Lexus UX takes prestige brand in new direction

The Lexus UX is on its way to Australia — one of the first markets in the world to see the all-new small luxury SUV — and promises to deliver a package of technological highlights that will leave its competitors flat-footed.

Named for 'Urban' and 'Crossover' (the latter word represented by the letter 'X'), the Lexus UX has been benchmarked against a diverse range of those rivals, including the Audi Q2, BMW X1/X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

“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.”

When it goes on sale in Australia around November, the Lexus UX will feature two powertrains (three if you include an all-wheel drive model with rear-mounted 5.3kW electric motor driving the rear wheels). The range will comprise three levels of trim: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury.

Powering the conventional petrol models (UX 200) is an advanced 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine featuring 'D-4S' direct and secondary port injection. Peak power is rated at 126kW and torque maxes out at 205Nm. Fuel consumption figures for Australia are not yet available.

This engine drives through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels, but like Toyota's new Corolla, the transmission integrates a fixed-ratio low gear and torque converter for what feels like a direct translation of engine output to the road.

The hybrid models – UX 250h – are powered by a derivation of the four-cylinder engine, but with Atkinson-cycle operation for fuel conservation.

This engine develops 106kW, but in combination with the electric motor of the hybrid-drive system the total engine output is 131kW. Torque is channelled to the front wheels via a CVT unrelated to that of the system adopted for the UX 200.

Unlike the belt-and-pulley system of the conventional car, the UX 250h features a planetary gear set that shares power between the petrol engine and the two motor-generator units that also drive the front wheels.

According to Lexus, the hybrid-drive system for the UX 250h is modelled on that of the Toyota Prius, but packaging is improved by placing the motors adjacent each other, rather than in line, as in the Prius.

Further packaging gains flow through from placing the battery pack under the rear seat in the UX 250h, saving room in the boot.

Located on top of the hybrid transmission, a new power control unit for the hybrid model converts from 216V DC to 650V AC and is 20 per cent smaller and 10 per cent lighter, according to Lexus.

As an option, buyers can specify an all-wheel drive version of the UX 250h with the 5.3kW electric motor mounted at the rear. The company says that the motor produces just enough power to move the UX 250h away from a standing start in low-friction conditions.

Up to 70km/h it can influence handling as well, the company claims, by supplying more torque to the rear wheels in the event the UX begins to understeer. Above 70km/h the small electric motor ceases to operate.

Although derived from earlier work by Toyota, the GA-C modular platform under the UX lends strength and rigidity, also providing claimed 'best-in-class' centre of gravity to enhance driving dynamics.

Weight has been reduced through extensive use of aluminium panels for the doors, bonnet and front quarter panels, plus high-tensile-strength steel.

Lexus has embraced a manufacturing technique involving the use of structural adhesives (urethane resin) in addition to welding, plus laser-screw welding to supplement spot welds. This ensures that there is no heat-related warping during the production process.

Lexus has upgraded its Lexus Safety System + package which now incorporates pre-collision warning and a colour stereo camera system that can detect cyclists and is a key component of the lane tracing system that guides the car automatically from speeds above 50km/h. Standard across the range the UX will be fitted with 10 airbags.

It's understood that the basic Lexus UX Luxury models will be fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and a space-saver spare. Higher-grade UX F Sport and Sports-Luxury models will each be fitted with bespoke 18-inch wheels and run-flat tyres.

Comfort and convenience equipment expected to be offered in at least some variants include Qi inductive charging for portable devices (wireless phone charging), a head-up display, 10.3-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation and a haptic touchpad for operating infotainment systems. A 7.0-inch display without sat-nav is available in other markets, but Aussies will get the larger screen and navigation as standard across the range.

Look out for our review of the new Lexus UX from September 12 at 5:00pm.