Lexus will introduce its all new urban crossover vehicle to the New Zealand market, the UX, early next year.

The new Lexus UX, the gateway to the brand, delivers innovative luxury and safety in a package that combines brave new design elements and efficient new petrol and self-charging hybrid electric powertrains.

"The UX is likely to be the first Lexus for many customers, but also their first luxury vehicle," said Paul Carroll, Senior General Manager of Lexus New Zealand.

"It is designed for the modern urban lifestyle with a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving."

Designed to appeal to younger buyers who seek what is new and exciting and relevant to their lifestyle, the UX is infused with dynamic attitude.

Like all Lexus models, the UX's unique design elements are inspired by Japanese culture and Takumi craftsmanship. The cabin's styling embodies Omotenashi - detailed hospitality - to those who enter it.

The UX has a signature take on the Lexus spindle grille design. A new mesh pattern with individual elements creates an intriguing three-dimensional appearance that appears to change with the viewing angle.

Arrowhead-like daytime running lights above the headlights give the UX a confident persona.

Body character lines flow out from the dramatically flared front and rear wheel arches and 18-inch alloy wheels are placed at the UX's corners creating an agile look.

The combination taillights begin at the top of the rear wings and stretch across the rear of the vehicle. Provided with 120 LEDs tapering toward the centre, measuring just 3mm wide at the narrowest point, they give the UX a unique visual identity.

The rear spoiler, along with a flat underbody, help provide vehicle quietness and fuel efficiency.

The 2019 Lexus UX will be available with a choice of two powertrains, UX 200 and UX 250h.

The front-wheel-drive UX 200, with a new 126kW two litre Dynamic Force, four-cylinder engine is coupled with a new Direct Shift continuously variable transmission.

The UX 250h is a high-efficiency version of the two-litre petrol engine with a new fourth-generation self-charging Lexus Hybrid Drive system. It will be available with either front-wheel drive or E Four electric all-wheel drive. The combined target output of 131kW makes UX 250h a leader in hybrid performance as well as very fuel efficient.

Lexus UX is the brand's first vehicle built on the new Global Architecture - Compact platform with a lightweight yet rigid body, low centre of gravity and refined suspension.

The UX delivers class leading handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving character.

"I wanted to overturn the image of a crossover with a high body that requires careful driving," said Chika Kako, Lexus International's first woman executive vice-president and chief engineer of the UX development team.

"We wanted to offer a car with nimble performance and excellent manoeuvrability that makes it as easy to drive as a sedan."

Detailed specification and pricing will be announced early next year at the time of the UX's launch in New Zealand.