LEXUS IS PLANNING TO RIDE a wave of momentum into 2024 when the all-new LBX goes on sale in the first half of the year, positioning the luxury brand to an audience of youthful and younger customers. (Once again, ageism creeps into marketing – why would over-50s not be interested in the LBX? We’re sure Lexus dealers will be perfectly happy to take our money.)
With 2023 drawing to a close and Lexus already having delivered more vehicles to customers this year than any other in its proud 33 years in Australia, the luxury brand’s appeal is set to expand with more new Lexus models adding diversity to the local line-up.
It all starts with the LBX, shown in Australia for the first time as one of the Lexus star cars in the famous Flemington birdcage during the Melbourne Cup Carnival recently, winning plenty of admiration from racegoers and fashionistas allured by the compact SUV’s sophisticated styling.
Lexus today confirmed the soulful, sporting hatch will be offered in two grades and with two drivetrains – all powered by a responsive and efficient electrified 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid powertrain developing 110kW.
The M15A-FXE powertrain has been tuned to deliver smooth, agile and refined Lexus performance, while offering top-level fuel efficiency for the class.
The engine incorporates high-speed combustion technology with Variable Valve Timing by intelligent electric motor (VVT-iE), ultra lightweight pistons and variable cooling system to deliver a new Lexus benchmark for thermal efficiency.
The LBX range begins with the familiar Luxury grade, offering a comprehensive level of standard equipment, leading safety technology and premium comfort features not normally seen in a vehicle of this size.
Included in the LBX Luxury grade are perforated NuLuxe leather sport front seats, with power memory function for the driver and heating for both. The cabin’s spaciousness is accentuated with a low-mounted centre console, sloping upwards and forwards into where the 12.3-inch interactive information display is positioned at eye level.
Power back door, rain-sensing wipers and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) add to the convenience.
The LBX’s compact body, short overhangs, low centre of gravity and heavily raked windscreen pillars evoke a sporty and stable stance, while two-tone paint and 18-inch alloy wheels complete the sporty and stylish look.
The LBX Luxury is offered in two-wheel drive only.
Sports Luxury grades are available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with the higher levels of equipment and comfort delivering on the Lexus omotenashi promise of anticipating customers’ needs.
Features normally expected on larger and more upmarket premium vehicles – such as Ultrasuede leather accented seats, auto park, active noise control and dynamic 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound – are standard on LBX Sports Luxury grades, elevating the premium compact SUV into new territory, ahead of its rivals.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the LBX has all the premium features and Takumi craftsmanship expected by Lexus customers.
“The all-new LBX breaks new ground for Lexus. It is proof that luxury is not dictated by vehicle size,” he said.
“With LBX our designers have created a modern and compact urban SUV that delivers big on Lexus fundamentals of quality and craftsmanship, while offering responsive performance and great dynamics.”
Lexus LBX pricing will be confirmed closer to its launch.