Lexus LF-NX concept (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

This is the Lexus LF-NX concept SUV. It’s a BMW X3-sized crossover that’ll sport hybrid power and entice would-be Lexus buyers who don’t need a car as big as the RX hybrid SUV. That is, if the crazy styling doesn’t put them off, because this is certainly one of the more polarising concept designs we’ve seen in recent times.

Those rear vents recall the LFA supercar’s apertures, while there’s more than a hint of Lamborghini Urus about the overall profile. Do you like the styling? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

With intersecting creases abound and the now-familiar Lexus ‘spindle grille’ dominating the frontal aspect, the LF-NX shouts ‘Japanese’ in a way that staid Lexus design of the last decade would never have seen coming. The grey paintwork is designed to look like the car has been milled from a single block of metal.

Naturally, the LF-NX continues the Lexus hybrid tradition, with this powertrain reportedly being designed for off-road performance. Look closely at the rear-view image and you’ll spot a charging lead trailing from the bottom of the LF-NX, indicating this is a hybrid with plug-in capacity.

Inside, there’s inspiration from the LFA supercar and new IS sports saloon, shown in the twin-tier dashboard layout: there’s one zone for displays and another for controls. Black and leather upholstery screams that this is a Lexus designed for a younger buyer, but once it’s toned down for production, it’ll have a fight on its hands to tempt fans of the Range Rover Evoque away from teeming Land Rover showrooms.

By Ollie Kew