Lexus, an innovator in luxury utility vehicles, introduced its newest addition to the lineup, the 2019 UX. It offers the brand’s innovative luxury and safety in a package that combines charismatic new design elements and ultra-efficient new powertrains. For many customers, the UX will not only be their first Lexus, but also their first luxury vehicle. The UX name is derived from the design team’s guiding concept and describes the vehicle’s mission: Urban + X-over (crossover) = UX.
Infused with dynamic attitude, the 2019 Lexus UX is engineered to deliver quick and engaging driving with a Lexus-smooth demeanor, making it a unique entry in the luxury compact crossover segment.
The 2019 UX is the first Lexus constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. A lightweight yet super-rigid structure, extremely low center of gravity and refined suspension tuning endow the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality. The 2019 Lexus UX is available in two versions
EXTERIOR DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS
The 2019 Lexus UX is a leap forward in the compact luxury crossover segment. The signature grille, though sharing its basic form with other Lexus models, is unique to the UX. It features a new block-shape mesh pattern with individual elements that gradually change in shape as they radiate out from the central Lexus emblem. The grille creates an intriguing three-dimensional appearance that changes with the viewing angle.
The headlamp design completes the UX’s face, giving it a determined, confident gaze. LED daytime running lights arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights complement the Lexus L-shaped lighting signature. These appear like brows above the standard single-projector dual-beam LED headlights or the optional ultra-small 3-projector LED units.
The full-width rear lights project a distinctive nighttime signature formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs tapering toward the center, measuring just 1/8” thin at its narrowest point.
The vehicle’s basic form flows out from the lines of the signature grille to envelop the cabin. Crisp, prominent sculpted surfaces and dramatically flared front and rear fenders reflect the robust inspiration, while an aerodynamic profile, large wheels pushed to the corners, and an impressive front fascia create the agile, sporty stance.
Takumi (Japanese for “artisan”) clay modelers worked with design and engineering to refine all exterior surfaces of the UX. Their work was crucial to refining surfaces down to the 0.01 mm level, pushing the boundaries for what could be produced in the body-stamping presses.
The wheel arch moldings that protect the body from flying gravel from the tires and use airflow over their edges to reduce turbulence and lift, contributing to the vehicle’s stability.
A similar contribution is made by the rear combination lamps. Unique Aero Stabilizing Blade Lights begin at the top of the rear fenders and span the rear of the vehicle. By guiding airflow around the rear of the UX, this design also reduces turbulence and lift, benefiting vehicle stability when cornering and driving in crosswinds. A wing-type spoiler at the rear edge of the roof, along with a flat underbody, contribute to vehicle quietness, fuel efficiency and aerodynamics.
COLORS AS UNIQUE AS THE UX
The 2019 Lexus UX is offered in a palette of 12 exterior colors to accentuate its stunning lines. Two of those colors, Ultra White and Ultra Sonic Blue Mica 2.0, are exclusive to the F SPORT.
Two new colors were developed for the UX: Cadmium Orange creates vividness and a sense of depth using a multi-layer painting process that combines a red color base layer with a yellow interference mica layer. Nori Green offers a strong contrast between bright highlights and dark, calm shades. The mica particles have been enlarged as much as possible without creating color unevenness, achieving high brilliance while expressing toughness.
F SPORT PERFORMANCE
The F SPORT package is available for both the UX 200 and UX 250h. Exclusive F SPORT suspension tuning includes revised springs and stabilizer bars for a tighter ride. The 18-inch, five twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels unique to the F SPORT are even more rigid than standard UX wheels, contributing to responsiveness and handling agility.
The F SPORT transformation includes an exclusive grille design featuring a mesh-pattern created by individual L-shaped pieces. The exclusive F SPORT front bumper features large LED fog lamp bezels with L-shaped chrome moldings, cornering lamps and the same mesh pattern as the grille. A revised rear bumper and jet-black trim on the front and rear moldings complete the F SPORT look.
The UX F SPORT driving experience can be further enhanced with Active Sound Control (ASC), which generates the aural effect of up- and down-shifts like those of a geared automatic transmission.
INTERIOR DESIGN: PUTTING THE “UX” IN “LUXURY”
Lexus designed the UX cabin to evoke the feel of a luxury sedan, but with the higher seating position and versatility experienced in a crossover. The materials and workmanship are pure Lexus, combining Japanese traditions in craftsmanship and hospitality with innovative production techniques.
At the same time, the UX interior design creates a sense of security suggested by the exterior’s inspiration. As one example, the form of the interior door shoulders evokes a robust frame, expressing a secure feeling inside the vehicle.
Typical of Lexus, the UX offers a very quiet driving experience with aerodynamic features to reduce common noises for drivers and passengers. Noise reduction is accomplished with a high-strength structure and optimal placement of specially designed sound-absorbing and insulating materials throughout the body. Also in typical Lexus fashion, engineers traced noises to their sources to keep them out of the cabin. Even the sound of water being thrown by the tires is reduced.
“SEAT-IN-CONTROL” CONCEPT
The UX makes the driver feel more in touch with the road thanks to a “seat-in-control” concept. Critical vehicle functions are grouped around the driver’s side of the cabin, and the seatback shape allows the driver to operate them while maintaining a comfortable, natural posture.
The UX offers 8-way power adjustable front seats, with adjustable lumbar support for the driver as well as manual forward/backward adjustment for the headrests. Front seat cushions use springs and foam specially designed to gently envelop occupants while uniformly dispersing pressure under the occupants’ sciatic area.
Lexus luxury extends throughout the UX cabin. The leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel and analog clock come from the Lexus LS, for example, and Lexus Climate Concierge, as used in other Lexus models, automatically links heating and cooling airflow with the heated and ventilated seats to optimize interior temperature comfort. Renowned Lexus attention to detail is also evident in a headliner design that eliminates distracting shadows at the windshield header, as well as control switches with a signature “Lexus feel.”
LUXURIOUS NEW FINISHES
From its inception, Lexus has drawn on Japanese traditions in craftsmanship and hospitality to infuse its vehicles with a unique sense of contemporary luxury. Lexus adapted this approach to the 2019 UX to appeal especially to younger customers experiencing their first luxury vehicle.
The Lexus UX offers a wide choice of interior color combinations, each of which conveys a specific mood and accentuates the premium design. The seating is available in NuLuxe with the standard models offering a choice of four colors, including Black, Glazed Caramel, Birch, and Birch with Lapis. In addition to Black, the F SPORT also offers exclusive Circuit Red seat colors.
The sweeping instrument panel and cabin trim offer a choice of two different grain patterns and three colors. In a Lexus first, the UX offers a new trim finish inspired by the grain of Japanese paper, known as washi. It’s common in traditional Japanese homes and evokes a calm and warm feeling.
INTUITIVE CONTROLS AND CLEAR DISPLAYS
The UX instrument panel design combines unique Lexus traits and intuitive technology. A 7-inch TFT LCD display meter digitally creates realistic, analog gauges in a three-dimensional space.
The F SPORT features a larger 8-inch TFT LCD display that varies depending on the powertrain (gas or hybrid) and the selected drive mode. For the F SPORT only, the movable meter ring, which originated in the Lexus LFA supercar and is also featured in the LC premium coupe, allows displayed content to be easily changed. Pushing a switch on the steering wheel moves the ring to the right and enlarges the multi-information display.
IMAGINATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Lexus designers created a cabin atmosphere with a “wow factor” and depth of quality that will be especially apparent to those buying a luxury-brand vehicle for the first time. LED cabin lighting is one example; white LEDs illuminate the front footwells, glovebox and console switches, and also serve as the dome light, map lights and cargo area light.
As another example, each of the UX’s air vents uses a new single-knob control for airflow direction and volume; by combining the two functions in a single control, the air passages of each vent could be enlarged, improving airflow while reducing noise.
VERSATILITY THROUGH THOUGHTFUL PACKAGING
The Lexus UX offers the brand’s renowned luxury and comfort in a package ideally suited to making urban exploring easier in cities around the globe. A 103.9-inch wheelbase contributes to a smooth, stable ride and cabin roominess. The 177-inch length and best-in segment 34-ft curb-to-curb turning diameter help make the Lexus UX easy to maneuver and convenient to park.
IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The 2019 Lexus UX models offer the latest in the brand’s multimedia and navigation technology. A 7-inch Lexus Multimedia System (LMS) display is standard, and a 10.25-inch screen is used with the available Lexus Navigation system.
The standard Lexus Premium Sound System can play back the highest-resolution digital audio formats (WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and OGG Orbis) from a USB device while dual rear-seat USB ports enable passengers to use and recharge their smartphones or tablets.
A SOLID STRUCTURE TO BUILD ON
Lexus instilled the UX with an outstanding combination of handling agility and smooth, quiet ride comfort that urban customers will find pleasing. Key to achieving that balance is building the UX around the high-strength GAC global architecture platform. Extensive use of high-tensile steel, high-strength adhesives and Laser Screw Welding results in a highly rigid structure, an essential foundation for achieving sporty handling and luxurious ride comfort..
SHARP STEERING AND MULTIPLE WHEEL OPTIONS
An Electric Power Steering system with a new compact and highly rigid column-assist motor delivers handling with crisp, immediate response to driver inputs, and provides excellent steering feel.
A newly developed electric tilt and telescopic steering column is available for Luxury grade models. In addition on Luxury grade models, ingress and egress are made easier with the auto away / auto return controls linked to the driver’s seat belt and the engine start-stop switch or hybrid power switch. Using the switch, the tilt and telescopic motors can adjust the steering wheel up and down or forward and back through 1.6-inch ranges.
Standard on all UX models are 18-inch run-flat tires designed for excellent handling stability while also contributing to increased luggage compartment capacity. The 18-inch wheels in Machined finish + Dark gray metallic offer a combination of a machined finish and dark gray metallic coating.
UX 200: INNOVATIVE TRANSMISSION MEETS ULTRA-EFFICIENT ENGINE
The 2019 Lexus UX 200 delivers a combination of engaging performance and high efficiency from a new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Combining revolutionary laser-clad intake valve seats with an all-new intake port profile, high compression ratio (13:1) and D-4S direct plus port fuel injection make this one of the most efficient engines on the market. VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing with an electric actuator on the intake side also enhances drivability while reducing emissions.
At 169hp, the UX 200 engine offers output similar to some competitors’ 1.5 liter turbo engines, but with less complexity, less under-hood heat, and lower powerplant weight for better vehicle balance. The engine produces 151 lb-ft of peak torque to give the UX excellent responsiveness in all driving situations.
UX 250H: NEW-GENERATION LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE
Lexus, the world leader in luxury hybrid vehicles, applied its engineering expertise to the 2019 UX 250h with a new-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain. With 175 total system horsepower, the UX 250h is the fuel-efficient leader with the best MPG of any CUV and SUV without a plug in the U.S. market. This hybrid provides exhilarating driving with high-speed responsiveness and a feeling of smooth, natural acceleration. The UX 250h is equipped with all-wheel drive standard.
The hybrid system combines the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine found in the UX 200 with two electric motor/generators in a new-generation hybrid transaxle that is more compact, lighter and has less internal friction than previous Lexus hybrid systems. Compared to similarly-sized Lexus hybrids, the power control unit of the UX is more powerful yet 20% smaller and 10% lighter.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
The UX 250h model offers all-wheel drive (AWD) using a separate, dedicated electric motor-generator with 7hp output integrated into the rear differential. Power distribution between the front and rear axles is automatically optimized by the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. AWD provides stable driving on uphill slopes or snow-covered roads with lower fuel consumption than a conventional all-wheel drive system that employs a power split device and driveshaft. AWD does more than assist traction in slippery conditions; the system can actively improve stability by adjusting rear-wheel power to help correct an over- or understeer condition.
DRIVE MODE SELECT
Both the UX 200 and UX 250h Hybrid are equipped with Lexus Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by selecting from three different drive modes.
Normal mode provides an optimal balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency; ECO mode maximizes fuel savings across all driving conditions by smoothing the throttle response, and by moderating air conditioning operation; Sport Mode delivers quicker throttle response and increased power steering feel.
SAFETY TECHNOLOGY AND DRIVER ASSIST
The UX, the new gateway to the brand, features the advanced safety technology expected from a Lexus. UX models are equipped with eight airbags: driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side impact airbags and front to rear side curtain airbags.
