2019 Lexus UX

Japan has its answer to the European BMW X1, and it comes in the form of the new Lexus UX.  Lexus know how to design eye-catching cars, and the new UX crossover SUV is one of these.

The 2019 Lexus UX is what Lexus call an urban SUV.  It’s not a massive, tall and broad SUV like a Land Rover or BMW X5, but it is low slung, sleek SUV that, for its class, has the lowest roof-line.  Three varieties of the UX set-up are available.  The brand new Lexus UX 200 is a front-wheel-drive petrol SUV that offers a 2.0-litre petrol engine.  You get quite nimble handling with responsive steering, nice ride comfort and comfortable roomy seating.  Power for this version is maxed out at 126 kW – a modest figure really, but you do have brisk acceleration along with a fuel efficiency figure of around 6.0 litres/100 km for every day driving styles.

Next on the Lexus UX list is the UX 250h 2WD which offers a self-charging hybrid electric 2.0-litre engine.  This small urban crossover SUV feels brisk and has the same nice agile, comfortable handling.  In this guise you have 131 kW and a manufacturer’s claim of 4.5 litres/100 km fuel efficiency.  This sort of economy is pretty impressive to say the least.

There is one other model in the line-up called the Lexus UX 250h AWD which is my pick of the bunch.  I like the addition of AWD traction being available should the road conditions demand it.  In this version there is an electric motor at the front helping the front wheels and an electric motor at the rear helping the rear wheels.  With 131 kW and a manufacturer’s claim of 4.7 litres/ 100 km you’re going to be feeling pretty chuffed owning and driving one of these.

All of the above three Lexus UX versions send power down to the road via a direct-shift continuously variable transmission that maximises torque for powerful acceleration.  Smooth power delivery and a quiet, comfortable ride are hallmarks of the new Lexus UX, making it well suited for all sorts of tasks and journeys.

2019 Lexus UX Luggage Space 220 Litres

So the UX design is bold and fresh with a nice contemporary take on what a luxury crossover SUV should be like.  At the front of the car is the signature Lexus spindle grille that gives the game of “guess-who” away right away.  At the rear is a taillight design that is connected by a continuous, single line of light across the back door which captures the eye with the ‘wow look at me’ appearance.  But for safety reasons, too, the taillight is a superb design.  The shape of the rear light also acts as an air spoiler which I have to say is pretty cool design.  Lexus uses the ‘Takumi’ craftsmanship in its design, and it shows in the way the body is beautifully sculptured from all viewing angles.  A nice set of standard 17-inch alloy wheels kicks the UX range off, but you can also get some seriously nice 18-inch alloys for both the F Sport and Sports Luxury grades.  These larger rims run on special run flat tyres.

So there is a range of nice features as standard which include: a hands-free sensor for actuating the power back door via your foot, Smart Entry and Start, roof rails, LED head lamps, LED fog lamps, heated exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler, exterior mirrors with memory, 3-eye Bi-Beam LED headlamps, an F Sport exclusive Grille, F-Sport exclusive front and rear bumpers, cornering headlamps, alloy scuff plates, headlamp washers and privacy glass.  Ten awesome colours are available for the Lexus UX exterior.  I love the intense blue and the premium silver by preference which play beautifully with the sunlight.  Interior trims come in five unique packages – all of which are suitable for an elegant SUV crossover with premium quality being a given.

2019 Lexus UX Interior

Slip inside the latest in Lexus luxury, and the new UX responds with a gorgeous and comfortable interior.  Front seat occupants really are treated to very comfortable seats with leather, heating and memory functions as standard.  A large colour Head-up display is available on Sports Luxury models, it is also the largest of its kind in this class of car.  The image is projected 2.5 metres in front of the driver, making it easier to focus on objects as well as the road in front of the vehicle.  You have the Lexus’s latest multimedia unit in the centre of the dash which features a 10.3-inch screen.  Satellite Navigation with SUNA Live Traffic makes finding your way a breeze.  There are two convenient USB ports, while voice recognition makes life very easy selecting various commands and functions.  The centre console integrates audio switches into a palm rest, for convenient engagement with the on-board systems and controls you use most.  Wireless charging for phones keeps the UX ahead of the game, and with beautifully crafted Sashiko leather-accented quilting on the upholstery you really are in a luxury league of its own.

Out on the road The UX has the lowest centre of gravity of any vehicle in its class.  This attribute makes it well-planted through the corners.  The CVT works seamlessly to provide optimum torque, and you have a selection of driving modes: Eco for fuel efficient driving, Normal for everyday efficiency and performance, Sport for sporty driving with plenty of throttle response, Sport S+ drive mode for sportier steering, suspension, and acceleration.

Lexus safety features make the new UX Crossover SUV a very solid buy.  Features like the RACC safety system uses a camera and radar to detect preceding vehicles and help to determine their speed.  The system is designed to then adjust your vehicle’s speed within a set range and help to maintain a suitable distance.  Emergency braking, a pre-collision safety system, daytime and night-time pedestrian detection, daytime bicycle detection, automatic headlamps, lane keep assist, road sign assist, blind spot monitoring, parking assistance, 8 SRS airbags, Heads-Up Display, and a tyre pressure monitoring system are just some of the premium safety items on-board the UX.

Two model trims of the UX are available:  Sport Luxury and F Sport.  If you like the new Lexus UX with plenty of sporty flavour then the F Sport will likely be the one for you.   Sport Luxury models have the UX upgrading from an 8-speaker sound system to a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that includes a 20 cm subwoofer and an 8-inch LCD multi information display panel with a G-force monitor.  Otherwise both models are loaded with goodies that include a self-dimming interior mirror, a leather accented steering wheel and shift lever, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way adjustable driver seat, an 8-way adjustable passenger seat, DAB+ Audio, a 10.3-inch audio display with Lexus’ special Lexus Enform, satellite navigation, a power adjustable steering column, a GPS clock, illuminated entry, Lexus climate concierge and wireless phone charging.  This gives you a hint of what the Lexus UX might be like to live with, and it certainly feels very modern and high-tech.

So, which small SUV Crossover is the one for you?  The Lexus UX competes directly with the Audi Q2, BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40 for the limelight.  I reckon the UX definitely has it won over the two German rivals – particularly when you have some of the best hybrid technology running the new UX combined with its sharp, distinctive styling.

Lexus UX 2019

The 2019 Lexus UX models include the:

• Lexus UX 200 Sport Luxury
• Lexus UX 200 F Sport
• Lexus UX 250h 2WD Sport Luxury
• Lexus UX 250h 2WD F Sport
• Lexus UX 250h AWD Sport Luxury
• Lexus UX 250h AWD F Sport

For any more information on the Lexus UX or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Lexus dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!