Hot Land Rover LRX coupe concept - first pics

Outside, the LRX concept gets a sweeping, coupe-like bodyshape, complete with the trademark Land Rover grille, side vents and clamshell bonnet

Click here for more pictures of the Land Rover LRX

This is the new Land Rover LRX – a concept coupe SUV which will debut at the 2008 Detroit motor show in January.

The Land Rover LRX concept is based on a lowered and shortened version of the Freelander, and will appear on UK roads in 2009 if production is given the green light.

Following in the footsteps of the recently revealed BMW X6 coupe-SUV, the Land Rover LRX features full-time four-wheel-drive and hill descent control, while its compact size is said to be ‘on-road biased’.

Outside, the LRX concept gets a sweeping, coupe-like bodyshape, complete with the trademark Land Rover grille, side vents and clamshell bonnet. Passengers can bask in the comfort of a glass-panel roof as the coupe-SUV rides on massive 20-inch wheels.

And the stunning design theme continues on the inside, where the 2+2 passenger layout features polished aluminium panels and swathes of dark chocolate and tan-coloured leather.

Although no word has been given yet on engines powering the Land Rover LRX, officials did propose a “level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class.”

Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern said: “It’s a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty.”

Click here for more pictures of the Land Rover LRX