The newest and smallest Lexus yet, the LBX, is a self-charging hybrid electric crossover that’s designed to be accessible and easy to live with, a car that’s in tune with contemporary style thinking that combines high quality with a more personal feel; in short, the car as part of our lifestyle from this prestige Japanese car maker.
Surprisingly, the LBX offers much more than might be expected from a car in the compact class, embracing advanced technologies and making no compromise in the well-known Lexus qualities of luxury craftsmanship.
On The Outside
Possibly the most significant aspect of the design scheme on this all-new car is a new front face arrangement that breaks away from the spindle grille, a design hallmark for the brand over the past decade. This may well indicate a new direction for this premium badge. The grille is completely different from previously yet remains recognisable as a Lexus.
The grille has been unified in a single trapezoid shape, positioned below a narrow aperture that runs beneath the leading edge of the bonnet (hood), linking the slim headlight units and emphasised by a one-piece chrome moulding. The seamless, frameless grille in turn defines the lines of the LBX’s body, contributing to the car’s strong, dynamic stance.
The LBX is also aerodynamically efficient, helping smooth airflow over and around the car. The new headlight design creates a strong visual signature, with the daytime running lights and turn indicators integrated in bi-functional units. The headlights themselves are single bi-beam LEDs, further equipped with an Automatic High-Beam System on higher grade models.
Further to the design, the front pillars have been pulled back, making the cabin appear compact and the bonnet longer giving a sporty profile. The flared wings accentuate this coupled with the 18 inch alloy wheels and tyres, while short overhangs and a tightening of the area around the rear doors also evoke that sense of dynamic styling. When viewing the LBX from the rear, this balance of shapes is reflected in the car’s compact cabin positioned above a powerful underbody, another visual cue implying a low centre of gravity and stable handling. Styling details include a subtly patterned film covering for the rear pillars, creating a textured appearance.
On The Inside
Lexus designers have styled a simple and refined interior that creates the feel and atmosphere of larger premium models from this car maker. From the driving seat there’s good visibility with an open view out and an uncluttered, smooth instrument panel. The overall effect creates a sense of wide interior space with a commanding dashboard. From lighting and climate control, to the design and adjustment of the seats, the response of the multimedia system and the e-Latch electronic door release system, everything is designed to fit in with the Lexus luxury ethos.
The driver’s cockpit is an interpretation of that already seen on the NX mid-size SUV. This positions principal controls and information sources immediately around the driver, so operation or reading only requires minimal movements of hand or eye, helping keep the driver focused on the crucial task of driving, with minimal distractions. Instrument arrays are either 7 or 12.3 inch according to model specification. A steering wheel heater is available in higher grade models, with options for synthetic or genuine leather trim. The shift lever is also positioned and profiled for comfort and ease of use, in line with Lexus design principles.
To help maintain a wide, clear view and open cabin feel, the horizontal instrument panel has a clean and simple design, its form flowing into the door panel, giving a sense of wrapping around the front seat occupants, so the feel is expansive yet encompassing, they say. The continuous line created by this design also helps the driver sense the degree of vehicle roll when driving through bends.
Between the front passengers the centre console is a prominent structure with a large display that’s tilted back so that it integrates smoothly with the dashboard. It also features upholstered side knee pads, a tactile, padded centre arm rest and a lower storage box for small items, one that also contains a 12V accessory socket and C-type USB port. Cloud-based navigation, climate control and smartphone connection are all standard and up-to-the-minute on the technology scene. Drivers can even tell the car that they are cold and expect a reaction, in the same way your teenage children secretly turn up the thermostat of the home heating.
The low hip-point adds to the driver’s sense of being at one with the car (a very Japanese concept), giving them a saloon-like driving position. To ensure a good view out for everyone on board, the rear seats are set slightly higher than those at the front, which is a nice touch. The seat designs focus on preserving a stable posture and minimising head movement when cornering, with a deep-hung cushion construction and an enlarged contact area and flatter seat backs that holds the body snugly while keeping the rider upright.
Eight-way power adjustment is available for the front seats. The rear seats divide and fold 60:40. Another small but good detail is
the reminder system that gives an alert if children, luggage or other items are left on the front passenger or rear seats!
On The Road
Driving performance was a focus point for development of the LBX, say the company. Lexus’s ambition was to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature in a small car package, engineering a vehicle in which the driver feels confident, comfortable and in control at all times. Prompt, accurate steering, braking and throttle responses and stable handling in all conditions are all geared to generate a sense of connection between driver and car.
The Lexus LBX thus offers a nimble drive that maximises the benefits of the model’s small size and light weight, while focusing more than ever on honing the car’s fundamental characteristics, without overly relying on electronic controls. In other words, it’s a driver’s car without that feel of remoteness from the action that some cars suffer from.
The centre of gravity is low and the track is wide to aid handling and a rigid body, reduced weight and larger, wider tyres all combine to ensure the car moves faithfully and responsively in line with the driver’s intentions.
The LBX has a new self-charging full hybrid electric power-train that is both highly efficient and tuned for responsive acceleration. It’s a key element in giving the LBX a rewarding driving character. The total system output is 134bhp (100kW) with peak torque of 185Nm, giving 0-62mph acceleration in 9.2 seconds for the front-wheel drive model or 9.6 with all-wheel drive. Official fuel figures indicate economy of up to 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions from 102g/km from the 1.5 litre VVT-iE three cylinder petrol engine. So there we have it: The LBX is an excellent compact SUV that offers everything found in larger Lexus models.
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