Lexus LBX: the perfect sneakers for weekend driving – Test Drive

Who would have thought that this agile little crossover from Lexus was a direct response to a request from Akio Toyoda, the driving force behind Toyota?

During the early stages of development, Akio, also known as Morizo, asked the R&D team to create a casual car that could be driven on weekends, much like a beloved pair of sneakers.

The result is a luxurious compact crossover with an attractive design and a fun driving experience – the Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, or LBX.

The Lexus LBX is the smallest production car ever produced by Lexus and is positioned below the Lexus UX.

Although it is built on the GA-B platform, which serves as the foundation for the European market Yaris Cross, the LBX is more than just a badge-engineered product.

Design

Compared to the European specification Yaris Cross, the LBX has a more robust appearance.

This is achieved through more rounded wheel arches, wider and more pronounced fenders, and larger tire sizes.

Moreover, the shoulder line of the LBX is lower compared to the Yaris Cross, creating an almost snowman-like appearance from the front, side, and rear views.

Masahiro Sasaki, a racer and Toyota test driver, explains that this design gives the LBX a more balanced look and a lower center of gravity.

As a result, the LBX appears sturdy even when stationary in a parking spot, and even more so when driven on the road.

Interior Space

For me, the Lexus LBX is best described as a casual car to drive on weekends without compromising practicality.

Yes, the rear passenger space may seem small, and it is better suited for children or petite adults.

As for cargo space? It offers about 315 liters, which is ample for grocery shopping. Alternatively, if you fold down the second-row seats, you will have a cargo area of up to 992 liters.

Lexus seems to have focused heavily on the Tazuna concept, especially in the driver’s cockpit.

There are not many physical function buttons; only essential functions are retained.

The intention? To ensure that the driver’s attention remains on the road.

The control buttons on the steering wheel may appear vacant without any functions, but in reality, you can easily set shortcut buttons for various operations.

You’ll just need to keep an eye on the head-up display to see what operations are being activated or deactivated, such as adjusting the fan speed or changing the music playing.

Initially, it may take some time to get used to this setup, but over time, I have come to prefer this method as it minimizes eye movement while driving.

Additionally, the Lexus LBX offers plush seating that is comfortable and firmly supports the driver – a feature that’s hard to find in any car in a similar segment.

The 9.8-inch central screen displays easily accessible menus and supports connections to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 12.3-inch digital cluster screen is also easy on the driver’s eyes, and most importantly, the analog meter theme is still present!

The start drive button is positioned fairly high next to the instrument cluster, making it easy for the driver to see and reach.

Honestly, this is exactly what I expect from a Lexus: a luxury car that still prioritizes the needs of the driver.

Modern Features for Convenience

Inside the LBX cabin, you will find up to four USB Type-C charging ports, along with a wireless Qi charging slot for smart devices.

A Mark Levinson audio system with 13 speakers is ready to accompany you during spirited weekend drives.

Door operations are made easy with the e-Latch system; simply press the lever on the door panel (as well as the door handle outside) with just one finger, and the door will open.

Although the center console appears somewhat narrow for fitting two arms at once, it is still equipped with the necessary operational buttons for the driver.

Hybrid Engine with EV-like Behavior

One of the most exciting aspects of driving the Lexus LBX is its powerful hybrid engine performance.

Unlike typical Chinese hybrid cars that use turbo engines, the LBX offers a naturally aspirated (NA) 1.5-liter hybrid engine with the code M15A-FXE.

This engine, with an output of 90 hp and 120 Nm of torque, is paired with an electric motor producing 93 hp and 185 Nm, resulting in a combined output of around 136 hp.

The efficient eCVT transmission ensures that every brisk acceleration in the LBX can be fully enjoyed by the driver, especially when taking off from traffic lights or toll plazas.

After enjoying the curves, I returned to a more relaxed pace, navigating the central roads. Most of the time, the vehicle prioritized EV driving mode, creating a quieter and more comfortable atmosphere.

At times, I recorded a zero-emission driving ratio of 50 percent over a distance of 78 km.

Handling and Comfort, Perfectly Balanced!

As standard, the Lexus LBX features a MacPherson strut setup in the front, complemented by a simpler torsion beam system in the rear.

On paper, it may seem commonplace, similar to B-segment SUVs currently available in the market.

However, what sets the LBX apart is Lexus’s tuning of its handling, which distinguishes its performance from other SUVs.

During my test drive, I found it difficult to pinpoint negatives; the LBX felt stable and glued to every corner while effectively absorbing road imperfections.

In short, it strikes a balance between handling stability and driving comfort, further enhanced by the Vehicle Braking Posture Control function to reduce pitch and roll effects.

Additionally, the steering responsiveness is sufficiently tactile, adhering to every command from the driver without feeling overly light.

The harmonious integration of its chassis with a short wheelbase, powerful engine, efficient transmission, and suspension makes the Lexus LBX a remarkable product in its segment.

It’s hard to describe this feeling in words; you need to experience the LBX first-hand if given the chance.

The sound of the three-cylinder engine is also minimal, merely a whisper in your ears, especially when the accelerator is pressed hard. However, most of the time, the cabin remains quiet and comfortable.

Safety Features

As standard, the LBX comes equipped with safety features, including eight airbags, as well as the Lexus Safety System+, which encompasses functions such as:

Autonomous emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
Lane-keeping assistance
Active steering assistance
Traffic sign recognition system
Blind spot monitoring system
Door opening warning
Automatic high beam assist

Conclusion

With a price tag of RM268,888, I must admit that the LBX is not a luxury car designed for everyone, nor is it suitable as a first car.

It has drawbacks that may be difficult to compromise on; however, it offers a package that can bring a smile to the driver after a long week of driving an SUV or MPV.

Much like a favorite pair of shoes, it is perfectly suited for when you need it.

Specifications for the Lexus LBX (RM268,888)