Imbuing a youthful appeal to its expanding lineup, Al-Futtaim Lexus launches the all-new UX in the UAE today, an innovative addition to the luxury compact crossover segment.
Unveiled at an unconventional location in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre and inspired by Japanese robotics and aesthetics, the urban compact cross over was presented to a large press and socialite crowd, who were treated to a light and car dance show, set to reflect what the new crossover embodies: bold, young, upbeat, head-turner and conversations-trigger.
While the UX name is derived from the guiding concept of the vehicle’s design team and describes the vehicle’s mission as Urban + X-over (crossover), the all-new model is engineered to deliver a quick and engaging driving experience with a Lexus-smooth demeanor, making it a unique entry in the luxury compact crossover segment.
Designed by Ms. Chika Kako, Executive Vice President of Lexus International and [first female] Chief Engineer, the UX is infused with a dynamic attitude, to deliver a quick and engaging driving, based on a concept called “Cross-Create” which creates harmony between ‘a robust body characteristic of a crossover SUV’ and ‘a strong contrasting glamourous shine’.
“The Lexus UX is designed for the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary, and dynamic take on luxury driving,” said Chika Kako “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.”
She added: “I wanted to positively overturn the image of a crossover and offer a car with nimble performance and excellent maneuverability that makes it as easy to drive like a sedan.”
Built from Lexus first Global Architecture Compact platform, UX features a lower center of gravity making the UX a nimble, sporty car, emphasizing high agility, stability, and ride quality regardless of the driving conditions.
Mohammed Maktari, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Lexus said: This newest addition to our line-up is inspired by the vibrant energy of urban environments and is Lexus’ reflection of the ongoing quest to create Amazing Experiences. This car is designed with the young at heart and aspiring urbanites in mind, who are looking to join the world of Lexus through this unique luxury compact crossover.
About the new UX
The 2019 Lexus UX has a front-wheel drive configuration and is powered by a new high-efficiency 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a new 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (D-CVT). It offers a host of exciting features, including a Drive Select controller with up to five modes that allows the driver to tailor the driving experience. The 2019 Lexus UX introduces world-first unique aero ventilation design, which was developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface.
The introduction of the all-new Lexus UX continues the expression of the brand’s design direction and commitment towards crafting vehicles with heightened excitement and passion, expanding the vision of the brand’s future to a broader audience. The provocative elegance of the design starts up front with the latest iteration of the brand’s signature Spindle Grille. 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 also creates an intriguing three-dimensional appearance that varies according to the viewing angle.
The streamlined headlamp design completes the UX’s face, giving it a determined, confident gaze. Arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights, the LED daytime running lights 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 vehicle’s sleek 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 vehicle’s robust inspiration, while an aerodynamic profile, large wheels pushed to the corners and an impressive front fascia create an agile, sporty stance. The bold Lexus UX design culminates at the full-width rear lights, which project a distinctive nighttime signature formed by a sequence of 120 LEDs tapering towards the center, that measures just 3.17 millimeters thin at its narrowest point.
Complementing the all-new Lexus UX’s emotional design is a thrilling drive personality. The UX 200 delivers a combination of engaging performance and high efficiency from a newly developed 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces 169 hp and 205 Nm of torque. Combining revolutionary laser-clad intake valve seats with an all-new intake port profile, and D-4S direct plus port fuel injection makes this one of the most efficient engines on the market. The addition of a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE) motor on the intake side enhances drivability while also reducing emissions.
The new Direct-Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT) combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a continuously variable transmission with a more direct driving experience. 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 a direct, linear, and quick initial acceleration, while maintaining the benefits of a continuously variable transmission at mid- and higher speeds.
The Lexus UX’s distinct personality is completed by its exquisite interior, which invites the driver and passengers to enjoy a range of advanced features that offer a refined cabin experience. These include an enhanced in-vehicle 10.3 inch multimedia display, 10.2-inch colored and adjustable head-up display (HUD), 7-inch color multi-information display (MID), a wireless charging system for smartphones, Lexus connect mobile application and an analog clock with GPS correction function. The vehicle also offers the Lexus Climate Concierge with a 2-zone independent temperature control system. Additional features include multi-adjustable power front seats, as well as 60:40 split folding rear seats with cup holders, and a hands-free power trunk with a kick motion sensor.
The car features a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its occupants, such as 8 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Parking Support Alert (PKSA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), among many others.
Available in 13 distinctive exterior colors, the all-new Lexus UX allows customers to express their individuality with two exclusive colors for the F SPORT version. Three newly-developed exterior colors, Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic, Blazing Carnelian Contrast Layering, and Celestial Blue Glass Flake, further evoke the luxurious and glamorous atmosphere. On the other hand, the interior comes in a total of eight color combinations, with two newly-developed combinations called Cobalt and White Ash, and, an F SPORT exclusive, FLARE RED. Furthermore, the all-new model has been rearmed with two new wheel designs; 17-inch wheels – incorporating a world-first aero ventilation design developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface, and an F SPORT exclusive 18-inch wheel with run-flat tires designed for excellent handling stability.
The new UX is available across all Al-Futtaim Lexus showrooms in the UAE in three grades:
UX 200 Premier, UX 200 F Sport Prestige and UX 200 F Sport Platinum for AED 150,000 AED 160,000 AED 180,000 respectively, inclusive of VAT
