The Lexus UX Concept is a design study that hints at a new subcompact crossover SUV.
The 2016 Paris Auto Show is in full swing and adding to the list of reveals this year is another crossover SUV concept. It seems Paris is really heavy on the SUVs this year. First, it was the new Land Rover Discovery. Then BMW followed with the X2 Concept, Audi and the new Q5, Mercedes-Benz with the Generation EQ Concept, and now, Lexus has the strange-looking UX Concept.
Lexus has been on a weird trend with its design language as of recent, mainly with its crossover SUVs. To the eyes of many, even those beyond us auto critics, Lexus’ recent designs with the NX and RX crossovers have been a love-it-or-hate-it ordeal. Though mostly the latter.
This new Lexus UX Concept is no different. But instead of moping over how questionable its looks are, let’s dive into what it is.
What is it?
The Lexus UX Concept is a supposed design study and pitch at where the company might take its design direction with its popular crossover models. It was designed in-house at Lexus’ studio in southern France–fitting for a reveal at Paris.
Like many other Lexus vehicles, including the NX and RX crossovers, the UX Concept is full of sharp angles and edges. It gives off the impression that Lexus designers simply forgot what curves are.
It is of the compact size so it’s not particularly huge. It is also relatively low-slung when compared to the higher riding NX and RX. This implies the UX Concept is a preview at a new subcompact entry-level crossover. Such competition likely includes the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the new Infiniti QX30, and the soon-to-be BMW X2.
What’s most notable about it?
The Lexus UX Concept sports a very interesting design, resembling a shooting brake design, but with more ground clearance, and a low-slung roofline.
Lexus claims the entry-level SUV segment is the fastest-growing luxury segment in the US and simply, the UX Concept is the company’s response.
-Jack Wilson