All-New 2019 Lexus UX: Compact Crossover for Refined Luxury Drivers
The Lexus UX delivers on power and style, and offers something new to the crossover segment.
Lexus, an innovator in luxury utility vehicles, introduces its newest addition to the lineup: The 2019 Lexus UX. It offers the brand’s innovative luxury and safety in a package that combines charismatic new design elements and ultra-efficient new powertrains. For many customers, the Lexus UX will not only be their first Lexus, but also their first luxury vehicle. Once in dealerships in December 2018, the Lexus UX 200 will have a starting price of $32,000. The UX 250h will follow in January 2019 with a starting price of $34,000, adding all-wheel drive, increased power and better fuel efficiency, for only $2,000 more.
The UX name is derived from the design team’s guiding concept and describes the vehicle’s mission: Urban + X-over (crossover) = UX.
“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.”
Infused with dynamic attitude, the 2019 Lexus UX is engineered to deliver quick and engaging driving with a Lexus-smooth demeanor, making it a unique entry in the luxury compact crossover segment.
The 2019 UX is the first Lexus constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. A lightweight yet super-rigid structure, extremely low center of gravity and refined suspension tuning endow the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality.
“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 as a sedan,” said Kako.
The 2019 Lexus UX is available in two versions: the front-wheel drive UX 200 introduces a new high-efficiency 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine coupled with a new 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT), while the all-wheel drive UX 250h pairs an even higher-efficiency version of the 2.0 liter gas engine with a new fourth-generation hybrid drive system engineered specifically for this platform.
Exterior Design and Aerodynamics
The 2019 Lexus UX is a leap forward in the compact luxury crossover segment. The signature grille, though sharing its basic form with other Lexus models, is unique to the UX. 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 creates an intriguing three-dimensional appearance that changes with the viewing angle.
The headlamp design completes the UX’s face, giving it a determined, confident gaze. LED daytime running lights arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights 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 full-width rear lights project a distinctive nighttime signature formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs tapering toward the center, measuring just 1/8” thin at its narrowest point.
The vehicle’s basic 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 robust inspiration, while an aerodynamic profile, large wheels pushed to the corners, and an impressive front fascia create the agile, sporty stance.
Takumi (Japanese for “artisan”) clay modelers worked with design and engineering to refine all exterior surfaces of the UX. Their work was crucial to refining surfaces down to the 0.01 mm level, pushing the boundaries for what could be produced in the body-stamping presses.
