Cover The all-new Lexus LBX, with a frontal arrangement that deconstructs the traditional Lexus spindle grille
The all-new Lexus LBX, with a frontal arrangement that deconstructs the traditional Lexus spindle grille
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Known for its style and expertise in electrification, Lexus introduces LBX—its smallest crossover with a breakthrough design and exceptional performance
LBX. The use of these three letters to the latest addition of the Lexus lineup is significant. Previously, only the LFA supercar (the fastest and most limited-in-supply Lexus) has enjoyed that distinction. And just as the LFA showed a different side to Lexus in terms of attitude and performance, the LBX promised to showcase a unique identity in its own right.
Bestowing the name “LBX” was enough to get most car enthusiasts and Lexus owners (like me) intrigued. Thus, when I heard that the first-ever LBX was going to be unveiled in a Dynamic Press Launch in Valencia, Spain, I didn’t think twice about packing my bags and travelling halfway across the world to see it for myself. Days later, I was one of only two Filipinos sitting with a small group from Asia to witness the unveiling of the LBX.
Standing before us, Lexus Assistant Chief Engineer Jun Takahashi revealed that LBX stands for “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover”.
One look at the LBX and I was immediately drawn to its sleek design and unique features that made it different from other Lexus models.
A significant aspect is the LBX’s new frontal arrangement that “deconstructs” the traditional Lexus spindle grille. The LBX grille is unified in a single trapezoid shape, positioned below a narrow aperture that runs beneath the leading edge of the bonnet, linking the slim headlight units and emphasised by a one-piece chrome moulding. The result of reinterpreting Lexus’s traditional front design is what Lexus Design General Manager Koichi Suga describes as their success in “creating a new front face identity that’s completely different from before yet is instantly recognisable as a Lexus”.
See also: The all-new game-changing hybrid crossover from Lexus is your new dream car
Above The design and position of the shift lever is driver-centric
Above A new grade system inside the LBX showcasing a refined and modern look with genuine leather seats complemented by playful embroidery
The design and position of the shift lever is driver-centric
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The LBX is also noticeably smaller than other Lexus SUVs. We soon learnt that the LBX is currently the smallest luxury SUV in the market—a fact which wasn’t obvious to me because while the LBX is compact, its exterior is shaped to look muscular and powerful.
Apart from its unique look, the most significant feature of the LBX, in my opinion, is its subtle elegance. This subtleness is at the core of the LBX’s character.
The LBX is the first model to break away from traditional Lexus design conventions by introducing a “premium casual” theme. It recognises a new generation of young, style-conscious customers that prefer “relaxed luxury” over flashy opulence. Think of the likes of billionaire Mark Zuckerburg who is known for wearing his daily signature outfit of a grey T-shirt, jeans and sneakers.
After getting to know the LBX, I realised that the choice of Valencia as the city to launch this new model (versus other cities like Madrid or Barcelona which I would pick as frontrunners for a car launch) was analogous. When we drove the LBX around Valencia the morning after the launch, I saw that the parallelism between the car and the city perfectly highlighted the LBX’s personality.
Valencia is understated yet offering more than other hyped-up cities. It is rich in heritage, culture and modernity—without the stiffness or snootiness of other beautiful cities like London or Paris. Valencia is also known for innovative breakthroughs.
In 1969, the city implemented an ambitious plan to divert the Turia River (which caused massive flooding in 1957) to the Mediterranean Sea. The dried-up riverbed was transformed into over 450 acres of a monumental park (now called “Jardin del Turia”) consisting of jogging and bike paths, event spaces, recreation fields, fountains, notable structures like the Alameda Bridge and beautiful gardens. Jardin del Turia is considered as an ingenious example of transformative infrastructure around the world.
Valencia is also home to the famous City of Arts and Sciences (La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), an avant-garde centre for leisure and culture designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. The LBX is also an avant-garde and unconventional car itself.
In case you missed it: Empowered innovation: The all new Lexus RZ 450e takes centre stage
Above The hybrid electric SUV in red
Above The driver’s seat is set low to decrease the center of gravity and overall height, all while maintaining generous interior space
The hybrid electric SUV in red
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Against the backdrop of Valencia, the LBX enters the world as a new car that seeks to challenge the status quo and redefine what a small car can offer, expanding the Lexus brand’s reach and profile. The LBX seeks to deliver more than any car in its segment in terms of driving experience, advanced technologies and luxury craftsmanship while providing the signature Omotenashi hospitality that Lexus is known for.
The LBX is a self-charging hybrid electric crossover that’s designed to be accessible yet of high quality. Inside the LBX, the interiors offer a driver-centric cockpit with intuitive control layouts. Assistant Chief Engineer Jun Takahashi explains, “We want the driver to have a natural dialogue with the car.”
The emphasis on driver-engagement is inspired by the “Tazuna” concept, a rider’s precise use of the reins to control a horse (the Japanese translation of Tazuna). The controls and information sources are arranged in the LBX’s cockpit requiring only small movements of hand and eye to operate, keeping the driver’s attention focused on the road.
Responsive steering, braking and stable handling in all conditions generate a natural dialogue and constant sense of connection between the driver and car. Takahashi-san says that you can expect the LBX to react the way you want it to. “Making the car act the way you want it to is part of the fun driving experience,” adds Takahashi-san.
The LBX is the first Lexus to be built on the GA-B compact car global platform, the achievement of Lexus’s ambition to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature of “control, comfort and convenience” in a small car package. While the LBX will not have an F-Sport variant, it maximises a 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid electric powertrain to allow a dynamic drive.
The LBX is also the first Lexus to introduce different “Atmospheres”, a feature not available in other Lexus models. Instead of the traditional linear grade structure options which focus on the level of equipment or comfort features, LBX customers can choose from four Atmospheres—Elegant, Relax, Emotion and Cool.
Through the LBX, Lexus takes a new approach to building a model range that offers customers choices to match their personal style and character.
Before we parted ways in Valencia, I kidded Takahashi-san about how “breakthrough” seems like a bold word to use for a car’s name. “What makes the LBX a ‘breakthrough’?” I asked. He said that the LBX gives customers the opportunity to have something that’s truly their own—they can express themselves in the outward appearance of the car, while also being their authentic selves inside the car.
The level of customisation and self-expression that LBX offers is, for sure, unmatched in other Lexus models and perhaps in most other cars of its level in the market.
For someone coming from the Philippines, where the preference is generally for full-size SUVs, I wondered why the LBX was designed to be the smallest compact SUV in the market. Then I realised that the LBX also seeks to be the “breakthrough” that will strengthen Lexus’s presence in the European market. The LBX provides a compact and nimble drive through small European streets or winding country roads while being stable and powerful on highways. The LBX model is expected to become a core element in Lexus’ European range, targeting 24,000 sales in 2024. In that sense, the LBX represents a bold step for Lexus. While Lexus already has a commanding presence in Asian markets like the Philippines, it now seeks to capture a new market in a new frontier. With innovative features and a unique level of customisation, while maintaining Lexus’s Omotenashi hospitality, the LBX may indeed end up breaking through old and new customers alike.
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Images: Courtesy of Lexus
