Lexus unveiled its latest offering – the all-new Lexus LBX in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 23 July 2024. This compact SUV represents a significant step forward for the brand, promising to break new ground in the Malaysian market and redefine the luxury compact SUV segment.

Since its inception in 1989, Lexus has consistently pushed the boundaries of the luxury automotive industry, reshaping the market and transforming the ownership experience. The LBX, standing for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, continues this tradition of innovation, aiming to elevate and evolve the concept of luxury compact SUVs. It’s designed to be simple, casual, and easy to live with, without compromising on the quality and attention to detail that Lexus is known for.

The LBX embodies Lexus’ Next Chapter ideology, blending contemporary design and technology with the brand’s hallmark luxury craftsmanship and Omotenashi hospitality. Despite being the smallest Lexus to date, the LBX maintains the brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail, packaged in a stunning and desirable form. It’s set to extend Lexus into new market territory, breaking down traditional luxury hierarchies in the segment.

“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. 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.”

Datuk Ravindran K, President of Lexus Malaysia

The exterior design of the LBX follows Lexus’ Next Chapter Design principles, featuring a relaxed and casual character while retaining the brand’s signature identity. The car boasts dynamic proportions with a low hood design and seamless integration of the grille and body, creating a strong visual presence. The evolved frameless grille design contributes to both aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency. At the front, a unified spindle contributes to the car’s strong, dynamic stance, while new Single-Projector Auto High Beam headlights create a distinctive visual signature.

The rear of the LBX also projects a strong stance, with belt mouldings that sit flush with the body, a gate-style rear roof spoiler, and precise light cluster designs. These elements not only enhance the car’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its aerodynamic performance, efficiency, and stability.

Under the hood, the LBX introduces a new self-charging full hybrid electric powertrain. The M15A-FXE 1.5L Hybrid Electric Engine, paired with an 8-speed Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission, delivers a total system output of 136hp and peak torque of 185 Nm. This powertrain enables the LBX to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds, balancing performance with excellent fuel economy. The engine operates with world-class thermal efficiency and high-speed combustion, providing an ideal balance of exhilarating driving performance and fuel economy.

The LBX is the first Lexus model to use the GA-B compact car global platform, which has been optimized to provide a lightweight, highly rigid body with a low center of gravity. This foundation contributes to the LBX’s nimble handling and fun-to-drive character, creating a natural dialogue between driver and car that exudes confidence, control, and comfort.

The interior of the LBX recreates the atmosphere of a higher-segment model with a simple and elegant design. It features Lexus’ Tazuna concept, creating a cockpit designed for natural controllability and a refined space. The driver’s cockpit is arranged to minimize hand and eye movements, allowing the driver to focus solely on the journey ahead. The cabin is adorned with premium upholstery and trims, including new Tsuyasumi charcoal trim ornamentation, which uses a new film technique to create a highly textured appearance with a sense of depth.

Technology features prominently in the LBX, with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display for the Luxury model and a 7-inch display for the Premium model. These displays can be customized to suit individual preferences and change layout based on the selected drive mode. The top-of-the-range LBX Luxury also boasts a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system with 13 optimally-positioned speakers, delivering an unmatched in-car listening experience. The Premium model comes with a 6-speaker system.

Safety is a key focus, with the LBX equipped with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System +. This includes features such as a Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist/Lane Keep Assist, and Road Sign Assist. Additional safety features include Lexus’ e-latch door release system with Safe Exit Assist, a Lexus Teammate Advanced Park with intelligent parking sensors and auto-braking (for the Luxury variant), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Blind Spot Monitor.

The Lexus LBX is available in Premium and Luxury models, with prices starting from RM238,888. For more info, head over to http://www.lexus.com.my

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Photos by Lexus Malaysia