Lexus has unveiled the all-new LBX – short for “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover” – which is the manufacturer’s smallest vehicle yet at only 4.19 metres long.
The LBX is built to be “simple, casual, and easy to live with” without compromising on the luxuriousness that Lexus has become known for.
It presents a new entry point into the brand and targets a younger audience who may not before have considered a Lexus, and it’s also positioned as the “perfect second vehicle” in a two-car household.
All-new LBX
The LBX is a big step forward for Lexus, as it establishes a new brand identity with its fresh “Resolute Look” design language, and instead of the models being separated by distinct levels of equipment, the vehicle will be offered four “atmospheres” in addition to a base grade.
“Rather than being defined by the level of equipment or comfort features, these atmospheres focus on expressing different refined, dynamic, or sporty themes through styling details, colours, textures, and finishes,” said Lexus.
A new Bespoke Build ordering system will provide even more personalised options with approximately 330,000 unique combinations being possible.
The cabin of the LBX similarly sees an all-new layout focusing on outward visibility, the sense of a wide open space, and a centre console with a demanding presence, said the automaker.
To that end, the front fascia features a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument display which is a first for any Lexus, as well as a 9.8-inch touchscreen running on the latest Lexus Link Connect operating system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The LBX also brings Digital Key support via a smartphone which can be shared when other people need to access or use the car, over-the-air software updates, and a specially-designed, 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
An array of premium materials including semi-aniline and vegan-friendly synthetic leather, as well as Ultrasuede, are available for the seats, steering wheel, shift lever, and door trims; and new “Tsuyusami” charcoal inlays that use a multi-layer technique to provide a sense of depth can be seen on the dashboard trims.
Ambient lighting with 50 colour options adds to the plush ambience, and depending on the theme, the cabin will be in an Ammonite Sand, Black, Black/Dark Grey, Forest Brown, or Saddle Tan combination with atmosphere-specific contrasting colours.
Each LBX boasts the Lexus Safety System+ allowing it to “detect accident risks, alert the driver, and automatically provide steering, braking, and drive force control if required to help avoid or lessen the consequences of a collision,” said the automaker.
Key elements in the package include a pre-collision system with intersection turn assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-trace assist, lane-keep assist, and road sign assist.
Additional safety and support apparatus comprises the Lexus e-latch electric door release system with safe exit assist, a driver drowsiness monitor, intelligent parking sensors with auto-braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a blind-spot monitor.
The rear load compartment also offers up to 332 litres of packing space – enough room for two 75-litre cases to be carried beneath the folding tonneau cover, said Lexus.
In its continual push into the new-energy territory, Lexus has equipped the LBX with a 1.5-litre, hybrid powertrain matched with an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).
There is also a more refined bi-polar nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery which enables extra electric motor support when accelerating and extends the all-electric driving capability, according to the experts.
The front-wheel-drive configuration provides a maximum output of 100kW and 185Nm, resulting in a 0-100km/h sprint of 9.2 seconds.
The LBX can be had with E-Four all-wheel drive, too, which sees another electric motor on the rear axle that is automatically activated when pulling away, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces for extra grip.
The new Lexus crossover is scheduled to go on sale in Europe, Japan, and “selected markets worldwide” from late 2023/early 2024. The South African subsidiary has yet to confirm whether the LBX will launch on local soil.
Lexus LBX
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