New Lexus UX Concept Redefines Company’s Design
The new Lexus UX Concept represents a new step in the company’s design journey and a redefinition of the driving experience.
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, standalone character with a strong concept behind it; represented here 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 technology.
“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. The expression of a progressive, strong yet artistic, and premium product which further enhances Lexus’ unique and challenging brand position,” says Simon Humphries, who is the President of ED2, Lexus’ design center in the south of France.
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 rear doors seemingly bleed into the aggressively raked C-pillar, while the long hood gives the UX a more sporting character than most cars in this segment. At the same time, Lexus went out of its way to deemphasize the UX’s sporty traits – square, off-road-like wheel arches contrast the strong front fenders that bulge up and above the hood, for example. The fact that designers painted these arches silver to contrast with the lovely amethyst paint gives them an even greater visual weight. The overall idea for the silver accents – the wheel arches, mirrors, and roof rails – represent a form of continuous yet interrupted bone structure.
But the wheels and tires represent the strangest visual detail. The 21-inch wheels actually extend into the tires. Lexus says it used laser carving to cut into the tire sidewalls, and then integrated the wheel spokes into rubber. The visual effect reminds us of those weird airless tires that pop up every few years.
The interior, meanwhile, implements Lexus’ Kinetic Seat Concept for the first time. The term UX, in tech circles, is short for “user experience.” With a name like that, you can expect big changes to the driving experience, and that’s what Lexus delivers – from the swooping, overlapping dash that creates a real sense of depth from the driver’s seat to the three-dimensional effect of the cabin’s three displays, the cabin is a fascinating place.
While it’s still just a concept car, when the Lexus UX Concept arrives, you can find it at Lexus of Highland Park.
