Is Lexus still luxury?

For Lexus, the best way to express luxury is a “less is more” approach, based on simplicity of design, which can be a much more effective way of communicating quality, as the interior of the new Lexus RX makes clear.

This fresh, contemporary approach is evident as soon as you open the door: surfaces appear clean and uncluttered, helping to create a feeling of spaciousness and refinement.

What we experienced is the result of an evolution of the Lexus interior design, as Jota Kusakari, lead designer of the project, explains: “We set ourselves the challenge of creating a simple but friendly space, without resorting to ornamentation.”

This approach in no way diminishes the appeal of Lexus’ renowned takumi craftsman luxury: “We focused on giving the panels, seats and armrests a tactile feel worthy of a premium interior, even paying attention to opening and closing the doors.” the doors, and the sound quality, to achieve a quality that would inspire the senses,” says Kusakari.

The new simplicity of design is seen in the way the dashboard flows cleanly and seamlessly, encompassing the gauge sun visor, instrument cluster and door panels. By equipping the vehicle with the new E-latch electronic door opening system, it has been possible to position the interior handles at a lower height, thus protruding the upper part of the door panels more, and thereby creating a natural extension of the instrument panel.

Tazuna driver’s cab

The principle of simplicity is perfectly complemented by Lexus’ Tazuna concept for the driver’s area, which streamlines the placement and ease of use of controls and Information Sources, so that the focus is on driving.

“In keeping with the Tazuna concept, the cockpit design articulates a space that allows the driver to have a deeper and more intuitive connection with the vehicle, and control it exactly to their liking,” says Kusakari. This logic can be seen in details such as the coordinated arrangement of the information sources –centre console screen, indicators and front display–, so that the driver can see their content without hardly looking away.

sensory quality

Sensory quality reinforces the impact of the design in everything that the occupants can see, touch and hear. This ranges from the new multimedia system, with an improved human-machine interface, combining an intuitive touch screen with physical controls, to the pleasant appearance and tactile appeal of new finishes and upholstery, ambient lighting, with a wide spectrum of color options, and the satisfying sound of doors closing.

The relaxing and reassuring design of the cabin is even reflected in the way we can communicate directly with the vehicle. The new on-board assistant “Hey Lexus” is ready to respond to requests and instructions by emulating a natural conversation. If we tell him we’re hungry, he’ll recommend nearby restaurants; if we comment that we are cold, it will adjust the air conditioner.

Authentic SUV functionality

The interior design is perfectly suited to an SUV, offering the necessary functionality, comfort and flexibility. Thanks to its ingenious structure and design, rear occupants have more legroom and better vision both to the sides and forwards, also thanks to the vehicle’s low shoulder line and wider forward field of vision.

The lowered beltline also makes access easier, as does the power seat adjustment.

About Lexus 

Launched in 1989, Lexus has become a reference brand throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the excellent quality of its products and highly sophisticated technology such as Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and for its unique concept of customer service. exceptional client. Further reinforcing traditional Lexus values ​​such as unparalleled build quality, interior luxury and state-of-the-art technology, the L-finesse design philosophy is a major factor in positioning Lexus as a unique and desirable global brand. .

Today, Lexus remains the world’s first – and only – premium carmaker to offer a complete line-up of electrified vehicles comprising the LC 500h, LS 500h, RX 450h, RX 450h L, ES 300h, and ES 300h hybrid model lineup. UX 250h, and the new NX 350h, as well as 100% electric models like the UX 300e and the New RZ 450e and plug-in hybrid models like the New NX 450h+. The entire range has Lexus Relax with a guarantee of up to 10 years as proof that Lexus is fully confident in the quality of its vehicles.

• Expansion by more than 40% of the autonomy of the electric UX 300e, up to 450 km.
• New multimedia system with greater functionality and a larger screen.
• Introduction of F Design, a new finish on the UX 250h.
• New two-tone paint options for the UX 250h bodywork.
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) as standard on the UX F SPORT.
• New features of the Lexus Safety System + security system.

The new Lexus UX 2023 presents additional improvements that have been introduced to reinforce the attractiveness of the UX, Lexus’ urban crossover and the model of the best-selling brand in Europe and Spain. Thus, numerous features have been improved to improve the two versions of this high-end compact SUV: the hybrid UX 250h and the fully electric UX 300e.

The two UX models now have an improved multimedia system with greater connectivity, faster and easier to use and with larger 8-inch and 12-inch touch screens. The UX also offers new upholstery options and an improved safety system: the Lexus Safety System +.

The UX 300e, the first fully electric Lexus model that was launched on the market two years ago, debuts a new battery system that increases the vehicle’s autonomy by more than 40%, up to 450 km. In addition, various changes to some details of the body and chassis enhance the driving experience and raise the level of sophistication of the vehicle, both hallmarks of the Lexus UX family.

For its part, the UX 250h is now available with new two-tone color and paint options for the body in the F Design and F SPORT finishes, which include custom design elements and in the case of F SPORT it has AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension). ) serial.

The first units of the UX 250h have arrived at Lexus Authorized Centers in October, and in the case of the units of the UX 300e MY23 as of summer 2023.

Two options for the New Lexus UX

The UX 250h hybrid has a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and 4-cylinder inline to which two electric motors are added; a system that generates a total power of 184 CV (135 kW).

The UX 250h is available with both front-wheel drive and Lexus’ E-Four electric four-wheel drive system, which uses a separate, dedicated rear electric motor for high torque built into the chassis. rear diff. In this way, engine torque is immediately supplied to the rear wheels the moment the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system detects a loss of grip on the front axle. That is, VSC automatically optimizes the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels while the E-Four system actively improves vehicle stability when cornering by adjusting the power delivered to the rear wheels to correct for any possible oversteer or understeer.

The UX 250h’s rear motor also serves as a generator for the vehicle’s regenerative braking system, increasing the amount of kinetic energy captured when braking or decelerating and storing it as electricity in the hybrid battery.

The UX 300e, the first 100% electric vehicle from Lexus, is the result of 15 years of leadership of the brand in the field of electrification and its excellent know-how in the design and manufacture of batteries and battery management systems. . The original 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery in this vehicle will be replaced in the 2023 version by a 72.8 kWh high-capacity battery. The compact 150 kW (204 DIN hp) motor/generator generates electricity under braking.

On the previous model, the range of the UX 300e on the WLTP combined drive cycle was 305-315 km (depending on the options chosen, such as tire size), but the improvements of the 2023 version will increase that range. autonomy in more than 40%. Models running on 17-inch wheels will achieve a combined WLTP range of 450 km (depending on options chosen), while models with 18-inch wheels will have a combined range of 440 km (also depending on those options). .

Additionally, a series of improvements of the UX 300e 2023 have managed to improve the driving experience: thus, the adjustment of the electric power steering and the suspension have managed to refine the dynamics of driving, while the number of welding points which allows to increase the rigidity of the bodywork. These modifications further enhance the UX’s firm feel and responsiveness, characteristics that are accentuated by the vehicle’s low center of gravity and the placement of the battery pack below the floor. In addition, insulation has been improved with an even quieter cab.

A favorite among Lexus customers

Lexus’ compact crossover is gaining ground among urban families seeking the flexibility of a crossover with the driving characteristics of a hatchback. The incorporation of the 100% electric model allows potential Lexus customers to choose between the most versatile solution of the hybrid UX 250h, or the UX 300e version for those who want to make the leap to 100% electric technology.

In 2021, electrified vehicles accounted for 99.7% of all Lexus sales in Spain, and SUV models account for 93% of Lexus sales. Throughout 2021, the UX led the Lexus SUV success story, with 21,144 units sold in Europe. Spain, with more than 3,000 registered UX units in 2021, accounts for 15% of the European volume, one of the main Lexus markets in Europe. UX is the best-selling Lexus model in Spain in 2021, with a 7% share in its segment.

The top reasons customers choose the UX are the vehicle’s hybrid or electric drive technology, brand reputation, fuel/energy efficiency, overall durability and inherent prestige. Another factor in the appeal of the UX is that it is the Lexus model that opens the door to the younger segment of customers who decide to buy their first high-end vehicle.

The flexibility of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a hatchback

The UX has its origins in Lexus’ ambition to develop an “Urban eXplorer (UX)” capable of offering both the sense of security of a crossover and the driving pleasure of a sophisticated hatchback. Unrivaled Lexus elegance and distinctive silence combine with a host of dynamic cues that prove that driving can be truly enjoyable without compromising on the superior functionality of an SUV.

The UX is built on Lexus’ GA-C global architecture platform, a lightweight structure that is both exceptionally rigid and responsive to driver input. The new model improves the result with stiffer steel reinforcement at the tailgate and additional spot welds on the rear panel and side members.

The UX’s 2,640mm wheelbase helps smooth and stabilize the ride, as does its spacious cabin. For its part, the turning circle of 10.4 m allows for easier maneuvering and parking. Overall driving also benefits from the UX’s low center of gravity, achieved in part by positioning the hybrid battery below the rear seat floor in the case of the UX 250h and under the entire cabin in the case of the UX 250h. of the UX 300e’s battery, and in part to the use of aluminum on the side doors, spoilers, hood and composite materials on the tailgate.

The UX evokes the feeling of a dynamic high-end hatchback as soon as the driver gets behind the wheel: despite having that higher seating position characteristic of crossovers, the driving position results in a Relatively short heel-to-hip distance, giving the driver a lower-to-the-ground feel than other SUVs.

And while you’re on the move, Lexus’ Drive Mode Selector lets you tailor the driving experience. Normal driving mode offers an optimal balance between driving performance and fuel economy; ECO mode maximizes fuel economy in all driving conditions by smoothing throttle response and moderating air conditioning operation; and finally, Sport mode provides quicker throttle response and a greater sense of steering control.

On F SPORT models now equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) as standard, the number of possible drive modes increases from three to five: Normal, ECO, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom. When selecting Sport S+ or Custom modes with the chassis set to SPORT, damping force control is shifted to a firmer setting that offers a much more dynamic ride feel. Custom mode allows the driver to combine powertrain, chassis and air conditioning functions to their liking.

A new, more functional and easy-to-use multimedia system

One of the most significant novelties of the UX 2023 is its new Lexus Link multimedia system. With a touch screen that replaces the previous remote touch, the system has more intuitive controls than its predecessor, offers greater functionality, superior connectivity and responds faster to instructions.

Screen sizes have been enlarged – depending on trim level – from 7 to 8 inches for the Lexus Link Connect system, with sharper graphics, and from 10 to 12 inches, with HD for the Lexus Link Pro To facilitate interaction, the position of the screen has been advanced by 143 mm, which allows you to interact with it in complete comfort and safety.

The new voice recognition system includes the option to use the “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant that responds to voice instructions and makes it easy to make phone calls, manage audio and climate control, and search the Internet. The new voice recognition system is programmed to understand more colloquial terms, recognize whether the person speaking is the driver or front passenger, and distinguish between environmental noise and instructions, so there’s no need to mute the audio to give instructions.

In addition, to make it easier to plan a journey and avoid delays due to traffic, cloud-based “always connected” navigation is offered as standard, giving you access to real-time road and traffic information. For its part, the 12-inch system includes a built-in browser capable of continuing to function even when there is no connection to the cloud. “Hey Lexus” can also connect to cloud-based information to facilitate searches, for example, prices for local gas stations, charging points or parking.

To further enhance connectivity, the new multimedia system offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay (wireless connection) or Android Auto (wired connection). Connectivity now also extends to the Lexus Link smartphone app that lets you remotely unlock or lock the doors and turn on the lights, or adjust the air conditioning or heating before getting in the car.

The space in the center console where the touchpad was previously located now houses the controls for the heated front seats, or failing that, a small storage cubby. The console also houses a USB-A port for playing high-resolution sound sources and two USB-C ports for charging devices. A new illuminated tray has also been placed on the console, in front of the air conditioning control panel, with enough space to place a large smartphone.

The UX’s multimedia system allows up to three people to save personalized settings for multimedia, audio and navigation options, and system software updates can be performed wirelessly via the vehicle’s upgraded DCM (Data Communications Module).

Interior and exterior modifications

Among other improvements, it should be noted that the UX’s perforated leather upholstery has had a Kagome pleat effect added, inspired by traditional Japanese basket weaving, and that the synthetic leather upholstery features a new stitching pattern, inspired by the ancient Japanese quilting technique Sashiko.

In addition, a new hazelnut color option has been added, available for all trim types – cloth, Tahara leather and genuine leather – on any of the UX models except F SPORT.

Another aesthetic improvement is the trim on the dashboard that now has the appearance of the “washi” paper grain, typical of the sliding doors of traditional Japanese houses (except in the case of the F SPORT model). On all models, the top of the instrument panel has all black trim and the power button is silver.

As for the exterior of the vehicle, a new color – Sonic Iridium – has been added thanks to advanced sonic paint technology. This special finish incorporates a layer just a few microns deep that causes the metallic flakes of the paint to align more closely and evenly, creating higher gloss and deeper shadows on the car’s bodywork. The F SPORT and F Design models also offer a wider choice of two-tone finishes, with six available colors that combine with the black of the roof and roof bars, giving it a sportier look.

Another small change is that of the automatic tailgate that now responds immediately to pressing the switch attached to it and moves more smoothly in the initial and final phases of opening and closing.

New F Design

Another new addition to the UX 250h is the F Design model, which takes on the exterior styling of the F SPORT with a much more powerful road presence. Its distinctive grille features the Lexus L mesh design, finished in black with a jet black surround on the lower section of the grille. This same design appears on the front bumper of the F SPORT above the elongated bezels that house the fog lights and turn signals, with contrasting L-shaped rims. At the rear, the bumper also features a signature F SPORT design, with jet black moldings around the headlights.

The appearance of the F Design models is also differentiated by black wheel arch moldings, Lexus “F” badging and 18-inch F SPORT alloy wheels with a monotone chrome design and dark metallic finish. The roof spoiler is jet black and the roof bars are chrome, just like on the UX 250h.

The seats of the F Design models are upholstered in synthetic leather and the front seats are heated.

Adaptive Variable Suspension for the UX F SPORT

F SPORT now includes Lexus’ Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) as standard on the UX 250h, along with high-performance rear shocks and rear performance dampers (reinforcement bars).

The AVS responds to inputs from the steering, yaw rate, and linear G-sensors to continuously adjust the damping force, achieved by linear control solenoids that vary the amount of oil that bypasses the set of shock absorber pistons.

All of this results in more precise chassis response and handling, less vehicle roll when cornering and a smoother ride. On the other hand, the AVS control system has been fine-tuned to ensure seamless shifting at high damping force, and has also been further refined to reduce high- and mid-frequency vibration.

In addition, the steering feel of the F SPORT models is also more precise, the result of placing a new rigid joint between the top of the gearbox mount and the front suspension element. To optimize the benefits of this additional stiffness, the damping force of the shock absorber has been retuned, further improving linear steering feel.

Elements added to the security system

Finally, we must highlight the improvements made to the Lexus Safety System + security system. The vehicle now has Turn Assistant at Intersections, a function that increases safety when making left and right turns at an intersection and with the Emergency Assistant, which when enabled in automatic mode introduces small corrections to the steering wheel to prevent exits unintentional lane In addition, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control now features a Curve Slowdown feature, which automatically adjusts vehicle speed to match the radius of the curve in the road.

Range and Prices