Lexus, an innovator in luxury utility vehicles, introduces its newest addition to the lineup, the 2019 UX. It offers the brand’s innovative design, luxury features and advanced safety in a package that combines charismatic new styling elements and ultra-efficient new powertrains.
For many, the UX will not only be their first Lexus, but also their first luxury vehicle.
The UX name represents 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 developed to use the new Global Architecture Compact (GA C) platform. A lightweight yet super-rigid structure, low centre 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 with a high body that requires careful maneuvering, and offer a car with nimble performance and excellent maneuverability that makes it as easy to drive as a sedan,” said Chief Engineer Kako.
The 2019 Lexus UX is available in two versions: the front-wheel drive UX 200 introduces a new high-efficiency 2.0 litre, four-cylinder engine coupled with a new Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission, while the UX 250h pairs an even higher-efficiency version of the 2.0 litre gas engine with a new fourth-generation self-charging hybrid drive system engineered specifically for this platform. This is Lexus’ first foray into the subcompact SUV segment.