If Lexus->ke47 wanted to make a splash at Frankfurt->ke235 with its LF-NX Concept, it sure did pick a good design to get it done.

Redefining -- yet again -- what we've come to expect from its new and drastically improved design language, the Japanese automaker has once again thrown us all for a loop with its latest concept->ke169 vehicle.

Suffice to say, the LF-NX Concept looks like its going to be one of the most popular cars that will be at Frankfurt next week. It looks absolutely stunning, combining its mean visage with a low-lying profile that makes you wonder if this is an actual crossover or an oversized coupe.

Obviously, it's the former, but the mere fact that there are hints of sportiness and aggression on the LF-NX Concept that are normally attributed to coupes->ke141 goes to show the lengths Lexus is taking these days to completely change the way we think about the brand moving forward.

Updated 1/29/14: At the 2014 NAIAS, Lexus revealed an image of the LF-NX that looks nearly nothing like the concept that we saw earlier. This leads us to believe that this is a preview of the production model. Unfortunately, this preview version is toned down to look like a traditional Lexus, as opposed to the hot concept that we all fell in love with. You can see the preview image after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the Lexus LF-NX Concept

2013 Lexus LF-NX Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Lexus LF-NX Concept
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 270
  • Torque: 250
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Production Preview Image at NAIAS

Exterior

A dramatically aggressive design is the first takeaway you have with the Brushed Metal Silver-finished LF-NX Concept. The sharp edges, the low stance and the contoured lines all blend together to create a crossover that has an undeniably strong presence about it.

The front end of the LF-NX Concept still retains some similarities to other recent Lexus concepts. The slit-like headlamps are downright evil-looking while the daytime running lights being positioned independently from the headlamps creates an added visual emphasis to the crossover's profile. The sharp vertical cut line positioned on the front corners of the crossover works more than just separating the bumper from the front wings; it also enhances that aforementioned aggressive look that belies its crossover make-up.

The muscular wheel arches also creates an athletic profile and greatly complemented by the classic Lexus side glazing, which then extends to the tailgate and together with the steep rake, creates that couple-like stance that the LF-NX Concept is unabashedly trying to project.

Interior

Here's where things really get interesting for the LF-NX Concept. Lexus used a yellow and black treatment on the upholstery with contrast stitching. The smart choice of color plays well into the Decepticon-like look of the exterior but doesn't really mesh in well with the blue instrument lighting that you can see throughout the cabin. We think it's a clash of colors that cancels out the cool ambiance of the blue lighting.

The cockpit appears to be ergonomic, though, none more emphasized by the use of the “Human Oriented” element of the company's L-finesse design. The dashboard, in particular, creates a nice separation of the upper display zone and the lower operation zone of the center console.

Speaking of the center console, we admit to being completely confused at its configuration and functionality. To be honest, we don't know how it works and the design leaves a lot to be desired in terms of how sophisticated and, presumably, complicated the touch-sensitive electrostatic switches and a new Remote Touch Interface design are going to be.

Drivetrain

As a crossover concept, it's not hard to imagine that the LF-NX Concept could be a future production model of the current RX crossover. On that note, the concept could come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces an 270 horsepower, which is good enough to hit 60 mph in just under 8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 112 mph.

Pricing

Don't expect a definite price tag anytime soon for the LF-NX Concept given its concept designation.

Competition

2014 Acura MDX

Should Lexus decide to give the LF-NX Concept the production green light, it should make for a pretty interesting competitor to another uniquely-designed crossover, the Acura MDX.

The MDX checks in with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and hooks up to a six-speed automatic transmission, Sure, it may not be quite as cool of a design as the LF-NX Concept, but the MDX and RX lines have been fighting each other for many years, and we don't see the fight stopping any time soon.

Conclusion

Lexus has really done a great job giving us concepts that are just aching to get some production love. The LF-NX Concept is the latest feather in the cap of the Japanese brand in its attempt to change the way people look at it. With the LF-A->ke2181 and the LF-Lc having turned some heads, it's now the LF-NX Concept's turn to follow in that tradition.

So far, so good.