Ready for an Upgrade? The Lexus LBX is Waiting for You

In most of life’s greatest pursuits, you have to start somewhere. That goes for luxury vehicles, too. After you’re done with the typical, mass market brands, you’d want to step up and experience elevated comfort and performance. That’s the promise of the Lexus LBX. 

The all-new LBX embodies Lexus' philosophy of craftsmanship. Combining boldness with sophistication, it draws inspiration from the brand's rich automotive heritage while embracing forward-thinking design elements.

Photo by PJ Cana.

The LBX targets a younger and more upwardly mobile market, as the demand for versatile, efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles continues to grow. It is the first Lexus model to be manufactured at the Iwate plant in eastern Japan, a facility that has benefited from Toyota Motor Corporation investment to help regenerate a region that suffered devastation from the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

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Interestingly, the LBX is the only other vehicle in Lexus’ lineup to get a three-letter name apart from the LFA supercar. The LBX is said to challenge the status quo and redefine what a small car can offer, energizing and expanding the brand’s reach and profile.

Photo by PJ Cana.

“Our aim was to challenge the conventional concept of a luxury car,” says Chief Engineer Kunihiko Endoh comments. “We have thoroughly pursued a driving experience that enables a natural dialogue between the driver and their vehicle and a design that has a refined presence.”

Lexus reinterprets the famous spindle grille design with a new “Resolute Look” front design. Sleek LED headlights illuminate the road ahead and draws the eyes to its sculpted body panels that seamlessly flow towards the rear.

Photo by PJ Cana.

“We have ‘deconstructed’ the spindle grille to make way for a new design,” says Koichi Suga, general manager for Lexus Design. “We’ve succeeded in creating a new front face identity that’s completely different from before yet is instantly recognizable as a Lexus.” The exterior dimensions are more compact than any other Lexus, but it’s no less muscular and powerful.

The LBX is powered by a new self-charging highly efficient full hybrid electric powertrain. Its total system output is 100 kW with a peak torque of 185 Nm. With a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, the vehicle can go from zero to 100 kph in 9.2 seconds. Designers also wish to highlight the LBX’s thermal efficiency gained from a variable cooling system, which adjusts the coolant flow rate according to the engine’s running conditions and the outside temperature. This essentially achieves quicker engine warm-up and reduces friction losses, contributing to fuel economy and supporting efficient air conditioner performance.

Photo by Lexus.

Inside, the emphasis is on driver-engagement. The driver’s cockpit is based on Lexus’ Tazuna concept, which is inspired by a rider’s precise use of the reins to control a horse. In the LBX, this translates to minimal or small movements of the hands and eyes to operate the car to keep the driver’s attention focused on the road as much as possible. The cabin has a light, open feel with excellent visibility and an instrument panel that wraps around smoothly into the door panels.

Although smaller than other Lexus models, it still has spacious seating, with the low hip-point adding to the sense of driving a sedan. The front seat has a ten-way power adjustment while the rear seats are set slightly higher than those at the front to offer a better view outside. An added safety feature is a reminder system that gives an alert if children, luggage or other items are left on the front passenger or rear seats.

Photo by PJ Cana.

The infotainment system is intuitive, with a vibrant touchscreen display to the latest driver-assistance technologies. And just all the other Lexus models, the LBX comes with a suite of third generation Lexus Safety System + active safety and driver assistance systems that comes standard, including enhanced hazard detection capabilities and new braking, steering and drive force control functions to help avoid collisions. 

Esquire Philippines was granted brief drive time with the LBX ahead of its official launch and we can certainly say this latest Lexus delivers on all of its promises. Its striking exterior and luxurious interiors, coupled with a smooth, hassle-free driving experience should appeal to those who are looking not just to upgrade to a Lexus, but those searching for the complete package of performance and sophistication. 

This Lexus LBX subcompact crossover is priced at P2.968 million. Visit Lexus Manila and Lexus at Mitsukoshi and check out the all-new LBX. For more information, visit the Lexus website at lexus.com.ph or visit its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @lexusphilippines.