More than a decade ago, Lexus turned the SUV world on its head when it introduced the segment-busting, car-based RX300. That luxury wagon helped popularize crossovers, and it was a huge success for Toyota’s upscale division. Now Lexus is planning a second, smaller crossover called the NX to play in the hot compact-luxury crossover arena. We’ve already seen spy photos of camouflaged NX prototypes testing, but Lexus has gone and whipped up the snappy-looking LF-NX concept to preview what its new baby SUV will look like when the covers come off.
Sexy NXy
In keeping with Lexus’s latest L-finesse design theme, which made its in-the-metal debut on the latest IS sedan, the LF-NX’s body is sharp and angular. It almost could be called brutal, and we think it looks rather cool. The hunkered-down profile and alert stance will seem familiar to anyone who’s seen a Mazda CX-5, but Lexus makes the vehicle its own. The brand’s signature spindle grille dominates the front end, which also features a shapely domed hood and ultra-thin headlights. The same Nike swoosh–emulating LED running lights that adorn the IS also are present here, and stand apart from the main headlight units. The front and rear fenders are squared off and bulge out from the body, and the back of the rear blisters are left open—presumably to help tackle the prodigious cooling needs of a crossover.
In contrast to the chamfered and scalloped exterior, the LF-NX concept is more minimalist inside. Black and Sunrise Yellow leather is punctuated by splashes of bright metal and deep blue lighting. A large panel ahead of the shifter features ribs separating different touch-sensitive electrostatic controls, while a new take on Lexus’s Remote Touch mouse interface lives on the center console. The overall vibe is sporty and modern, with none of the stuffy, old-school-luxury persona that long characterized Lexus vehicles.
Press Release
World Premiere of the Lexus LF-NX Crossover Concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show
- Distinctive and sculpted styling
- 'Human Oriented' interior design with new, touch-sensitive instrumentation
- Highly efficient full hybrid powertrain
FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 4, 2013 - A new Lexus compact crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This concept explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.
Reinforcing Lexus' leading position in full hybrid drive technology, the LF-NX concept is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.
With its highly distinctive and powerfully sculpted styling, the LF-NX concept's exterior design reflects a further evolution of Lexus' L-finesse design language.
The front is dominated by a strong interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille, extremely expressive signature front lighting with independent Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and unique corner styling which separates the bumper from the front wing with an aggressive vertical cut.
In profile, muscular wheel arches are trimmed with the black protective finish which typifies an urban crossover. Above the pronounced diamond shape of the belt line, a classic Lexus side glazing profile and steeply raked tailgate create the sweeping silhouette of an athletic coupe.
The rear features highly articulated lamp clusters. They are detailed to project downwards to the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge to the vehicle which mirrors the front wing detailing.
The Lexus LF-NX concept is finished in a new Brushed Metal Silver exterior colorwhich gives the striking impression that the bodyshell has been carved from a single piece of solid metal.
The interior mirrors the LF-NX's highly sculpted exterior with bold, powerful forms creating a driver-focused cockpit within an ergonomically ideal environment.
In a continuation of the 'Human Oriented' L-finesse design concept, the cabin features the ideal, upper display zone and lower operation zone dashboard format perfected over successive Lexus generations.
This allows for intuitive interaction with the vehicle's next generation technology, which includes touch-sensitive electrostatic switches, and a new touch pad Remote Touch Interface (RTI) design.
Reinforcing the LF-NX concept's premium crossover credentials, the strength and refinement of the interior's carved metal surfacing is complemented throughout by Sunrise Yellow / Black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and sophisticated blue instrument lighting.
The Lexus press conference is scheduled on September 10 at 13:00 CET on the Lexus stand, Hall 8, Frankfurt Messe.
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