As I begin to write the review of the shiny new Lexus LBX that has just arrived at our offices for a long-term test, I can’t help but have my expectations elevated – the car has just been awarded the Best Overall Car at the Car of the Year Awards by none other than What Car? Magazine. Lexus is already one of my favourite brands for their consistent quality, luxury, and design and but this is the first small Lexus I have driven since the fabulous Lexus IS in the late 90s.
The all-new LBX is the brand’s first foray into the ‘crossover’ market – hence the X in the name. With a starting price of just £29,995 this is the entry level into the world of premium brand ownership. The all-new LBX is a Self-Charging Hybrid which combines performance and agility and redefines luxury with its stylishly compact size making it ideal as a run-around especially in the city. Despite its smaller size there is still plenty of space for five adults and lots of luggage.
Powered by their new-generation Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid setup, the car combines an efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, which achieves a 0-62 mph time of 9.2 seconds. The LBX is offered in both Front Wheel or All-Wheel drive coupled to an automatic gearbox. By combining the power of an ultra-smooth petrol engine with electric motors, Lexus Self-Charging Hybrids allow you to drive in EV mode to experience the quietness of an electric vehicle, which charge themselves while you drive in Hybrid mode, slow down or brake, meaning you never have to plug them in or worry about battery range.
Designed to be nimble and responsive through city streets, The LBX is effortlessly agile thanks to its lightweight yet strong bodywork and offers a fabulous driving experience thanks to the advanced front & rear suspension systems that provide stable cornering. The sleek aerodynamic design is effortlessly chic and very cool Lexus, unlike the cookie-cutter designs that so many other brands keep emulating.
Inside the sleek and modern cabin, it is all about the driver and front passenger. A 9.8 inch screen allows you to access information including navigation, audio, and climate control. Using Android Auto or wireless Apple CarPlay, you can seamlessly access your smartphone’s apps. The LBX also offers over-the-air software updates for multimedia and safety systems. The breakthrough “Hey Lexus” voice assistant understands natural language and the context of statements such as “I’m hungry” or “I’m cold” and can even recognise which front passenger is speaking. You can also use Lexus Voice Assistant to perform tasks like opening a window. In addition to the 9.8 inch multimedia touchscreen the centre console has upholstered side pads and houses two cupholders, an optional wireless smartphone charger, multiple storage points and USB ports for device connection and charging. The optional Head-Up Display is incredible and shows key vehicle data onto the windscreen so you can check navigation, safety information and audio settings without taking your eyes off the road - a real treat and great safety feature. However, my favourite two options thus far are the heated steering wheel which has been a blessing with the current weather and the heated front seats (which my kids call “Toasty Butt”!).
The LBX cabin was designed to embrace the front seat occupants and to ensure a good view outside, the rear seats are set slightly higher than those at the front. The LBX cabin also provides the perfect setting for the new 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium audio offering exceptional sound quality – Abba and Elvis inbound! Despite its small size there is ample storage for luggage in the trunk which is accessed by a newly developed power tailgate.
Lexus’s have always put driver and passenger safety at the forefront of their cars and advanced features in the higher spec models include the Digital Panoramic View Monitor a virtual 3D image of the car, displaying the scene from above, to improve visibility for close-quarter manoeuvring, a system that constantly monitors the road ahead, alerting you of danger and taking action where required and for the nervous parker the LBX has a Remote Parking system that does the job for you. Their optional Driver Monitor package checks the driver for signs of fatigue or distraction and Proactive Driving Assist with steering assist, uses the front camera to determine the angle of a bend, adjusting the steering before a turn.
So, we’re in the first week of the test drive and I plan to explore all the car has to offer, including a trip to Bonnie Scotland, but primarily how much fun and easy it is to drive daily while attending meetings, doing my chores and on the school run. I will report back further in the next issue but I am sure from all I’ve read about the car while doing my research that it will be amazing, but judging from its sleek design, I already know I’ll be looking sexy in the city!