NX to be Lexus' best-seller

Lexus confirmed to the world its intention to build a compact luxury SUV at this week’s Frankfurt motor show with the unveiling of LF-NX concept.

The spectacularly angular concept vehicle previews a new compact crossover that will slot in underneath Lexus’ popular RX large SUVs to rival top-selling mid-size premium SUVs like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

Director of Lexus Europe Paul Van der Burgh said the new model will reap huge profits for the company, but wouldn’t say when.

"I think it could be Lexus' best-selling model in future," he said.

"Today RX is our biggest seller worldwide, so it is only natural for us to explore new opportunities in the segment below RX.

"The compact SUV market has really come from nowhere five years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if the vehicle was as important to us as RX going forward," said Van der Burgh, who introduced the vehicle in Frankfurt with the help of two giant marionettes called 'Amazing in Motion'.

Aimed at a younger buyer, the all-new SUV’s design is likely to be toned down considerably as it makes the transition to a production car, but Lexus’ European chief would not reveal when it’s due in showrooms.

"I can't comment on timing," stated Van der Burgh.

The creative powerhouse behind the wild new SUV's design, Takeshi Tanabe, said the earliest possible date for a production model is at least a couple of years away -- 2015 at the earliest.

"Let's say it's signed off, the styling is already there, so then we will have to make some new drawings as production parts are moved in,” he said.

“I'd say less than one year for finishing the styling, and then for production it takes a longer time, for the argument between engineers and parts purchasing guys."

When a late 2014 date was suggested, he was doubtful. "I can't promise anything," he said.

The LF-NX show car is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid engine that can run for short periods on electricity alone, and features a new take on Lexus' Remote Touch Interface touchpad-based cockpit controller.

It is expected to wear the NX, for 'nimble crossover', nameplate into production. Lexus has already trademarked the NX 200t and NX 300h names, so the production model is likely to be powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and 2.5-litre hybrid system from the IS 300h.

In terms of what would change between the LF-NX concept and the production NX, Tanabe noted that "Some details have been exaggerated... this is a show car -- it must be attractive and futuristic.

"I don't want to say a production car would be compromised, but it would be adjusted," he explained.

Nevertheless, the outspoken designer conceded that Lexus needed to attract younger buyers and audacious designs such as this one – as well as the latest IS and GS and upcoming RC -- will be needed to appeal to a wider audience.

"The sharpness and strong impression could be important for Lexus, which used to be quite elegant and soft and modest. Now we have to express a bit more than previous Lexus designs," he said.

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