As someone who started driving with a mint green Fiat 500, I’ve always wanted to feel the confidence of driving a larger car on narrow city roads. When I discovered the Lexus LBX model, designed for the UK and European markets, I thought it could be the perfect solution. The LBX is the smallest Lexus yet, a self-charging hybrid crossover that is stylish and user-friendly.
The design of the LBX appeals to a younger, city-smart audience who appreciates luxury craftsmanship but still wants a casual driving experience. Chief engineer Kunihiko Endoh aimed to challenge the traditional luxury car concept, focusing on creating a natural connection between the driver and the vehicle.
The LBX offers different grades with unique styling details, colors, and finishes to suit individual preferences. The car exudes a powerful presence despite its compact dimensions, with muscular features that give it a traditional SUV look. It is designed to exude confidence on city streets, country roads, and highways, with aerodynamic performance optimized for a smooth driving experience. Another standout feature of the LBX’s exterior design is the fresh take on the iconic spindle grille at the front, giving the car a completely new look. The spindle grille, a trademark of Lexus models for over a decade, has been reimagined as a smaller, seamless unit that seamlessly integrates into the body of the car.
Additionally, for those seeking a touch of surprise, the SUV-inspired „planted“ appearance of the LBX draws inspiration from traditional Japanese kagami-mochi rice cakes, showcasing how Lexus incorporates heritage aesthetics into modern design.
Moving on to the tazuna concept, the LBX impressively blends digital technology into the cabin without overwhelming the driver. The head-up display (HUD) projects essential driving information onto the windshield, promoting better focus on the road. The driver-centric interior, based on Lexus’s tazuna concept, ensures that controls and information sources are easily accessible with minimal hand and eye movements.
Furthermore, the LBX features a new powertrain with a self-charging 1.5-liter hybrid system, enhancing low-speed agility for urban driving. The integration of a new bi-polar nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery improves responsiveness while reducing road noise and vibrations, creating a quieter cabin environment that enhances the overall driving experience.
In conclusion, the LBX has successfully challenged conventions and elevated the expectations of what a small car can offer through innovative design. This refreshing addition to the Lexus lineup embodies the Takumi spirit of excellence and attention to detail, enriching the brand’s reputation and appeal.