The all-new 2019 Lexus UX

The compact crossover for a refined luxury driver

Lexus, an innovator in luxury utility vehicles, introduces the newest addition to their lineup, the 2019 UX. It offers the brand’s innovative design, luxury features, and advanced safety in a package that combines charismatic new styling 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 represents the design team’s guiding concept and describes the vehicle’s mission: Urban + X-over (crossover) = UX.

“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.”

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 developed to use the new Global Architecture-Compact (GA-C) platform. A lightweight yet super-rigid structure, low center of gravity and refined suspension tuning endow the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality.

“I wanted to positively overturn the image of a crossover with a high body that requires careful maneuvering, and offer a car with nimble performance and excellent maneuverability that makes it as easy to drive as a sedan,” said Chief Engineer Kako.

EXTERIOR DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS
The 2019 Lexus UX is a leap forward in the compact luxury crossover segment. Lexus designers created an overall design theme inspired by a secure, robust look crossbred with the stance of a sports coupe.

The spindle 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. Daytime running lights arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights complement the Lexus L-shaped lighting signature. These appear like brows above the LED headlight units.

The full-width rear lights project a distinctive nighttime signature formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs tapering toward the center, measuring just 3mm (1/8in.) thick at its narrowest point.

The vehicle’s basic form flows out from the lines of the spindle 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 out to the corners and an impressive front fascia create the agile, sporty stance.

Takumi (Japanese for “artisan”) modelers worked with design and engineering to refine all exterior surfaces of the UX. Their work was crucial to refining surfaces down to the 0.01mm level, pushing the boundaries for what could be produced in the body-stamping presses.

Along with flat underbody covers that contribute to vehicle quietness and fuel efficiency, the wheel arch moldings that protect the body from gravel thrown up by the tires also 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 spoiler integrated into the rear edge of the roof reduces drag and lift due to turbulence. In yet another world first, the standard 17-inch aluminum alloy aero ventilating wheels feature Gurney flaps along the spoke edges designed to reduce wind resistance while also increasing the airflow to cool the disc brakes. The design pulls air from the inside of the wheel, while the air flow on the outer side of the vehicle is regulated to follow the wheel surface.

COLORS AS UNIQUE AS THE UX
The 2019 Lexus UX is offered in a palette of 13 exterior colors to accentuate its stunning lines. Two of those colors, White Nova and Heat Blue, are exclusive to the FSPORT.

Three new colors were developed for the UX: Blazing Carnelian 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.

Terrane Khaki 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.

Celestial Blue creates a solid blue color with glass flakes that sparkle in sunlight.

FSPORT PERFORMANCE
Exclusive FSPORT suspension tuning includes specific springs and stabilizer bars, plus a rear performance damper for a more refined ride. 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels unique to the FSPORT are even more rigid than standard UX wheels, contributing to responsiveness and handling agility.

The FSPORT option can be combined with a UX-tailored version of the new high-response Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that debuted on the Lexus LC and LS flagship coupe and sedan. The system increases damping force to minimize roll when cornering or changing lanes and reduces damping force in straight-line driving to preserve ride quality. With AVS, the vehicle’s Drive Mode Selector adds the Sport S+ mode.

The FSPORT transformation includes an exclusive grille design featuring a mesh-pattern created by individual L-shaped pieces. The exclusive FSPORT front bumper features large fog lamp bezels with L-shaped chrome moldings and the same mesh pattern as the grille. A revised rear bumper and jet-black trim on the front and rear moldings complete the FSPORT look.

FSPORT-exclusive interior features include front sports seats made with a highly supportive integrated-foaming technique first developed for Lexus F models. A leather-covered FSPORT steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift knob, aluminum pedals and footrest are also part of the package.

The FSPORT UX features a larger 8-inch TFT LCD display. 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.

The UX FSPORT 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 car, 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.

Designers created a feeling of seamless continuity inside the UX. From the driver’s seat, the upper plane of the instrument panel appears to extend out beyond the windshield into the hood and fenders giving the driver an excellent field of vision and a clear sense of the vehicle’s dimensions and tire placement. When viewed from outside the vehicle, the hood appears to connect directly to the instrument panel through the windshield, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior.

Entering and exiting the UX is made easier through optimal placement of the hip-point and unique shaping of the seat cushion. The human-centered approach shows clearly in the instrument panel’s low, unobtrusive design and the slim A-pillar moldings, which are shaped to improve visibility. Even with a higher seating position than a standard passenger car, the reduction in distance between the hip and heel points gives the UX driver a feeling of being closer to the road than in a conventional SUV.

Typical of Lexus, the UX offers a very quiet driving experience, thanks to the 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 6-way manual or 8-way power adjustable front seats, the latter with adjustable lumbar support for the driver. Front seat cushions use springs and foam specially designed to gently envelop occupants while uniformly dispersing pressure under the occupant’s sciatic area.

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.

Chief Engineer Kako drew on her extensive experience in materials development and time spent working in Europe to help define the UX interior’s appearance and quality. The result is an uncluttered “less is more” approach that makes the UX feel more inviting and accessible.

“When it comes to determining whether an interior is good or bad, controlling the overall balance between the continuity, unity and contrast is more important than the relative specifications of individual components,” she said.

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 fabric or synthetic leather. The standard models offer a choice of five colors, including Cobalt, Black, White Ash, Chateau and Ocher. In addition to Black, the FSPORT also offers exclusive Flare Red or White seat colors.

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 Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with haptic feedback in the 2019 UX is designed to feel as familiar to use as a smartphone. The RTI utilizes intuitive operations, such as double-tapping, squeezing to zoom, and flicking, to mimic common phone gestures. The touchpad can recognize Roman block letters when typing a search name. Touchpad surface haptic vibrations indicate to the user when the cursor is moved, making it easier to align the cursor with the desired function button. Frameless construction eliminates edges, and a special coating on the touch pad surface lets fingers easily slide over it while minimizing the appearance of fingerprints.

A switch at the base of the touch pad can call up an operation screen with related functions, such as air conditioning and navigation, enabling easier access without going through menus. In a unique touch of high-tech elegance, the Lexus logo on the pad surface is backlit at night.

IMAGINAGIVE 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. 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. The vent control LEDs use mirror optics in the same design principle as the Lexus LC’s tail lamps to create the effect of deep floating light sources, even though the light element is just 3mm (1/8-in.) thick.

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 2640mm (103.9-in.) wheelbase contributes to a smooth,

stable ride and cabin roominess. The 4495mm (177-in.) length and best-in segment 10.4m (34-ft) curb-to-curb turning diameter help make the Lexus UX easy to maneuver and convenient to park.

Getting in and out is easier thanks to factors including optimal placing of the hip-point, a cut-off profile for the rocker panel below the doors, and the shape of the seat cushion. For interior storage, the UX offers the largest console box in its class. The rear luggage area can be ordered in high- or low-deck floor versions, featuring underfloor storage in both.

Fold-down grocery bag hooks remain flush with the side panel surface when not in use. An available hands-free power rear gate makes loading the UX more convenient, and solid aluminum roof rails allow installation of a variety of accessory carriers.

The F SPORT features runflat tires. Newly-developed 2nd–generation runflat tires are quieter and more comfortable than previous designs, while now allowing driving with a flat tire at speeds up to 80 km/h (50mph) for up to 160 km (100 miles).

IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The 2019 Lexus UX models offer the latest in the brand’s multimedia and navigation technology. A 7-inch EMV (Electro Multi Vision) display is standard, and a 10.3-in. EMV display with the available Lexus Navigation system is available for F SPORT. The available navigation system features the brand’s latest graphical user interface for greatest ease of use and access to features.

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System can play back the highest-resolution digital audio formats from a USB device, conveying more musical data than a CD. Dual rear-seat USB ports enable passengers to use and recharge their smartphones or tablets.

The standard 6-speaker system and available 8-speaker upgrade system use bamboo charcoal speaker diaphragms to reduce mass and deliver natural-sounding voices and improved mid-range sound. Both systems create a more lifelike soundstage by using tweeters mounted at the sides of the instrument panel reflecting sound off the windshield. The 8-speaker system adds a center-dash tweeter, a subwoofer mounted in the luggage area and a more powerful amplifier.

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 GA-C 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.

By using aluminum for the doors, front fenders and hood, and composite construction of polymer inner and outer panels over an aluminum frame for the tailgate, the UX has the lowest center of gravity of any vehicle in its class at 594mm (23.4-in.). As a result, the UX delivers a secure, agile feeling normally associated with lower sport hatches. A unique ring structure around the hatch opening and behind the rear seats increases torsional rigidity to enhance crash performance, improve handling and reduce noise and vibration.

The MacPherson strut independent front suspension and multilink independent rear suspension with trailing arms, both mounted to sub-frames, are specially tuned to deliver a combination of agility and comfort over well-worn urban street surfaces. Carefully refined details such as the quality of the damper oil, oil seals and friction control in the shock absorbers make a significant positive impact on ride quality.

An upper strut brace increases torsional rigidity of the engine bay, and the steering rack bolts directly to the subframe without rubber bushings for more direct steering feel.

Active Cornering Assist (ACA), a function integrated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), helps the vehicle trace the driver’s desired line through a turn by applying some brake control on the inside wheels, suppressing the tendency to understeer. As a result, the UX drives through corners with greater precision while maintaining stability.

A SUSPENSION THAT ADAPTS TO YOUR NEEDS
The latest version of Lexus Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which debuted on the flagship LC Coupe, is available for the 2019 UX FSPORT. The new AVS system decreases body roll when cornering and enhances ride comfort over bumpy urban streets.

AVS uses linear control solenoids to bypass varying amounts of shock fluid around the shock absorber’s piston assembly. This system can vary suspension damping through 650 levels, making changes hundreds of times per second for rapid dynamic control that is transparent to the vehicle occupants.

Based on signal inputs from the steering, yaw rate and linear G sensors, AVS continually adjusts damping force to minimize body roll in cornering while maintaining optimum tire loading and ride comfort on all surfaces. Damping force is reduced at low speeds and increased at high speeds.

The driver can set damping performance using the Drive Select controller. When Eco, Normal or Sport S mode is selected, the damping force varies to maintain an optimal balance of ride comfort, steering response and a flat ride.

By selecting Sport S+, damping forces are increased by reducing oil bypass around the pistons for firmer damping and the sportiest driving feel.

In addition, using AVS can instantly increase damping force to limit vehicle pitch or roll when the driving support computer judges that there is a possibility of rapid driver input to avoid a collision. VSC Cooperative Control applies appropriate damping in response to vehicle side-skid or changes in the road surface friction, helping to maintain the effectiveness of VSC.

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 UX models equipped with power-adjustable front seats.

Standard 17-inch alloy aero ventilating wheels feature 215/60R17 tires; the optional 18-inch alloy wheels get 225/50RF18 runflat tires.

UX200: INNOVATIVE TRANSMISSION MEETS ULTRA-EFFICIENCT ENGINE
The 2019 Lexus UX200 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), D4-S direct plus port fuel injection achieve high-speed

combustion, 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 126kW (171ps, 168hp), the UX200 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 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of peak torque to give the UX excellent responsiveness in all driving situations.

A continuously variable capacity oil pump and a variable cooling system with an electric water pump contribute to ultra-low internal friction, further maximizing engine performance and fuel efficiency. The cooling system also has two flow-shutting valves to ensure quicker cabin heating on cold days and quicker cool-down when the air conditioner is used.

The new Direct Shift-Continuously Variable Transmission combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a continuously variable transmission with a more direct driving feel. The key to its distinct performance feel is a mechanical gearset that is used to start from a stand-still and accelerate before handing off to the continuously variable transmission pulley system

The result is direct, linear and quick initial acceleration, while maintaining the benefits of a continuously variable transmission at mid- and higher speeds. Also, because the fixed-ratio first gear reduces the load on the belt and pulleys mechanism for start-off and low-speed driving, the pulleys can be made smaller and lighter while providing a wider range of gear ratios. The result is quicker ratio changes during acceleration and an overall ratio spread that maximizes fuel efficiency.

Under strong acceleration, the Direct Shift-Continuously Variable Transmission can make transmission ratio that simulate gear changes like a multi-speed automatic transmission. Synchronization of the increasing engine revs and vehicle speed provides a linear acceleration feel.

DRIVE MODE SELECT
The UX is 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; Sport S+ dramatically changes the handling dynamics.