With all of you, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless, the spectacular crossover prototype from the Japanese brand

2017 ended with great excitement within Lexus, and if we cast our minds back, at the end of last December we were given a glimpse of an upcoming prototype through two brief images. This prototype was named LF-1 Limitless, presented as a new SUV/Crossover that would arrive to redefine luxury, or the highest expression of quality, within this segment. Now the moment has come to discover it, so let’s see what Lexus has in store.

Now we can see it in all its splendor, and if you’ll allow me, I can tell you it won me over at first glance, even before paying attention to the details. Before us stands a truly spectacular crossover, designed by CALTY Design Research of Lexus in California, to bring us a new design language based on the Molten Katana concept, which in turn draws on the fusion of the organic forms of liquid metal with the edges of the Japanese katana.

As you know, in this matter of interpretation, brands let their imagination run free and, at times, convey little or nothing to the rest of us mortals. What we must be clear about is that this prototype represents a high level of performance, which in turn aims to combine all the luxury of the finest saloons with spectacular, futuristic styling. That, after all, is what every prototype aims to do when it wants to show the full capability of a brand.

The exterior has several details worth mentioning. It is a crossover with coupé-like lines that from the front already begins to impress and intimidate, something in which the front grille plays a fundamental role. It features a beautiful three-dimensional design that seems to expand from its central point outward, merging at the top with the bonnet and, in turn, with the A-pillars. It should be said that the grille does not use chrome as is usual, but rather CALTY has opted to develop the colours it displays, also featuring LED lighting all around it.

Following the lines I mentioned from the bonnet to the A-pillar, we must first note the absence of mirrors, which have been replaced by cameras. We also see that these lead to a roof designed in glass, so that from the outside this is the beginning of its spectacular interior, giving it ample light and, of course, unmatched outward visibility for the passengers. Unfortunately, this is a part of the design that, should the LF-1 Limitless reach production in the future, would probably not be kept, so as not to compromise passenger safety.

Moving to the rear, the roof ends “split in two” above the rear window, beneath which there is a vertical design that highlights the one-piece rear light cluster, perfectly blended and integrated with the lines of the LF-1 Limitless. On either side of the rear bumper, the enormous air outlets also draw attention, finished with a modest diffuser that incorporates an LED light in its centre.

Moving now to the interior, we first find that the Lexus LF-1 Limitless has been designed for four occupants, who will be surrounded by all the luxury and technology that Lexus can offer them. Here, as with the exterior, the design is based on a Japanese concept, in this case Omotenashi, translated as hospitality, which is defined as the sense of offering a warm welcome to all its occupants.

The centre of all attention will be the driver, who will have before them all the necessary information and most of the controls oriented towards the driving position, so that the front passenger’s area gives a much cleaner feel. The instrument panel is fully digital, while on the upper central part of the dashboard we can see the screen dedicated to the infotainment system, a system that also extends to the rear seats thanks to generous screens integrated into the backs of the front seats.

As I mentioned at the start about the interior, its lighting and illumination hold a special place in the LF-1 Limitless. In fact, it features a design on the doors that reminded me, as soon as I saw it, of the recently presented Rolls-Royce Wraith Luminary Collection. To be honest, we could say it is quite similar, since the wood trim also has perforations through which several LED lights flicker and create a movement reminiscent of stars. They will not be the only ones: there will be more ambient lighting that changes depending on the driving mode selected.

For now, that is all the information we can share about the Lexus LF-1 Limitless. We will have to wait for the brand to release more details and, of course, we look forward with impatience to the next show, where the LF-1 Limitless will surely be present.