All-New Lexus LBX Ushers The Next Chapter For The Luxury Automotive Brand

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 23, 2024 ― Since its inception in 1989, Lexus has consistently pushed the boundaries in the luxury automotive industry. A brand never contented to rest on its laurels; Lexus has not only changed people’s perceptions but also reshaped the luxury car market in its own indomitable way. Along the way the company has not only helped transform the industry with new and exciting vehicles but it also helped redefine the Lexus ownership experience.

Its latest offering, the Lexus LBX is another feather in its cap as it poised to elevate and evolve the concept of luxury compact SUVs. Desirable, stunning and luxurious, the all-new, all-hybrid electric LBX may be the smallest Lexus yet, but it is one that is fully deserving of its status as a landmark model for the brand.

Next Chapter Evolution

The LBX once more demonstrates Lexus’ resolve in moving forward with continuous evolution while maintaining the shared design and performance concepts of the Next Chapter ideology. A car that’s simple, casual and easy to live with, a model that makes no compromises in quality and attention to detail.

Embracing contemporary ideas in design and technology while maintaining the distinguishing Lexus qualities of the luxury craftsmanship and Omotenashi hospitality, the LBX exudes the very essence of Lexus in a smaller, yet no less, stunning package.

The compact crossover is primed and ready to break down the traditional luxury hierarchy in the segment. More than that, it is also set to transcend customers’ traditional expectations of what a premium compact SUV can offer.

Standing for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, the LBX is set to extend Lexus into a new market territory. "As a new entry point to the Lexus family, the LBX carries a strong appeal to younger audiences as well as those who want a vehicle to meet their evolving lifestyle requirements," said Datuk Ravindran K, President of Lexus Malaysia.

"With an efficient and responsive hybrid powertrain, sporty design as well as class-leading features, it is undoubtedly an attractive proposition to those seeking a compact crossover with zero compromise on luxury, refinement and comfort," he added.

Invigorating Exterior Design

Following the principles of Lexus Next Chapter Design, the Lexus LBX retains the signature identity of the brand but with a more relaxed and casual character. The design is centred upon showcasing an authentic, effortless style that exudes a signature Lexus connection that drivers can identify with.

The realised dynamic proportions of the Lexus LBX evoke a visually impressive design that’s rooted in driving performance; a requirement for the carbon neutral age. The low hood design and seamless integration of the grille and body creates a sense of a low centre of gravity and enhances the vehicle’s commanding presence.

At the front a unified spindle contributes to the car’s strong, dynamic stance. The evolved design of the frameless grille generates the lines of the Lexus LBX’s spindle body whilst also enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. Combined with the model’s new Single-Projector Auto High Beam headlight design, this creates a strong visual signature, with both the daytime running lights and turn indicators integrated in bi-functional units.

The rear of the car also projects a strong stance. Its belt mouldings that sit flush with the body, a gate-style rear roof spoiler and precise light cluster designs enhance aerodynamic performance and contribute to the Lexus LBX’s efficiency, stability and responsive performance.

Enjoyable Dynamic Performance

The LBX is the first Lexus model to use the GA-B compact car global platform. It has been fundamentally developed to further optimise the inertial characteristics based on a lightweight, highly rigid body with a low centre of gravity. These elements lay the foundation of the Lexus LBX’s nimbleness and fun-to-drive character, creating a natural dialogue between driver and car that exudes confidence, control and comfort at all times.

The Lexus LBX has a new self-charging full hybrid electric powertrain that is both highly efficient and tuned for the kind of prompt, responsive acceleration that’s characteristic of battery electric power. It’s a key element in giving the LBX a rewarding driving character and securing the all-round rewards of the Lexus Driving Signature.

The M15A-FXE Engine operates with world-class thermal efficiency and high-speed combustion providing a perfect balance of exhilarating driving performance and excellent fuel economy. Paired with an 8-speed Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission, the total system output of the 1.5L Hybrid Electric Engine is 136hp with a peak torque of 185 Nm, giving 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.2 seconds.

Tuned for enjoyable performance, the Lexus LBX is a joy to drive around town or on winding country roads, with faithful handling and linear acceleration. Driveability is also enhanced by Hybrid System Control, which helps maximises the LBX’s power delivery as well as efficiency.

Additionally, a newly developed bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery with reduced weight and a more compact design delivers higher output with much quicker response. Its smaller size also helps enhance the vehicle’s cabin space and affords better balance and weight distribution for optimal handling and driveability.

Carefully-Appointed Interior Design

When it comes to interior space, the Lexus LBX delivers a simple and elegant interior that recreates the atmosphere of a higher segment model. Lexus designers sought to create a cockpit designed for natural controllability and a refined space that does not rely on ornamentation.

The driver’s cockpit is an interpretation of Lexus’ Tazuna concept, aimed at creating an interior space where its occupants can relax and enjoy a deep connection with the car. With principal controls positioned strategically around the driver and a straightforward horizontal instrument panel providing an open field of vision, it minimises the movements of the hand and eye when operating the vehicle allowing the driver to solely focus their attention on the journey ahead.

The premium quality and attention to detail within the space of the Lexus LBX is highlighted within the cabin space with premium upholsteries and trims delivering a strong visual and tactile appeal. The Lexus LBX also features new Tsuyasumi charcoal trim ornamentation that exudes a pleasing sheen, created with new film technique that uses multiple layers to give a highly textured appearance with a sense of depth.

Additionally, the interior is enhanced with a new 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display for the Luxury model and a 7-inch display for the Premium model. The lay-out and prominence of the meters and data change according to the drive mode selected and can be customised to suit individual preferences.

The top-of-the-range LBX Luxury is enhanced with a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system featuring 13 optimally-positioned speakers delivering an unmatched in-car listening experience while the LBX Premium enjoys a 6-speaker system.

The Lexus LBX also benefits from the comprehensive safety and driver assistance provisions of the latest generation of Lexus Safety System +. This equips the car with multiple systems to detect accident risks as well as driver alerts and autonomous controls to help avoid or lessen the consequences of a collision. 

Key features include a Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist/Lane Keep Assist and Road Sign Assist. Additional items that support safer driving and manoeuvring and reduce the burden on the driver include Lexus’ e-latch door release system with Safe Exit Assist, a Lexus Teammate Advanced Park with intelligent parking sensors as well auto-braking (for Luxury variant), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Blind Spot Monitor.

The Lexus LBX is offered in a choice of Premium and Luxury models. The model retails from RM238,888. More details can be found at the nearest Lexus Showroom or online at www.lexus.com.my.