Officials pose for a group picture at the launch ceremony of the all-new Lexus UX in the Middle East.
Doha: Imbuing a youthful appeal to its expanding lineup, Lexus launched the all-new 2019 Lexus UX in the Middle East yesterday, an innovative addition to the Luxury Compact Crossover segment.
The all-new model combines the brand’s latest luxury offerings and safety technologies in a package that combines new charismatic design elements and ultra-efficient powertrains.
The launch event was attended by Dr. Nasser Abdul-ghani Al Abdulghani, AAB Chairman; R K Murugan, Acting CEO; Firas Mufti, Senior Marketing Manager, and Ahmed Abu El Saad, Senior Manager, Lexus National Sales from AAB. Chief Representative of Middle East and North Africa Office Yugo Miyamoto also attended.
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.
“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.” 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.”
The all-new model is the first Lexus vehicle to be constructed on the new Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform. With a lightweight yet super-rigid structure, extremely low center of gravity, and a refined suspension tuning, the GA-C platform provides the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality.
“We are very excited to launch the all-new Lexus UX, an innovative vehicle that is tailored to the evolving needs and aspirations of our customers in the region,” commented Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation.
He added: “Inspired by the vibrant energy of urban environments, its brave design and engaging driving dynamics are a reflection of our ongoing quest to create Amazing Experiences. We are grateful to our customers, who remain a constant source of inspiration, and are confident that they will embrace the UX’s singular style and exciting performance as an expression of their individuality.”
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 (DCVT).
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-firsts such as wireless lighting for the airflow knob and a unique aero ventilation design, which was developed to reduce air turbulence over the wheel surface. The all-new model also has a Lexus-first palm rest integrated audio control system, as well as Lexus’ advanced safety technology package, Lexus Safety System+.
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 168 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.
