Lexus UX Compact Crossover Concept
Lexus revealing the UX Concept, a
compact crossover study that likely previews a future Audi Q2 rival. Penned by
the company’s ED2 design center in the South of France, the UX Concept is
previewing the new direction Lexus is about to follow with its future models.
The really sharp appearance wants to combine the
presence of a tough off-roader with the usability of a crossover, employing
sculptural surfacing with the brand’s now-traditional huge spindle grille.
Lexus calls it the 'Inside-Out' design approach, which offers a strong synergy
between the exterior and the interior of the car.
The company opted for a four-seat setup in the cabin
which is divided into two distinct sections: the front part of the interior
represents a sporty, driver-focused atmosphere while the rear is the comfort
zone, employing a ‘welcoming, soft-lounge sofa’ which wraps around into the
rear suicide doors.
Lexus even added fins made out of polycarbonate to
the thin aluminum A-pillars to give them a see-through ambience, blurring the
boundaries between the inside and outside. Front seating is dealt from a pair
of Kinetic Seats, a concept that was announced a few days ago.
The instrumentation on the dashboard gives a highly
three-dimensional feel. The central infotainment screen is mounted further up
the dashboard while climate controls are closer to the driver to make the cabin
feel larger.
The driver’s instrument binnacle houses a floating
transparent globe, just like a hologram does, and combines analogue and digital
information. All switchgear is electrostatic and housed under transparent
covers, with the front passenger getting a separate track-pad control unit
built into the door’s armrest panel.