The FINANCIAL — With its bold new design and new ultra-efficient powertrains, the 2019 UX opens a new gateway into the Lexus brand as its first-ever compact luxury crossover. The head-turning UX arrives to the New York International Auto Show for its North American introduction weeks after its world debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. It joins Lexus’ full lineup of luxury and performance vehicles.
“The first-ever 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 buyers in their 30s who seek not only what is new and exciting, but what is also relevant to their lifestyles.”
The UX’s bold and stylish design blends expressive bodywork with a compact size, and its crossover credentials are signaled by its muscular haunches and high beltline. The UX is the first Lexus to use the brand’s GA-C (Global Architecture – Compact) platform. The super-rigid structure and low center of gravity help the UX deliver exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality, according to Toyota.
The 2019 Lexus UX will be available in two versions. The UX 200 introduces a new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine coupled with a new Direct-Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). The UX 250h pairs the same 2.0-liter gas engine with a new fourth generation hybrid drive system. New technology that networks with navigation allows the UX 250h to proactively optimize hybrid operation by learning and adapting to the driver’s routes and driving habits.
The UX will be joined on the show floor by the all-new three-row RX 350L, which continues a cross- country tour that began at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The RX created the luxury crossover segment 20 years ago and has reigned supreme as the most popular luxury utility vehicle on the market. With the new model, Lexus drivers will now have the option of a third row without compromising the sleek styling and easy maneuverability. A longer body length and steeper tailgate window angle ensures good headroom for third-row passengers.
In the new model, the full-length side curtain airbags cover all three rows and it features the standard Lexus Safety System+. The vehicle features plenty of power with 290 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and eight-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with Intelligence (ECT- i).
Auto show guests will also get to view the 2019 Lexus GS F and RC F 10th anniversary special editions, which were unveiled this year at the Chicago Auto Show. Since its introduction in 2008, the Lexus F brand has represented the purest expression of Lexus performance; every vehicle with an “F” badge has set new standards for Lexus performance and helped redefine the brand for a new generation of customers. Set to arrive at dealers this summer, the limited-edition GS F and RC F anniversary models come standard with unique features that make them stand out beyond their already exceptional performance.
The transformation of both anniversary cars starts with a coat of matte finish Nebula Gray paint. It’s the first use of matte paint on a production vehicle since the LFA supercar. The dark gray finish contrasts with the standard polished black multi-spoke wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Blue brake calipers peek out from behind the 19-inch wheels to add a splash of color and hint at the changes found inside.
Open the door and you’re greeted by unique blue carbon fiber trim on the window switch panel and dashboard, along with blue leather accents that give the interior the look of a custom-made exotic. It’s not an illusion, either, as each car also gets engraved plaques certifying its limited-edition status.
Both anniversary cars feature a 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 that sends power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Only 240 10th anniversary RC Fs will be built, corresponding to the current number of U.S. Lexus dealers, while the 10th anniversary GS F is limited to just 100 units.
Not to be missed on the show floor are, of course, the all-new Lexus LS 500 flagship sedan and the Lexus LC 500, the brand’s show-stopping flagship coupe, one of three finalists for 2018 World Performance Car of the Year.
