Teased: New Entry-Level Lexus UX SUV Ahead Of Geneva Debut

Lexus, the luxury auto-brand by Toyota has teased the new entry level compact SUV ‘UX’ ahead of its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show on 6^th March. Targeting the young buyers segment, the company had first showcased the concept version of the vehicle at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Looking at the teaser, the upcoming luxurious compact SUV is likely to compete against vehicles such as the Audi Q2 and Q3 and BMW X1 and X2.

The released teaser showcases the rear profile and width-spanning LED tail lamps and the silhouette of the new production model is also the same as the concept from the rear side. Hence, we can expect the Lexus UX to be quite edgy following the footsteps of other Lexus models; however, one thing that is expected to be missing is the polarizing like the UX model. The Lexus UX will slot in at the bottom of the Lexus UX range, below the RX and NX in order to allow Lexus to compete for a younger, urban demographic looking for a funky premium urban SUV.

Although, the powertrain options for the upcoming Lexus UX SUV has not been revealed yet, but it is expected to come powered by a hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged petrol options as its elder sibling- the Lexus NX. There is another possibility of the compact SUV getting the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and seven-speed CVT that powers the Toyota C-HR. However, for confirmation, we’ll have to wait till the automaker reveals the powertrain details for the Lexus UX.

Apart from teasing the UX, Lexus has not revealed anything else except for a statement saying “A powerful reinterpretation of the Lexus design signatures, the UX Concept reflected the determination by Lexus for each of its models to have a unique, standalone character with a strong concept behind it.”

The Lexus UX concept measured 4400mm long and rode on a 2640mm wheelbase, making it 230mm shorter than Lexus’ NX mid-size SUV. The concept has been developed in the Japanese luxury brand’s ED2 design studio in France and is expected to go on sale in Australia early next year following the launch of the all-new, twin-turbo V6-powered LS 500 and LS 500h limousine in April this year and, in the second half, special-edition RC F coupe and GS F sedan models will be launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lexus F Sport sub-brand.

In India, we can expect the Lexus UX to be introduced as a CBU followed by the global launch and we can expect the UX to be priced slightly on the higher side as compared to its rivals. The ace rival for the Lexus UX in the country- the BMW X1 has a price range starting from Rs 32.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India). However, the automaker has not yet confirmed anything regarding the introduction of this new entry-level SUV in the country. Stay tuned to V3cars.com for further details on the upcoming Lexus UX compact SUV.

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