PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Lexus debuts small SUV concept

Lexus has pulled the covers off a new high-riding concept that is set to form the basis of an entry-level production SUV.

Showing off the UX Concept at the Paris motor show overnight, following a drawn-out teaser campaign, the Japanese car-maker declared its prototype as “a vision for a compact SUV of the future”.

The UX Concept follows the LF-SA concept shown at the Geneva motor show in March. However, unlike that model, the UX is much more realistic in proportion for a small SUV, measuring 4400mm long and riding on a 2640mm wheelbase.

In addition, thanks to Toyota’s upcoming C-HR compact SUV due early 2017, there is renewed scope for Lexus to spin off a comparable luxury offering. As such, a UX-sized production model is highly anticipated, slotting below the larger NX and RX siblings.

Lexus didn’t provide details of the UX’s driveline in Paris, instead focusing on the car’s “progressive, strong yet artistic” appearance.

The funky design is highlighted by a highly angular and bold body style developed by Lexus’ ED2 design centre in southern France. Lexus believes the vehicle’s styling will happily accommodate the buying tastes of two groups: young customers upgrading vehicles in the quest for distinctive styling, along with premium customers looking for a highly-functional vehicle suited for urban living.

The UX’s interior should appease both demographics as well, mixing functional new touches such as Lexus’ “Kinetic Seat Concept” along with a deconstructed interior styling designed to provide users with a fully immersive experience. Foremost, the UX features a three-dimensional driver interface, punctuated by a transparent globe designed to float in the manner of a hologram while conveying information in both analogue and digital forms.

Typical concept car flourishes are present in the form of side mirrors replaced by ‘e-mirror’ camera housings, along with electrostatic switchgear. And in what Lexus claims will “provide a new audio experience for the next-generation Lexus customer”, the fin-style speaker in the A-pillars is repeated on the passer’s side of the dashboard to create an in-built removable sound bar.

Lexus officials weren’t available for comment immediately after the UX Concept presentation in Paris. But the Japanese marque is making little secret of the fact the UX is a pointer to its compact SUV plans.