to tailor the driving experience. The Lexus UX introduces world-firsts such as wireless lighting for the airflow knob and a unique aero ventilation design, which was developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface. The UX also has a Lexus-first palm rest integrated audio control system, as well as Lexus’ advanced safety technology package, Lexus Safety System+.

The introduction of Lexus UX continues the expression of the brand’s design direction and commitment towards crafting vehicles with heightened excitement and passion, expanding the vision of the brand’s future to a broader audience. The provocative elegance of the design starts up front with the latest iteration of the brand’s signature Spindle Grille. It features a new block-shape mesh pattern with individual elements that gradually change in shape as they radiate out from the central Lexus emblem. The grille also creates an intriguing three-dimensional appearance that varies according to the viewing angle.

The streamlined headlamp design completes the UX’s face, giving it a determined, confident gaze. Arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights, the LED daytime running lights complement the Lexus L-shaped lighting signature. These appear like brows above the standard single-projector dual-beam LED headlights or the optional ultra-small 3-projector LED units.

The vehicle’s sleek form flows out from the lines of the signature grille to envelop the cabin. Crisp, prominent sculpted surfaces and dramatically flared front and rear fenders reflect the vehicle’s robust inspiration, while an aerodynamic profile, large wheels pushed to the corners and an impressive front fascia create an agile, sporty stance. The bold Lexus UX design culminates at the full-width rear lights, which project a distinctive nighttime signature formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs tapering towards the center, that measures just 3.17 millimeters thin at its narrowest point.

Complementing the Lexus UX’s emotional design is a thrilling drive personality. The UX 200 delivers a combination of engaging performance and high efficiency from a newly developed 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 168 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Combining revolutionary laser-clad intake valve seats with an all-new intake port profile, and D-4S direct plus port fuel injection makes this one of the most efficient engines on the market. The addition of a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE) motor on the intake side enhances drivability while also reducing emissions.

The new Direct-Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT) combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a continuously variable transmission with a more direct driving experience. The key to its distinct performance feel is a mechanical gearset that is used to start from a stand-still and accelerate, before handing off to the continuously variable transmission pulley system. The result is a direct, linear, and quick initial acceleration, while maintaining the benefits of a continuously variable transmission at mid- and higher speeds.

The Lexus UX’s distinct personality is completed by its exquisite interior, which invites the driver and passengers to enjoy a range of advanced features that offer a refined cabin experience. These include an enhanced in-vehicle 10.25-inch multimedia display, 10.2-inch colored and adjustable head-up display (HUD), 7-inch color multi-information display (MID), a wireless charging system for smartphones, and an analog clock with GPS correction function. The vehicle also offers the Lexus Climate Concierge with a 2-zone independent temperature control system, and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system that incorporates advanced features such as Quantum Logic Immersion (QLI) to create a naturally enveloping soundstage, and Clari-Fi 2.0, which extrapolates compressed audio to achieve a sound as faithful to the original as possible. Additional features include multi-adjustable power front seats, as well as 60:40 split folding rear seats with cup holders, and a hands-free power trunk with a kick motion sensor.

Highlighting Lexus’ unrelenting focus on safety, the vehicle ensures complete peace of mind with Lexus Safety System+, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pedestrian detection during daylight and certain low-light conditions, as well as daytime cyclist detection, all-speed range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and adaptive high beam system (AHS). In addition, the car features a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its occupants, such as 8 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Parking Support Alert (PKSA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), among many others.