When it is naturalised that exclusivity is a concept that does not have to be associated only with large or representative vehicles, it opens up a creative universe capable of connecting with a new, younger public with a high aesthetic sense. This is how Lexus has reinterpreted quality and craftsmanship to create the new LBX, a model with “casual luxury” styling that is both sophisticated down to the smallest detail and technologically advanced.
The LBX is an all-new, self-recharging hybrid crossover that is designed to be accessible and easy to drive, in tune with contemporary styling that combines high quality with a casual feel. Within its attractive lines it offers much more than you would expect from a car in its class, incorporating advanced technologies without compromising the distinctive Lexus brand qualities of craftsmanship and luxury.
As an established leader in electrification in the premium car market, Lexus has applied its knowledge and experience to rethink the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, optimising fuel consumption and emissions. At the same time, performance is more satisfying than ever, with a responsive and responsive driving feel based on comfort, control and confidence at all times.
A small engine with big ideas
The new three-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.5 litres is perfect for powering the LBX as part of the self-recharging hybrid system. Being naturally aspirated, it is not subject to the stresses of a turbocharger and reliability is assured with a 10-year or 185,000 km warranty. Maximum output of the combined hybrid system is 136 hp/100 kW and 185Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds.
A variable cooling system helps to warm up the engine quickly, automatically adjusting to operating conditions and external temperature.
In the case of the hybrid battery, it is a new Nickel Metal-Hydride unit with bipolar technology that, despite being smaller and lighter, produces more energy and better vehicle performance.
On the top models, a sequential Shiftmatic system provides a more dynamic experience through the operation of steering wheel-mounted paddles, emulating the feel of using a manual transmission.
The LBX is designed to minimise rolling and engine noise and vibration through counter-rotating shafts in the engine block and the extensive use of isolators at strategic points in the vehicle.
The new hybrid battery has also had a major impact on the LBX’s performance. By delivering more power, the combustion engine can operate at up to 20 % lower engine speeds with lower fuel consumption.
Premium category also in design
This radical new self-recharging hybrid model has a style that sets it apart from the rest.
The creative team applied new ideas, evolving the design principles of the Lexus Next Chapter. The result is a compact that is agile in the city, dynamic and enjoyable on winding country roads and stable and refined on road trips, aimed at younger drivers who prefer premium quality in a more casual, contemporary guise.
The rear of the new LBX manifests itself with a strong image, implying a low centre of gravity and stable handling.
The interior is absolutely refined, creating the feel and ambience of a premium segment model. This effect is based on three key elements: good visibility with an open view and a smooth, uncluttered instrument panel, a sense of interior spaciousness and a centre console with an imposing presence.
Throughout, the cabin breathes Lexus’ Omotenashi approach to making those on board feel welcome and comfortable, from design details such as ambient lighting and climate control, to the adjustment of the seats, the responsiveness of the multimedia system and the e-Latch electronic door opening system.
The cockpit of the new LBX is an interpretation of the Lexus Tazuna concept. This places the main controls and information sources around the driver, so that viewing or manipulation requires minimal hand and eye movements.
The centre console features a prominent two-height structure with an integrated large 9.8″ screen, upholstered side knee bolsters, padded centre armrest and a storage tray.
Ergonomically designed seats and a low hip position enhance the sense of connection between vehicle and driver with a comfortable driving position, similar to that of a grand tourer.
The seats are electrically adjustable in up to eight directions for the front seats. In true Lexus style, the LBX incorporates a reminder system that warns if children, luggage or other items are left on the seats.
The Tazuna concept driving position focus is evident in the new digital instrument panels, available in 7-inch or 12.3-inch sizes depending on model specification, while the sporty steering wheel enhances the layout of the integrated controls, providing quick and intuitive access to settings.
Superior quality and attention to detail are evident in the interior with the use of upholstery and decorative elements that are attractive to the eye and touch. In addition to high-quality semi-aniline leather, interior options include non-animal upholstery using leather and synthetic materials for seats, steering wheel, gear lever and door trim.
Indirect ambient interior lighting design creates a premium ambience, illuminating the perimeter of the door handles, the footwells, the inductive smartphone charger recess and the second level of the centre console.
The LBX is offered in a choice of four models, plus a range-entry style which are: Elegant and Relax, which go for a refined feel; Emotion and Cool, which have a sportier, more dynamic character; LBX, which is the entry-level style for customers looking for design with a functional twist.
Emotion and Cool styles feature two-tone exterior finishes and 18-inch Black Machined alloy wheels. Elsewhere, the Elegant and Relax styles feature monotone exterior finishes and elegantly styled 18-inch High Gloss alloy wheels. And finally, the LBX styling is based on monotone bodywork contrasted with 17″ Dark Urban wheels.
In terms of interior trim, the Emotion style is dressed up in perforated synthetic leather upholstery with red contrast stitching on the centre console and door trims. The LBX Cool, on the other hand, offers the ultimate expression of dynamic and sporty styling with a two-tone leather and Ultrasuede interior in black/dark grey with contrasting copper-coloured stitching.
For the Elegant and Relax styles, the offer is dressed up in synthetic leather in subtle Light Beige and Dark Coffee tones, or the sporty option in perforated synthetic leather with red contrast stitching on seats, door panels, instrument panel lower section and centre console. And for the Relax style, the choice is available in Black or Caramel semi-aniline leather with subtle Tatami stitching.
In addition to the four styles described above, a fifth style incorporates advanced technology solutions as standard, extensive active safety and driver assistance systems included in the latest generation Lexus Safety System+, and is dressed in Urban Grey fabric upholstery.
The LBX is equipped with the latest Lexus Link Connect multimedia system, which is supported by a 9.8-inch touchscreen with an anti-glare surface treatment for clear reading in all lighting conditions. Features include cloud-based navigation with real-time information, as well as dynamic driver and passenger-sensitive voice recognition and “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant.
Mark Levinson has designed an optional premium system exclusively for LBX with up to 13 speakers and Quantum Logic Surround technology to deliver a high clarity and high definition listening experience.
In the most equipped versions, the air conditioning is automatically coordinated in combination with the seat and steering wheel heating, so that each passenger can quickly reach the desired temperature. The system is also capable of introducing cool, low humidity air while recirculating warm air.
Lexus Climate Concierge also makes use of the latest in air purification technology, incorporating the Nanoe-X system that discharges microscopic water particles into the air vents. They also have a moisturising effect on hair and skin so as not to dry out sensitive areas.
Maximum load space on the front-wheel-drive LBX expands to 402 litres, enough to accommodate two 75-litre suitcases. The all-wheel drive version offers up to 317 litres.
The automatic parking function with 4 cameras and 12 sensors allows parallel and battery parking by controlling the steering, brake, accelerator and gearbox functions.
Technical and security solutions
The hybrid system offers 17% more power than conventional units of the same size, but with class-leading fuel consumption, quiet operation and very low emissions levels. The hybrid control system increases responsiveness by 30% and initial acceleration by 20% with no loss of momentum.
Predictive Efficient Drive, which predicts driver behaviour, road and traffic conditions to optimise the charging or discharging of the hybrid battery according to the actual driving situation in coordination with cloud-based navigation data collection. The system uses predictive State of Charge (SOC) monitoring on the road to identify areas such as uphill gradients or dense traffic episodes at low speeds up to 10 km ahead and determine efficient charging or discharging of the battery.
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) provides a greater detection range with a new combination of front radar and camera and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) has been enhanced to recognise more objects, including adjacent street furniture.
Facial Recognition (Driver Monitor) is a camera mounted above the steering column that constantly monitors the driver’s status. If it recognises loss of concentration due to fatigue or discomfort, it triggers visual and audible alerts. The Lexus Safety System+ package also incorporates Automatic High Beam (AHB) systems or, on Relax+ and Cool+ styles, an adaptive high beam matrix system for optimal forward illumination without dazzling other vehicles.
In short, the new Lexus LBX brings together in a compact space all the know-how of the legendary brand and the highest standards of comfort and luxury in an advanced, fresh, young and dynamic vehicle.
