Lexus plans small and large soft-roaders

The only problem is, they’re still years away

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One of the first gaps to be plugged under Lexus’ new freedom is small and large softroaders to join its RX range.

Luxury SUVs are the fastest growing segment of the new-car market globally – but Lexus has so far failed to expand its range despite having the four-wheel-drive heritage and vast resources of parent company Toyota.

“I can’t comment when, because we haven’t decided when, but one of those is going through serious study now, the small SUV,” said Karl Schlicht, the global boss of Lexus.

“We’ve had [design studies] before, and we’ve changed our mind … through the committee design … so this will be the first time it’s going through the [new] Lexus process.

“It hasn’t been finalised yet or approved but it’s under serious study.”

As for the Audi Q7-style car-based seven-seater? “That’s a little further away,” he said.

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