What's the news?

Well, we weren't expecting this. You know how concept cars have all gone a bit sensible lately, how they all so closely preview the actual production model that you wonder why they didn't just bring the actual production model to the show? Yes, Ford S-Max Concept, we're looking at you... Well, the Lexus LF-NX concept isn't like that. It isn't like anything we've ever seen from Lexus.

Exterior

It's a design study that's supposed to gauge reaction to a possible Lexus rival to the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5 and its wildly OTT styling is there to try and elicit a polarised response from show-goers to the Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will be unveiled. Lexus believes that the compact luxury SUV segment has become too staid and it's keen to shake things up a little with a car that swings for the boundary, style-wise.

Interior

It's just as barmy inside, with a striking mix of black and bright yellow leather and next-generation infotainment controls with a touchscreen and a new laptop-style trackpad for controlling all of the interior functions.

Mechanicals

It's a hybrid, of course, and uses the same 156hp 2.5-litre petrol engine and battery combination that's found in the US-market ES 300 saloon. Although the concept is front-wheel drive, Lexus says that a four-wheel drive model is under consideration. With the petrol and electric motors turning at the same time, the car develops over 200hp.

Anything else?

That gorgeous Brushed Metal Silver exterior finish has been designed to make the LF-NX look as if it's been carved from a single block of metal. It looks stunning and you can expect to see it make its way onto production Lexus models in the future. Unlike the rest of this car's styling...

Neil Briscoe - 4 Sep 2013