Pull out your driving gloves, because a production version of the knife-edged Lexus LF-NX compact crossover concept will debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, according to Auto Express. Smply called NX, it will reportedly retain much of the concept’s styling.
Like several recent Lexus models, the LF-NX isn’t pretty, but it is interesting. Whether that’s good enough for buyers remains to be seen. Thanks to the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and Lincoln MKC, styling is about to become a major factor in the burgeoning luxury compact crossover segment.
There were actually two Lexus LF-NX concepts, and each will reportedly be the basis for a production model. The first LF-NX debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with a hybrid powertrain, while a second version was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show with a turbocharged gasoline powertrain.
The production models will be the NX 300h hybrid and the NX 200t, which will have Lexus’ first production turbocharged engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It’s unclear whether both will be offered in the U.S., but the NX 200t should be able to flush out performance-minded Lexus buyers (all five of them).
Less exciting than the futuristic styling and turbocharged engine is the chassis: the NX will reportedly be based on the Toyota RAV4. It will be offered with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.
Following its Geneva debut, the NX should hit showrooms by mid-2014 as a 2015 model. It will compete with the GLA and MKC, as well as the BMW X1, and continue Lexus’ battle to appear interesting.
