Lexus Teases New Flagship SUV Ahead Of Detroit Debut

The new coupe-styled crossover SUV will be the flagship product from Lexus 

Lexus has teased a new concept crossover SUV, the LF-1, which will have its world premiere at the upcoming 2018 Detroit Motor Show in January. Lexus has not revealed much about this new ‘flagship’ concept high rider except for a picture which has revealed a few details about its rear profile and a possible engine option. 

The Lexus LX is currently the flagship SUV from Toyota’s luxury sub-brand and is a relatively premium alter ego of the Land Cruiser. So technically, Lexus doesn’t have an SUV offering above the RX, which is designed ground-up in-house, and is not a spruced up Toyota. Though the chances are pretty slim, this production-intent flagship coupe-SUV might replace the ageing LX globally, or there could be a new three-row alternative of the same in the near future. 

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The teaser image indicates that it will have a dramatically swooping roofline. Notice the glass roof that cuts the rear spoiler and merges with the rear windscreen. The wraparound LED tail lamps extend the entire width of the vehicle. The blue ‘Lexus’ insignia indicates that the new crossover SUV will be a hybrid model. It was also rather obvious since it is a Lexus! 

Being the flagship product, it is likely to borrow the hybrid system from Lexus' flagship sedan, the 2018 LS 500h. The sedan features a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with two electric motor/generators and a lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output of the 354PS and 0-60mph (96kmph) comes in at 5.1 seconds. 

If the Lexus LF-1 goes into production, this new flagship coupe-SUV will primarily go up against the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Since all the offerings of Lexus in India are directly imported in the country, expect the new coupe high rider to be introduced here as well soon after its international debut.