Lexus: New UX crossover sets the tone
HYBRID IS THE FUTURE Lexus is focusing on hybrid drive for its new compact SUV. In Switzerland, only the UX 250h is available. Sales start at the beginning of next year. UX stands for Urban Crossover - which makes it clear that this is not an off-roader, but a lifestyle vehicle. The Lexus UX measures 4.50 meters and is technically closely related to the [...]
UX stands for Urban Crossover - so it's clear that this is not an off-roader, but a lifestyle car. The Lexus UX measures 4.50 meters and is technically closely related to the Toyota C-HR. Like the C-HR, it also looks good: Huge grille, large air intakes, beading and edges galore. A striking feature are the LED taillights, which are raised like tail fins to direct the airflow at the rear to avoid turbulence and provide downforce.
The most beautiful places in the UX are in front
The raised seating position and high-quality materials ensure an excellent feeling of spaciousness, while the rear seats are more cramped. The steeply sloping roof line forces the driver to bend his head low on his chest when getting in.
Standard on board is the Lexus Safety System with adaptive cruise control, which can slow the vehicle down to a standstill, and lane departure and lane departure warning. The Pre-Crash System with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition and adaptive high beams are also standard.
In Switzerland only in the UX 250h version
On the international markets, Lexus offers the UX as a gasoline-only model (UX 200) or as the hybrid model UX 250h. In Switzerland, only the hybrid will be available. 550 vehicles are to be sold in Switzerland next year, and the UX will be available from March 2019.
Model E-Four with additional electric motors
The hybrid system of the Lexus UX consists of a 146 hp four-cylinder, plus the electric motors with 80 kW, resulting in a system output of 178 hp. The most economical version is the UX 250h, which drives the front wheels; it will get by with 4.1 liters per 100 kilometers, which corresponds to 96 g of CO2 per kilometer. More in demand in Switzerland is likely to be the UX 250h E-Four, which uses an additional electric motor on the rear axle to generate electric all-wheel drive, which can also improve driving stability in critical situations.
Power transmission via a continuously variable CVT
A new feature of this transmission is that the gear ratio is firmly locked when starting off, so that the typical rubber band effect, including the engine's roar, is further reduced, especially at low speeds. However, at higher speeds, for example on inclines on country roads, the Lexus UX can also conceal these unpleasant CVT side effects thanks to its good damping.
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