Geneva 2018: All-New Lexus UX Debuts, Slots Below NX

First shown as the Lexus UX Concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, subsequently teased earlier this year, the company has finally introduced the all-new Lexus UX at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.

When the model goes on sale, it will be competing against the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Mini Countryman.

Designed to be even more chic than the compact Lexus NX, the all-new Lexus UX is the first model to be based on Toyota’s TNGA platform, specifically the GA-C variant. The GA-C variant of the TNGA platform is also utilized by the Toyota Prius, Toyota C-HR, and Toyota Auris.

Up front, the all-new Lexus UX receives the company’s signal spindle front grille, flanked by a pair of headlights with integrated arrowhead motif DRLs. Towards the rear end, 120 LEDs are utilized in each and every UX models to create the continuous tail light design, giving the UX a very distinctive appearance.

In terms of dimensions, the all-new Lexus UX comes in at 4,495 mm long, 1,520 mm tall, and 1,840 mm wide. The wheelbase comes in at 2,640 mm, longer than the Audi Q3 (2,603 mm), though falls behind the BMW X1 (2,670 mm), Volvo XC40 (2,702 mm), and Mercedes-Benz GLA (2,699 mm).

Moving inside, the UX features a driver-centric cockpit with the infotainment display and various controls angled towards the driver. The interior is also home to several Japanese influences, as seen in the leather upholstery that’s inspired by sashiko, a traditional Japanese quilting technique and a new trim that is inspired by washi, a Japanese paper grain.  

Also new are the powertrains, borrowed from Toyota’s lineup of Dynamic Force engines. The first is a 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid mated to a CVT, sending drive to the front wheels or all four wheels via Lexus’ E-Four AWD system. The engine works in conjunction with an electric motor, allowing for a combined system output of 178 hp.

The E-Four system in the Lexus UX 250h utilizes an additional electric motor that’s placed on the rear axle. As much as 80 percent of power can be sent to the rear wheels when loss of rear-wheel grip is detected, at speeds of up to 70 km/h.

The second powertrain is a new 2.0-litre petrol engine paired to a new Direct Shift-CVT. According to Lexus, this new engine features a maximum thermal efficiency of roughly 40%, a class-leading figure for a passenger vehicle engine.

Safety wise, the all-new Lexus UX is available with the updated Lexus Safety System +. The updated system features an improved Pre-Collision System (PCS) that is now able to detect cyclists during daytime. Lexus Safety System + also encompasses Lexus Co DRIVE with Lane Tracing Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam, and Road Sign Assist.

For those seeking a sportier UX variant, Lexus also offers an F Sport version, differentiated by an exclusive front grille with chrome fog light bezels up front, a unique rear bumper with chrome highlights plus exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. F Sport models also benefit from unique suspension tuning.

Inside, the Lexus UX F Sport features sports seats, an 8-inch colour display and an instrument cluster with a moving chrome ring, inspired by the Lexus LC. An F Sport steering wheel with dimpled leather covering and sports aluminium pedals complete the interior.