Lexus LF-Xh Concept: The Next RX SUV?

• Looks like: Lexus stole the plans for the next Ford Edge
• Defining characteristics: Powerful stance, narrow headlights
• Ridiculous features: Buttonless cockpit
• Chance of being mass-produced: This could be the look for the next RX SUV; expect to see some of the styling translate to the real thing

Lexus is using the high visibility of the Tokyo Motor Show to debut the LF-Xh concept. The SUV could be the next RX, which is the brand’s best-selling model in the U.S. Yes, this is a big deal. Of course, besides the hybrid drivetrain, Lexus isn’t revealing much about this concept.

We can tell you that the design language — a fancy term for style — of the LF-Xh falls in line with the company’s other concepts of late. However, we haven’t seen any of those other Lexus concepts yet come to fruition as production cars. But Lexus needs to replace the RX sometime around the end of the decade, so we’d guess this concept is a stab at a replacement. What do you think? Check out the photos below and tell us if this is a step in the right direction for Lexus.   

Comments

i think that this is a very good step for lexus and this is a welcome event for me because i feel that the current rx is a bit tired out and needs a new design, the cockpit needs a bit of work though

Question... why does it have dimples?
Its got alot to like and dislike about it. I love the lights on the front and back however I don't care for the Ford grille its sporting. Other things that may be a problem (which is impossible to know for sure without driving it) is visibility. That is a really high beltline for an suv/crossover. Are those cameras or side view mirrors that are placed high on the A-pillar?
If there is 1 ridiculous feature I would love to see implemented into a car it would be that buttonless dash. Ok I will admit, I am spoiled by my iphone and any technology that can be anywhere near as sexy in a car is more than welcome for me. I will deal with cleaning the smudges on the glass any day of the week for something that looks so simple and sharp. It would also be a sweet addition if it sported RFID technology. The posibilities would be endless. So overall, I like the design, but I would drop the dimples.

New Honda Accord/Hyundai Genesis any one?

Very cutting edge in design. Seems that edgey and sharp lines are in. Some will like it, some will not. Doesn't matter too much ...it will sell. Seems that some manufacurers get it and some don't. Oh well.

I like the design overall -- it looks sporty and luxurious and there's some family resemblence with other Lexus models. However, the windows seem small and that rear window has a very steep rake to it. Visibility out the back will be problematic. (The upcoming BMW X6 is the same way.) Hopefully a rearview camera is standard.

Then again, this is just a concept. When's the new model coming? (2009?)

Wow... the most malevolent looking Lexus to date.

*sigh* another ute? *yawn*

Kinda funny though, it's got "chipmunk cheeks" the grill and lights are chamfered but the bumper is square.

Not that having fender and hood lines seperate is a bad thing, but I've never seen it this poorly executed.

Still I agree with Phaeton,,, I would LOVE the Star Trek cockpit! If I can't get the flying car can I at least get an interior like this?

I think early 2009 is a pretty safe bet since the 2nd generation Highlander already came out. I think we might be looking at 85 - 90% of the next RX.

Based on what Lexus has been doing in the past few years introducing the L-Finesse concepts as something insignificant(alphabets) and yet launching them the following year as the upcoming models i.e. IS(LF-S) and LS(LF-Sh), I strongly believe that Lexus will probably introduce this concept as the new RX SUV for the 2009 model. Personally, this LF-Xh looks far better than the LF-X debuted at the Tokyo Auto Show back in 2003 as the LF-Xh is showing more cues taken from the past and current RX models.

Needs to come in a V8. Or atleast have 350hp with hybrid. RX330 lacks in power. Otherwise, it's beautiful.

It's just a concept design meaning they're still working on it.