Lexus Confirms Production Version of UX Concept

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus unit will build a production version of last year’s futuristic UX Concept crossover/SUV, Motoring reports.

Characterizing the production model as “not so far away,” Lexus International executive vice president Yoshihiro Sawa tells the Australian enthusiast magazine that the UX will help attract younger customers to the luxury brand. He cites the RX and NX crossover vehicles and CT small car as recent successes in this direction.

The concept UX, which stands for “user experience,” debuted last September at the Paris auto show. The vehicle shares a platform with Toyota’s Prius hybrid car and C-HR subcompact crossover.

The exterior styling and high-tech interior of the concept likely will be toned down in the production model. The UX’s cockpit featured hologram-like 3D displays, electrochromic side window glass, touch-sensitive control buttons, cameras in place of side mirrors and a removable sound bar. The seats in the concept were designed to move kinetically with occupant weight and external forces.