Lexus Revealsthe all-new lexus LBX
Prototype shown. Final range and specifications may differ from those depicted.
LBX – THE SPORTY AND COMPACT LEXUS THAT MOVES THE SOUL
Lexus has reimagined the compact luxury vehicle for youthful and urban buyers with the all-new LBX, which stands for Lexus Breakthrough X (cross)-over.
The LBX sets a new premium benchmark by introducing levels of sophistication and refined quality not previously seen in a car this size, but nevertheless expected by premium customers.
LBX Chief Engineer, Kunihiko Endo, said Lexus set out to build a luxury and compact vehicle that delivered high on emotionality and surpassed expectations for anything in its class.
“Our aim was to create a vehicle that enabled the discerning customer to enjoy a relaxing drive that would give the everlasting desire to stay behind the wheel the moment they sat in the driver’s seat,” he said.
The LBX’s bold design and wide stance delivers a commanding presence that far exceeds the constraints of its compact body size.
The newcomer is immediately identifiable as a Lexus with the latest interpretation of the trademark Lexus spindle body, designers drawing inspiration from the resolute and sleek front of the Lexus LS-F concept from 2003.
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The smooth tapered bonnet and angled head lamps give the impression of forward motion, while from the side the minimal front and rear overhangs and low riding stance give the LBX a well-planted look.
The sportiness extends to the rear with roof spoiler and lower bumper with a grooved recess on each side sweeping towards the tyres. The latest Lexus signature design aesthetic is evident with L-shaped rear lamps, horizontal LED strip light and LEXUS lettering centred on the lift back door.
The LBX is built on the GA-B compact vehicle platform, modified and retuned to meet the stringent requirements of a Lexus vehicle.
Emphasis is given to a creating a lightweight body that is highly rigid and with a low centre of gravity to enhance the Lexus Driving Signature of faithful and confidence-inspiring dynamics in a car that is fun to drive.
Overall length is 4190mm, width is 1825mm and height is 1560mm. The 2580mm wheelbase and wide section 225mm tyres on 17 or 18-inch wheels add to the LBX’s road-handling abilities and dynamic looks.1
The LBX is powered by a highly-efficient 1.5-litre inline three-cylinder hybrid powertrain delivering both responsive performance and outstanding fuel economy. It features a compact and lightweight transaxle with enhanced motor output and a high-output Nickle Metal Hydride battery. This powertrain is used for both front-drive and all-wheel drive variants.
The front suspension features a newly developed MacPherson strut arrangement with updated suspension geometry to ensure excellent straight-line stability and minimal understeer. Rear suspension on the front-drive variants uses a lightweight and exceptionally rigid torsion beam while the AWD variant uses a trailing arm type two-link double-wishbone set-up housing the rear motor.
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The Lexus Driving Signature is enhanced further with Drive Force Control. It intelligently adjusts acceleration and deceleration based on the driving conditions. During uphill and downhill driving, the system detects variations in road incline and provides assistance by adjusting the acceleration and deceleration torque, minimising the need for frequent accelerator and brake inputs.
When the system detects significant front/rear/left/right G-forces during cornering on twisty roads, it increases deceleration upon release of the accelerator, maintains engine rpm and allows for smooth re-acceleration, thereby assisting in a pleasant driving rhythm. The result is a seamless and responsive driving experience that takes the driver's intentions and surroundings into account.
Furthermore, Braking Vehicle Posture Control is used to suppress pitch and achieve a linear braking feel and increased stability when decelerating.
The interior creates something of an illusion, giving the impression the LBX is far bigger than what it actually is. Many clever design elements contribute to provide this effect. A simple, horizontal instrument panel allows for an open field of vision while the design of the A-pillars optimises forward and downward visibility to create a greater sense of space.
The height of the centre display and console is sloped and lowered further downwards towards the floor and the driver’s seating position is also lowered to decrease both the centre of gravity and to give the cabin an open and airy feeling.
The Tazuna concept of “human-centred” interior design is evident with functions and controls intuitively placed, meaning minimal eye movement for driver and eyes forward with maximum attention on the road. This not only maximises safety but makes for relaxed driving.
The dashboard display uses a 12.3-inch full LCD screen for exceptional presentation of key vehicle information, with the 9.8-inch centre console touchscreen offering the latest in multimedia technology and operation of further vehicle controls and features.
Lexus makes luxury personal, and when it comes to interior ambience the LBX offers 14 pre-set interior illumination themes and an additional 50 colours for occupants to truly personalise their Lexus.
Delivering typical Lexus levels of quietness without the use of heavy sound-suppressing materials was a priority. Multi-layer absorption panels are used behind the dashboard and in the roof panel together with strategic use of high-dampening adhesives to reduce body vibrations.
Attention is also given to the powertrain with optimal placement of the engine mounts, as well as incorporating a balancer shaft with the engine and adding a resonator to the air intake to reduce intake noise. Larger mufflers also help to deliver lower exhaust noise.
Lexus makes no compromises to safety and the LBX leads the way with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features and technology, including: Proactive Driving Assist, Pre-Crash Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist.
Lexus Australia continues to assess models that may be suitable for the needs of local customers, with the LBX no exception. A decision on LBX will be made at a later stage.
