A powerful reinterpretation of the Lexus design signatures, the UX concept reflects the brand’s determination that each of its models should have a unique, stand-alone character with a strong concept behind it; here represented by the powerful, “inside-out” design concept and deconstructed interior styling.
This bold design embodies imaginative, forward-thinking technologies to provide occupants with a fully immersive experience. This sensation is generated through cockpit ergonomics which flow from the driver’s body, and innovative three-dimensional HMI (Human Machine Interface) technology.
The vehicle also features the first design execution of a breakthrough seat technology, the Kinetic Seat concept, designed by Lexus in response to a re-evaluation of the principles of car seat occupancy.
The UX concept highlights Lexus’ intention to attract an ever-wider group of new, younger, ever-connected urban customers – “Urbanites” – to the brand for the first time.
The UX concept is a new variety of four-seater crossover which contrasts the almost brutal appearance and real 4×4 presence of an off-roader with a low ground clearance and a coupe-like driving position, reinforcing the dynamic performance promise embedded in the compact packaging of the design.
At the heart of the design lies a futuristic, “inside-out” concept which creates a strong synergy between exterior and interior styling. In top view, this is most strongly represented by an X-shaped movement in the architecture from the cabin outwards and vice-versa.
The “inside-out” styling theme is further emphasised by the wheel arches, roof bars and door cameras. They are all finished in the same material, and represent a form of continuous yet interrupted bone structure; the inner skeleton of the vehicle coming into view as, for instance, the roof bar penetrates the cabin, creates the A-pillar structure, and re-emerges as the door camera mounting.
A further evolution of the Lexus spindle grille marks an important step forward, wherein the whole volume surrounding the grille, rather than simply the grille itself, creates the identity of the vehicle; a more three-dimensional starting point which then informs the shape of the bodyshell.
Even the body colour has been designed to emphasise the shape of the car. In the absence of character lines, the multi-layered depth of the newly-developed Immersive Amethyst paintwork serves to highlight volume changes, giving definition to the sculpture and expressing the car as a volume rather than simply a line-oriented design.
The “inside-out” concept is not merely reflected in the overall architecture of the design, but also in numerous exterior and interior details throughout the vehicle, many of which represent a more challenging interpretation of several Lexus design signatures.
Unique, “see-through” A-pillars once again serve to blur the boundaries between the exterior and interior. Whilst the creation of fully transparent polycarbonate A-pillars is feasible, the UX concept communicates the message of transparency through the use of polycarbonate fins attached to an aluminium member.
On board, signalled by the sharp, aggressive front fender and softer, more welcoming rear fender exterior treatment, the cabin offers two different perceptions of luxury in one volume.
“Deconstruction” is a second key design principle employed in the new Lexus UX concept. This is most powerfully represented in the front of the cabin where, in place of a conventional dashboard, sharp, angular forms overlap and flow past each other to create a strong interplay of shadows and contrasts, making it difficult to identify where they begin or end, and reinforcing the mystery of the “inside-out” approach.
The seats of the UX concept are inspired by Lexus’ new seat technology, the Kinetic Seat concept, to further enhance the driving experience.
A development of Lexus’ dual-zone instrumentation approach, all on-board HMI technology has been designed to offer progressive customers who live and work in an ever-connected environment an innovative, three-dimensional motoring experience.
The latest advanced in-vehicle electrical technologies are also on display in the new UX concept. It features electro-chromatic windows, and the door mirrors have been replaced by e-mirror camera housings far slimmer than conventional mirror covers.
In a new departure for Lexus’ HMI concept, the ergonomics of the cockpit area flow from the driver’s body, via the seat, up to the steering wheel, rather than from a traditional dashboard layout.
Combined with innovative, three-dimensional HMI technology, this design approach creates a uniquely immersive driving experience. 
Read our review of the NX, bigger crossover brother to the UX.
