Over the years, each SUV and crossover model has helped propel the brand forward by blending bold design, adventure capability, renowned Lexus craftsmanship and sophisticated technology into a unique utility vehicle package that results in ever-increasing numbers of loyal Lexus customers.

The Lexus crossovers (RX, RXL, NX and UX) have enjoyed popularity globally with the availability of both full hybrid and petrol drivetrains. First launched with the game-changing RX 400h hybrid SUV in 2005, hybrid sales today account for about one third of Lexus’ global SUV volumes, rising to 96% in Western and Central Europe.

Cumulative figures up to the end of November 2019 indicate that more than 501,000 new Lexus SUVs have been sold since the RX’s European introduction in 2000.

Now in its fourth generation, the RX remains Lexus’ best-selling SUV model in the region, with almost 275,000 delivered to customers. The RX also had the distinction of being the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV, with the launch of the RX 400h in 2005.

Since that first step, Lexus has continuously improved its self-charging hybrid technology and made it fundamental to its development of new generations of SUVs, including the mid-size NX, added to the line-up in 2014 and the new, compact UX, launched earlier in 2019.

Customers are increasingly keen to embrace Lexus hybrid power for its refinement, well-proven reliability, increasingly rewarding performance, and excellent efficiency. Today, Lexus hybrids can travel up to 50% of the time in zero emissions mode in congested urban environment, without the petrol engine having to be brought into play.

Almost half the 500,000 Lexus SUV sales have been hybrid models, while the proportion compared to conventionally powered versions has grown steadily. So far in 2019, hybrids have accounted for 63% of sales in the region as a whole*, and 96% in the Western European markets.

Lexus’ stable of SUVs also includes non-hybrid LX and GX models, available in Russia and other Eastern markets.

Reference:

*Lexus Europe sales include the European Union countries, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, as well as the following Eastern markets: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Caucasus region, Turkey and Israel.

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These first visuals reveal the UX’s bold and stylish, SUV-inspired design, combining powerful bodywork with a condensed appearance. Its crossover credentials are signalled by its muscular wings and haunches and high beltline, but under the skin an all-new platform gives the UX exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity for the agile handling of a hatchback.

The scene inside the cabin combines a highly focused driver’s cockpit, a wide and inviting passenger space and a commanding view of the road. With its brave design, superior craftsmanship and imaginative technology features, the UX will offer strong appeal as a gateway model to the luxury brand in a dynamic and growing part of the market.

The Lexus Press Conference with the new Head of Lexus Europe, Pascal Ruch and the UX Chief Engineer, Chika Kako, will take place on March 6 at 10AM at the Lexus stand in hall 4, Palexpo.

https://livestream.com/LexusInternational/geneva2018