Lexus Malaysia is introducing a new sub-compact SUV in the lineup called, Lexus LBX. The LBX will be available in two variants – Premium and Luxury. The SUV replaces the UX that was discontinued in Malaysia earlier this year. The Lexus UX is still available in other markets. The larger Lexus NX and RX remain on the showroom floor.
WHAT IS THE LEXUS LBX?
When it officially launches, the Lexus LBX will become the point-of-entry into the Japanese luxury carmaker. No surprises here, the LBX is the smallest-sized SUV offered with the smallest drivetrain in Lexus Malaysia’s line-up. The fact that the LBX is built on the GA-B platform, which also underpins the Yaris Cross’, should clue you in on its size.
However, the Yaris Cross this SUV isn’t. The LBX carries all the exterior design cues and accents that make it a Lexus. The spindle grille may be gone but the shadow of the previous front-end – the spindle grille body – can still be seen. The new grille’s hexagonal cut-outs are seamlessly integrated into the front bumper.
THE LBX BEARS ALL THE HALLMARKS OF A LEXUS INTERIOR
Although the LBX’s interior design looks simple, the cabin is lavished with quality materials and thoughtful design that Lexus is known for. Lexus follows the Omotenashi principle for the interior to make the cabin as inviting and comfortable as possible, including giving you 64 lighting colour options.
A new charcoal trim, called Tsuyasumi, is found on the transmission tunnel, albeit a small piece. Notably, Tsuyasumi is used more in the RX.
The cockpit follows the Tazuna concept, which gives the driver more control over the vehicle. With this, controls of various features in the car are all placed close enough so the driver can minimise hand and eye movements. Even the position and angle of the steering wheel were calculated to give the driver a sense of greater control.
The Tazuna concept is further enhanced with a 7.0-inch or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – depending on the variant. The layout and data of the digital instrument cluster change with the drive modes and can be customised.
Over in the middle, a 9.8-inch Multimedia Touchscreen sits flushed on the dashboard, where you’ll find the usual vehicle entertainment and information. A 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system is included in the Luxury variant. The Premium variant gets the 6-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system.
POWER & HANDLING – IS IT ENOUGH?
The LBX runs with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder hybrid powertrain. Yes, it is small, but the engine is also lightweight and features world-class thermal efficiency derived from Formula 1. The powertrain generates a maximum output of 136hp and 185Nn, which goes through an eCVT before arriving at the front wheels.
The throttle is responsive and the acceleration is brisk and can be sustained without a drop in momentum. It gives the feeling of ‘fast’ the second you step on the accelerator, albeit its 0-100kph is clocked at a humble 9.2 seconds.
With enough charge in the battery and lighter engine loads, you can drive the LBX on electrical power alone. However, the hybrid nature of the vehicles keeps tapping into the engine whenever the LBX encounters a climb. Nevertheless, a hybrid system will always be able to extract more from every drop of fuel, so you can expect to go far between refuelling.
As mentioned, the LBX is underpinned by the GA-B platform with MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam in the rear to complete the mechanical suspension system. It’s good to note that the placement of the torsion beam was selected to give the LBX handling stability and ride comfort.
In addition, the LBX also feature the Vehicle Braking Posture Control. This system controls pitching under braking and body roll when cornering to stabilise deceleration.
It all comes together in the winding roads where you’ll feel the LBX staying virtually flat. The steering wheel feels quick and accurate, which in turn makes the LBX feel agile, grippy and stable while tracking twisted roads.
The LBX is not overly powerful, but with what’s on tap, you can push the compact SUV around the corners with ease. And then, throttle on when the road opens up to get a nice surprise that the LBX can get up to speed and maintain the momentum.
My first impressions of the LBX are good. The exterior may look like your everyday compact SUV but the interior is definitely a step-up from vehicles in the same class. No complaints about the handling as well – the LBX seems to be as agile as advertised. However, the test drive was too short to really put the Lexus LBX through the paces. When it eventually arrives in our hands, then we’ll see if the LBX is worth the RM238,888 that Lexus Malaysia is asking for.
In the meantime, the Lexus LBX is open for booking and should be available for viewing on the Lexus showroom floors.
