Lexus LF-NX concept arrives as a smaller, more dramatic SUV/Crossover

The Lexus LF-NX concept has been revealed ahead of a Frankfurt debut as a dramatic mid-sized SUV / Crossover from Lexus.

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We thought the Lexus tease for Frankfurt was going to be the IS Coupe but, unless Lexus has another surprise up its sleeve, it is in fact a new mid-sized SUV come Crossover Concept – the Lexus LF-NX.

The LF-NX is billed by Lexus as a ‘mid-sized’ Crossover previewing what could be a new model in the Lexus range, dropping in below the RX. How much below we don’t actually know; Lexus aren’t giving us any dimensions so we don’t really know how ‘compact’ this mid-sized Crossover is.

We’re assuming that this is the Lexus take on the dramatic styling of the Range Rover Evoque, not that it’s at all similar (apart, perhaps, in size) but that it departs from the norm in this sector with an aggressive design that will split opinion, but which is certainly dramatic.

It gets an even more ‘Statement’ spindle grill than we’ve seen before, with traits of that new front end design echoed at the back too, big rear light clusters and exaggerated sculpting down the flanks. It’s dramatic and angular, if not exactly pretty.

Inside, the LF-NX looks quite concepty with contrasting dark grey and leather abounding, a futuristic looking centre console, minimalist switchgear and a replacement for the unfortunate Lexus mouse controller for the infotainment screen with a touchpad.

Under the skin the LF-NX gets what Lexus are calling “…a new variation of the Lexus Hybrid Drive full hybrid system, tuned for SUV performance”, so we would normally assume it comes with a bit more torque and 4WD.

But word on the grapevine suggests Lexus are using the powerplant from the IS 300h and are only driving the front wheels. Which seems a bit odd if this is “…tuned for SUV performance”.

Still, it’s only a concept for now, although we are expecting the Lexus NX to arrive in production form in 2014, starting in price from under £30k.

The Lexus LF-NX Concept will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.