Perhaps the LBX Compact SUV is meant to be the “breakthrough” vehicle that firmly puts Lexus into the hearts and minds of the next generation of buyers
Is this new little Lexus a game changer? We can look at a few things to try and decide. For one, it is being introduced in Europe first to the European market, with a launch event in Milan, Italy. This is the arena in which Lexus has traditionally gone against the heavyweight luxury European brands on their home turf. So, they are introducing a small SUV with their own special Japanese aesthetic and attitude. The “Lexus” and indeed the “Japanese” philosophy of balance has been increasingly appreciated by younger generations, so perhaps this is a significant challenge.
The naming system points to some significance, Lexus has said. Three letters. The LBX, which is meant to stand for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, is only the second model to use the three letter naming system. The other car was the LFA. Very different markets, of course. The LFA was meant to be a groundbreaking expression of supercar ability wrapped within Lexus engineering.
Perhaps, the LBX is meant to be the “breakthrough” vehicle that firmly puts the brand into the hearts and minds of the next generation of buyers.
And where is the spindle? The huge grill shape used by recent Lexus vehicles is gone, replaced by what is more subtle and arguably less in-your-face.
The LBX line was launched as a full hybrid-only family. It uses a new 1.5-liter hybrid electric powertrain. Lexus here specifically calls it “self-charging” perhaps as a way to help people differentiate the increasing range of propulsion options being offered all around the world. The powertrain is similar to models from the Toyota family but with more power.
The LX is built up from the proven GA-B global Architecture platform, but modified for Lexus appropriateness. Vehicle weight has been trimmed thanks to specific material uses (an aluminum hood is one) and production processes, while the body has been strengthened, as well. The idea is to make things a bit more dynamic and able to handle.
The driver will sit low in the car thanks to a hip-point set as low as 285mm, in an attempt to help them feel more “in” the LBX and therefore more connected to the handling of the car. A good amount of noise dampening material has been put into the car, as well.
What is all this meant to do? Is this really a three-letter big deal? With the onslaught of inexpensive markets from “new” carmaker countries flooding the market, what does this accomplish? Globally, it may make Lexus more accessible to a newer younger market, it may allow newer buyers to see themselves more in these new crossovers, it actually has four different trim packages available to fit different personalities they said.
We have seen the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid become the tipping-point vehicle in the Philippine market, hitting the younger more dynamic new buyers, as well as being the sweet spot for the general buyers who want to move to hybrids. In other markets around the world, similar compact crossovers are becoming firmly entrenched by providing the right amount of height, the right amount of space and the appropriate size. The Lexus LBX may do all this but with just the right amount of…Lexusness?
Will it appear elsewhere in the world? Meaning, will it come to the Philippines? Lexus isn’t saying. But that’s what Global Platforms are supposed to allow, right?
