2019 Lexus UXBrian Harper / Driving Sport-cutes, faux-by-fauxes, crossovers; belittle them all your want, but theyre all the rage, especially in the entry-level luxury segment. Indeed, there appears to be no limits to how small you can make these soft-roaders, as long as they sport a recognizable that should be read pretentious badge and some fancy leather. Hence why, despite already having the cuter-than-thou NX in its lineup, Lexus recently released in its UX, an SUV so small that it feels like it could fit in the glove box of a Suburban. Yes, it really is petite, at least by sport-brute standards.If calling them crossovers or SUVs is what it takes to notice hatchbacks, so be itLexus bills the new UX as a crossover, another of those soft-roaders that trade on the robustness of the classic SUV, but offer the familiarity of a passenger car. But, the line betwixt car and crossover has been blurring lately and nowhere more so perhaps than in this baby Lexus. For all intents and purposes, this is a hatchback with a little more ground clearance and a butch grille.Thats no insult, as said pseudo car status result in excellent space utilization and surprisingly because were all still getting used to Lexus new performance push good handling while still looking butch enough for urban adventurers. Im not sure if this trick is going to work, but so far, consumers have proven willing to buy anything as long as you bill it as something that claims some sport and a modicum of utility.The interior is truly incredible I just finished testing a $44,599 Ford Escape Titanium, a sport-cute whose cabin I lauded for its dramatic improvement over its predecessor. It cant hold a candle to the UXs interior, which is as luxurious if not more so than anything Ive seen in this segment. The leather used in the seats is worthy of a full-float luxury sedan. Ditto for the dashboard, which really feels it should be in an LS rather than a bargain-basement for a luxury marque hatchback passing itself off as a sport-cute.The ergonomics are also well thought-out. The controls the traction control and drive mode switches placed on the upper binnacle around the gauge cluster were a good idea when Nissan tried it on its iconic 300ZX sports car and theyre still an advantage compared with reaching over to centre console, or further cluttering of the turn signal stalk. Lexus still relies on more buttons than most automakers who have succumbed to the allure of touchscreens, both the climate controls and audio system having fully physical switchgear. This last is truly innovative; the radio controls are set back in a little pod atop the centre console.To minimize distraction, the volume knob is at the front of the pod while the tuning control is on its side, making operating the audio system so easy that you never have to take your eyes off the road or reach for the dashboard. In fact, if you are particularly ADDd who, me? you can operate both the volume control (with your middle finger) and the tuning knob (with your thumb) simultaneously.Better yet, the little pod also has two little buttons on either side again, well placed so that they can be operated by thumb, and this time, the ring finger so you can toggle up and down the station spectrum even more easily. These are, by far, the best radio controls I have ever tested on any car, regardless of the marque, segment, or price. Well done Lexus: more convenient and less distraction!Well done, Lexus; more convenience and less distraction!These exemplary controls are probably a good thing. Lexus insisted on staying with the touchpad control system for its infotainment systems; its much improved in its iteration, but at best, it takes some getting used to, and at worst, some will never make their peace with it. Its the only sticking point, however, to the best interior in this entry-level luxury segment. It could use a little more gutsLexus offers the UX in two guises the base, front-wheel-drive UX200, and the top-of-the-line UX250h Hybrid. Both use small, 2.0-litre four-bangers for motivation and neither, as is so common in this segment nowadays, is turbocharged. That means, while some players in this segment boast more than 200 horsepower, the base UX200 claims but 168. Even the UX250h, with the addition of two small electric motors only nets out at 181 horsepower. Perhaps more damaging is that the base UX200 is purely front-wheel-drive, no AWD option available. The UX250h, having an electric motor powering the rear axle, directs at least some power to all four wheels.It may not be as damaging as those numbers indicate, though. Despite the lack of forced induction, the little 2.0L has enough low-end guts for pretty much everything short of serious hooliganism. Its also decently quiet and smooth. In fact, the only flaw in its comportment is that Lexus, always concerned about efficiency and fuel economy, has paired the small four-cylinder with a CVT.
Origin: 5 things we learned driving the 2019 Lexus UX200
Lexus
Thieves stealing Toyota, Lexus vehicles using key fob ‘relay’, police warn
2020 Lexus RX 450hHandout / Lexus Dozens of newer Toyota and Lexus vehicles are being stolen across Ontario with a simple trick that allows the thieves to just drive the vehicle away, CBC News reports.To steal the vehicles, the thieves use an amplifier to boost the signal of the cars key fob, assuming its within range of the vehicle. The signal is then captured, and the car can be driven without the fob nearby. More than 100 vehicles from across Canada have been stolen so far.While Toyota and Lexus vehicles seem to be targeted most often, its likely any vehicle with a key fob could be broken into using this system.Most of the stolen vehicles are destined for resale in Africa and the Middle East, explain authorities, which probably has more to do with why popular Toyota and Lexus vehicles are swiped most often.Toyota has suggested owners put their key fob in a Faraday pouch, which shields the device from radio signals. Some owners have also resorted to putting their fobs in the microwave or the freezer.Owners should also consider equipping more safeguards against the thefts, David Shum, Toyota spokesperson, said in an email to the CBC, such as an aftermarket alarm system, steering wheel lock and diagnostic-port lock.Also, if it doesnt go without saying, dont leave your key fob near the front door where thieves can easily steal the
Origin: Thieves stealing Toyota, Lexus vehicles using key fob ‘relay’, police warn
First Drive: 2020 Lexus RX
2020 Lexus RXPeter Bleakney / Driving Its been 20 years since Lexus launched the RX 300, long before the term luxury crossover was such an integral fixture in our automotive lexicon. Thats because Lexus tall, uni-body, leather-lined four-wheeler with zero off-road pretensions was the original. Range Rover may be credited for introducing the first luxury off-roader, but Lexus lays claim to this whole ritzy soft-roader thing that has spread like wildfire. To this day, the RX is Lexus best-selling model and remains the top selling vehicle in the segment.For 2020, the fourth-generation RX gets a mid-cycle makeover that includes styling tweaks, updates to the infotainment system, and retuned steering and suspension bits. If you like the RXs bold styling, dont worry: Lexus hasnt toned it down. The huge spindle grille is as in-your-face as ever, but now is better integrated into a visage that incorporates slimmer headlights and bumpers contours that echo the grill. New L-motif taillights, fresh wheel designs and a new hue Moonbeam Beige Metallic round out the visual updates.Powertrains carry forward, which means the RX 350 runs with a naturally-aspirated, 295-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 hooked to an eight-speed automatic, while the RX 450h hybrid uses an Atkinson-cycle version of said engine along with two electric motors one powers the rear wheels for a total system output of 308 horsepower. A CVT does duty here. This 2020 refresh addresses a number of infotainment issues that were starting to dog the Lexus RX. First and foremost, Apple CarPay and Android Auto are now standard, and the roundly-criticized joystick controller on the centre console is replaced with a marginally less-frustrating track pad. Helping most with functionality here is a touchscreen (eight-inches on base models, upgradable to 12.3-inch split display on higher trims) which is probably the easiest way to get around this infotainment system. The screen sits 5.5 inches closer to the driver, although those with short arms will still find it a reach. Lexus also claims a simplified menu structure and larger touch points. Furthermore, on the tech front, the smartphone Lexus App allows for remote starting and locking, plus the monitoring such things as fuel level, odometer reading, and the position of the windows and sunroof.All 2020 Lexus RX models get the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which adds to the standard safety systems a suite that includes daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) that, in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control system, affords a certain degree of semi-autonomous motoring when conditions allow.First up on this snowy test drive was a RX350 (base $56,050) with the $9,000 F-Sport Series 2 package that adds a whack of kit the 12.3-inch screen, F-sport seats, 20-inch wheels, front and rear LED lighting, rear cross-traffic braking, adaptive dampers, sports suspension, and more. The Circuit Red sport seats are superb comfy yet very supportive and like all Lexus products, the RXs interior is rich and beautifully crafted. All controls work with silken precision, and standard across the board are metal paddle-shifters. Are these a harbinger of an RX that cuts a sharper path through the bends? Kind of. Its actually hard to sense any appreciable handling difference without a direct comparison to a 2019 model, but if anything my backside tells me anything, the 2020 is a bit tighter. Credit a stiffer structure, new hollow anti-sway bars, and retuned dampers. The RXs steering is still numb, and it really shows no newfound appetite for on-ramp hijinks. But more to the point is the fact that Lexus hasnt sacrificed the RXs chart-topping core attributes a smooth relaxed ride and hushed cabin in the pursuit of sportiness. Adding to this sense of dont worry hurry, be happy apologies to Bobby McFerrin is the V6 that provides adequate acceleration, but nothing more. Were getting used to mid-range turbo punch these days, and the Lexus aint got it.The RX 450 hybrid feels marginally more lively, but if you really put your foot in it, the CVT has the V6 moaning away while the vehicle pays catch up. However, I did see a heart-warming 8.3 L/100 kilometres over a few hours of driving secondary roads, and for 2020 Lexus has upped the hybrids battery warranty to 10 years or 240,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Is Lexus serious about getting you into a hybrid? Well, youll also be happy to know the RX 450h gets a $5,700 price cut for 2020 now starting at $58,800, it is a scant $2,750 pricier than the gas-only RX 350. Ultimate cargo space in the RX is compromised because of that stylish sloping roof, but at least you can access it easier for 2020. Lexus has reduced the time it takes for the hatch to power open yes, it was glacial before and now offers true foot-swipe operation.The Lexus RX is as much of a success for Lexus as it is for the multiple award-winning
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Lexus RX
The Lexus UX gets a refresh for 2020, ups the tech quotient
Lexus is updating its UX for the 2020 model year, to cram in more tech and better connectivity.There are two powertrain choices, the standard being a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 168 horsepower, sending power to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. The second option is a hybrid powertrain built around a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, coupled to Lexus fourth-generation self-charging gasoline-electric system.The hybrid option makes 181 horsepower, sending gasoline power to the front wheels via a CVT and using an electric motor for the rear wheels to make the vehicle all-wheel-drive. Lexus says more than 95 per cent of customers choose the hybrid.Taking a page from Tesla, the Lexus UX can now be unlocked with an included key card when specced in the Luxury trim options. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are now available as standard.The base model UX starts well-optioned at $37,450, featuring heated and ventilated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. Stepping up to the Sport Series 1 at $39,750 adds a heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps, F SPORT appearance package and 18-inch alloys.Hybrid models feature the same standard equipment, as well as all-wheel-drive, starting at $40,000. The luxury package is $45,300, and adds a 10.3-inch display screen with embedded navigation, head-up display, a drivers seat memory system, intuitive parking assist with auto-braking, hands-free rear hatch and a wireless charging system.The UX 250h F Sport Series 1 ($42,100) and Series 2 ($48,900) both add the same features as the gasoline versions.Both models are available
Origin: The Lexus UX gets a refresh for 2020, ups the tech quotient
Lexus unveils its first all-electric vehicle — but Canada won’t get it
Well, we lose out again. After many years of selling hybrids, Lexus has finally gone all-electric with the upcoming UX 300e. The compact crossover is the brands first to run exclusively on battery power.But rather than unveiling it at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where we saw the Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet EV pickup, and Tesla Cybertruck break cover, Lexus chose a show in Guangzhou, China.Thats because the UX 300e is only planned for China, Europe and Japan. Lexus Canada confirmed it won’t be sold in North America. (Lexus sells hybrids in Canada, as does Toyota, but neither has had an all-electric vehicle up until now.)And we cant figure how a nimble little luxury sport-ute, perfectly sized for the city and with no tailpipe out the back, wouldnt be a slam-dunk on our shores. Instead, Lexus Electrified, the companys global electrification strategy, will start with the UX 300e overseas next year.But that said, a closer look reveals a model that isn’t about performance. Lexus even says it will have natural-yet-brisk acceleration character, which doesnt exactly translate into pushes you into the back seat.Its 54.3-kWh battery puts it below other premium brands: Audis e-tron is 95 kWh and Mercedes-Benzs ECQ is 85 kWh. Even the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf Plus have bigger batteries.The UX 300e makes 221 lb.-ft. of torque below the Leaf Plus 250 lb.-ft., or the 266 laid down by the Bolt. Audi and Mercedes-Benz scream by it at 413 and 560 lb.-ft. respectively. When its time to top up, the UX 300e has a fast-charge capacity of just 50 kW, while the e-tron rates as high as 150 kW.All of that might be understandable if the UX 300e went forever on a charge, but that doesnt seem to be the case either. Lexus claims 400 kilometres but thats on NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), an outdated method that can be more than 25 per cent more generous than how electric vehicles are rated here.Doing the math and assuming the UX 300e nets 300 km in Canadas tests, were still looking at 363 km for the Leaf Plus, and more than 400 for the Bolt. For the higher performers here, the e-trons estimated at 328 km, and the EQC at 360 km.Of course, we have to account for the largest factor in all of this North Americans. Specifically, our neighbours to the south, who usually eschew pint-sized in favour of portly when it comes to vehicles, and who buy enough automobiles to dictate our market. The UX 300e is probably the right size and the right power for its target markets overseas. Were guessing the next Lexus Electrified will probably be an RX, with a bigger battery and more power for
Origin: Lexus unveils its first all-electric vehicle — but Canada won’t get it
Lexus UX 300e revealed as firm’s first production EV
Lexus has revealed its first electric production car, the UX 300e, at the Guangzhou motor show in China, with the compact SUV due to go on sale in the UK in 2021. The electric version of the regular UX crossover, understood to be based on the electric Toyota C-HR offered in China, features a front-mounted motor that produces 201bhp and 221lb ft. Power comes from a 54.3kWh under-floor battery offering a claimed range of around 250 miles and fast charging at speeds of up to 50kW. The styling of the regular UX has been largely maintained, including the brand’s distinctive large front grille. It does gain new aerodynamic-influenced wheels, with the charging port located on the rear pillar where the fuel filler usually is. The UX 300e features a number of drive modes so that the performance of the electric motor can be better managed, along with paddle shifters to control the regenerative braking modes. Lexus says the UX 300e, built on Toyota’s GA-C platform, has been developed with a focus on on-road performance, and the goal of offering a quiet and refined driving experience. To balance the new powertrain, extra bracing has been added with the dampers reworked to maintain optimum weight distribution. According to Lexus, the UX 300e’s powertrain draws on learnings from the firm’s long-running hybrid system, and features a temperature management system that balances power at low and high temperatures. There has also been a focus on refinement, Lexus claiming it has added insulation to reduce wind and road noise, with an Active Sound Control system that “transmits natural, ambient sounds to communicate the driving conditions”. The UX 300e is due to go on sale in China next year, with UK sales following in 2021. Pricing has yet to be finalised. Lexus and parent firm Toyota will launch three EVs by the end of
Origin: Lexus UX 300e revealed as firm’s first production EV
Lexus chops top off LC, still looks gorgeous
2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Im already on record as saying that Lexuss LC 500 is the sexiest sports coupe of the last five years. Yes, even with that grille. Looking like a refugee from a Maserati design studio rather than anything Japanese, the fact that said flowing lines and wonderful proportions come from the usually awkward Lexus just makes the LC that much more stunning.It turns out it wasnt a fluke, the ragtop version of the big LC possibly even more alluring. More impressive perhaps for this is a rarity amongst drop tops is that the new LC Convertible looks equally enticing with toite in situ or retracted. The thing is so bloody sexy that one forgives the grille, which looks even more needlessly aggressive in a decapotable. Nonetheless, were going to have to get used to the fact that Lexus can pen tempting shapes. We already know they can build great cars, the company once again reigning in the reliability surveys, earning top honours in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study and recapturing its spot as Consumer Reports’ most reliable brand this year. Whats more interesting is how committed they are to traditional sports car technology. Parent company Toyota, for instance, is leading the charge in keeping manual transmissions in their product mix. Lexus, meanwhile, steadfastly refuses to turbocharge its performance motors, the LC powered by a good old-fashioned naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8. Now the sacrifice here is that the LCs 471 peak horsepower cant compete with the 590 horses that Audi now ekes out of its twin-turbocharged V8. On the other hand, goose the big Lexus and the sound from its twin tailpipes is something no turbocharged engine can hope to emulate. With even Ferrari succumbing to turbo-friendly legislative pressures, its nice to see at least one manufacturer fighting the good fight. Bravo, Lexus.In converting from hard to soft top, Lexus did the usual frame bracing, with under-chassis structural enhancements and suspension tower bracing (this last in die-cast aluminum, says Lexus, to save weight). The company also reduced the Convertibles unsprung mass basically the tires and wheels and rejigged dampers to retain what Lexus claims is similar handling dynamics to the LC coupe. Part of that handling equation is sticking to a soft top rather than going with a heavier retractable hardtop. Nonetheless, to create hardtop-like flowing lines without visible frame supports, Lexus choses a semi-rigid four-layer material for its roof. One novelty for the topless version of the LC is the Lexus Climate Concierge, which adjusts HVAC system to provide upper body heat even when the top is down. The system automatically manages the air conditioner, seat heaters, neck heaters and even steering-wheel heater keep driver and passenger as cozy on a fall top-down ride as they would be in the middle of summer. Other interior upgrades are a full suite of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Lexus+Alexa infotainment apps. Lexus says Alexa even syncs to the navigation system to provide on-the-go recommendations.And finally, Lexus plans to auction off one of its limited edition Inspiration LC 500s Structural Blue paint, semi-aniline leather and custom 21-inch wheels at the Barrett-Jackson auction in January, all proceeds, of course, going to
Origin: Lexus chops top off LC, still looks gorgeous
Lexus to reveal first production EV at Chinese show
Lexus will reveal its first series production electric car, which Autocar understands will be an electric version of the UX crossover, at the Guangzhou motor show in China later this month. The Japanese firm hasn’t given any firm details of the machine ahead of the 22 November reveal, but says it is “specifically crafted to suit the needs of audiences in China and in Europe.” But the machine will be based on the electric Toyota C-HR, a sister crossover to the UX, that is currently offered in the Chinese market. The machine will likely be named the UX Electric. Lexus and parent firm Toyota are due to launch three electric models by the end of 2021. Lexus showcased a dramatic EV concept called the LF-30 at the Tokyo motor show recently, which was intended to preview the general style of its future battery electric cars. The LF-30, which is similar in size to the Jaguar I-Pace, uses a new EV architecture being developed by Lexus and Toyota, which is planned to be introduced from
Origin: Lexus to reveal first production EV at Chinese show
First Look: Lexus LF 30 Concept
What is it?The Lexus LF 30 Concept represents the future of the brands battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The name stands for Lexus Future, with the 30 celebrating 30 years of Lexus it seems like just yesterday when the LS 400 rocked the car world and redefined the consumers expectation of luxury and reliability. The LF 30 is a futuristic-looking electric car that takes the companys spindle grille and transforms it into the key styling cue for the car. Some of the design is outlandish thinking; other aspects speak to the first Lexus BEV, which will debut this November.Check out all our latest Auto Show coverageWhy does it matter?The heart of the LF 30 is found in the four in-wheel electric motors that combine to produce 536 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from rev-one. The go-juice comes from a 110-kWh battery that delivers 500 kilometres of electric-only range. One of the keys to the operating strategy is the Lexus Advanced Posture Control system. It regulates the motors to keep the delivery of power in keeping with the drivers expectations. As such, it has the ability to drive the front motors, the rear motors or all four motors according to need and/or demand. The layout also gives the LF 30 real-time torque vectoring through the control of the individual motors.Elsewhere, the steering is by wire, the charging is wireless, the glass roof panel becomes a massive touchscreen that controls many in-car functions and LF 30s autonomous driving technologies have drone support. The latter looks forward to the car Lexus envisions hitting the road in 2030. Lexus LF 30 Concept Lexus When will Canada get it?The LF 30 is purely conceptual at this point, but it speaks to the fact Lexus will offer an electric derivative of all of its models by 2025.Should you buy it?Whats not to love about a cool-looking all-electric car that has a real-world driving range and the performance that promises to wow the driver it takes all of 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and it has a top speed of 200 km/h. The answer to how this will translate into a future Lexus product is closer than you might think, with Lexus set to debut its first battery electric by years end.
Origin: First Look: Lexus LF 30 Concept
Lexus could expand line-up with smaller cars
Lexus could expand its line-up and make smaller cars in the future because of market changes sparked by the growing popularity of SUVs. Speaking at the Tokyo motor show, the firm’s executive vice-president, Koji Saro, said there was evidence that well-executed smaller cars could be sold for higher prices, because of shifts in how customers perceive value. In particular, SUVs are more profitable than same-sized hatchbacks because they are perceived to be bigger due to their raised ride height. “Smaller doesn’t always mean cheaper now, so trends are changing,” said Sato. “I can’t say clearly that it is something we will do, but we are looking at all vehicle opportunities.” Such an SUV would sit below the recently launched Lexus UX crossover, with a likely starting price well below £30,000. However, Sato hinted that part of the appeal of creating smaller cars was that buyers are increasingly willing to raise the transaction price by buying options. “What customers want is individuality,” he said. Sato also vowed that Lexus would keep making distinctive cars, including convertibles and F-branded models powered by high-performance, non-electrified engines. “We must cater for people who enjoy their driving,” he
Origin: Lexus could expand line-up with smaller cars
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