Toyota had the production-ready C-HR to present at this edition of the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Lexus, instead of coming empty-handed, created a visually challenging concept car.
For what it’s worth, a lot of cues on this one-off showpiece are too far out for anyone’s liking. The oversized grille that oozes with the cheapest plastic available, the messy hood lines, fugly tires, and Zerg-like seats, many things that adorn the Lexus UX Concept have a makeshift feeling to them.
Reading between the lines, Lexus’ design center in the South of France hit an artist’s block. Here’s what Simon Humphries, the president of the design studio, had to comment: “The biggest challenge for any designer is always to create something new and original, yet with relevance to both the customer and the brand. Overall, this is a product which gives another hint of the potential for Lexus' design approach to satisfy those criteria.” So to speak, this Lexus doesn’t have a well-defined visual identity of its own.
What’s truly mind-boggling is that the UX Concept comes a few months after Lexus presented the LC 500, which is probably the best-looking car in its segment. Criticism aside, the UX Concept previews a new compact crossover that might replace the Prius-based Lexus CT. Based on recent trademark applications performed by Lexus’ Australian division, at least three configurations are in the pipeline: UX 200, UX 250, and UX 250h.
And granted, the production-ready model is expected to be more orthodox than the alien-like UX Concept. The sharply-styled exterior cues we know and love from the NX and RX could be reinterpreted for the upcoming model.
“Our brief was to create a new genre of compact crossover; a vehicle that could progress the user experience and create something unique from a customer’s point of view,” said Stephan Rasmussen, one of the designers.
Reading between the lines, Lexus’ design center in the South of France hit an artist’s block. Here’s what Simon Humphries, the president of the design studio, had to comment: “The biggest challenge for any designer is always to create something new and original, yet with relevance to both the customer and the brand. Overall, this is a product which gives another hint of the potential for Lexus' design approach to satisfy those criteria.” So to speak, this Lexus doesn’t have a well-defined visual identity of its own.
What’s truly mind-boggling is that the UX Concept comes a few months after Lexus presented the LC 500, which is probably the best-looking car in its segment. Criticism aside, the UX Concept previews a new compact crossover that might replace the Prius-based Lexus CT. Based on recent trademark applications performed by Lexus’ Australian division, at least three configurations are in the pipeline: UX 200, UX 250, and UX 250h.
And granted, the production-ready model is expected to be more orthodox than the alien-like UX Concept. The sharply-styled exterior cues we know and love from the NX and RX could be reinterpreted for the upcoming model.
“Our brief was to create a new genre of compact crossover; a vehicle that could progress the user experience and create something unique from a customer’s point of view,” said Stephan Rasmussen, one of the designers.