Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has unveiled its all-new compact crossover: the 2024 Lexus LBX. The LBX, which stands for Lexus Bold X-over, is a stylish and versatile vehicle that combines a sleek exterior, a spacious interior, and a hybrid powertrain. The LBX is designed to appeal to young and urban customers who value performance, efficiency, and innovation.
A Dynamic Press Launch in Lisbon
The LBX made its global debut at a dynamic press launch in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 7, 2024. The event, which was attended by more than 200 journalists from Europe, Asia, and North America, showcased the LBX’s unique features and driving capabilities. The journalists had the opportunity to test-drive the LBX on a variety of terrains and scenarios, such as city streets, mountain roads, and off-road tracks. The LBX demonstrated its agility, stability, and comfort in different weather conditions and speeds.
The press launch also included a presentation by Lexus executives and designers, who explained the concept and vision behind the LBX. They highlighted the LBX’s bold design, which is inspired by the Lexus Future Concept (LFC), a concept car that was revealed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The LBX inherits the LFC’s signature spindle grille, sharp headlights, and sculpted body, but adds its own distinctive elements, such as flared wheel arches, roof rails, and dual exhaust pipes. The LBX also features LED lighting and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The Lexus LBX’s design is not only aesthetic, but also functional. The LBX has a compact size of 4.4 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and 1.6 meters in height, making it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments. The LBX also has a generous ground clearance of 19 centimeters, allowing it to handle rough surfaces and obstacles. The LBX’s aerodynamic shape and lightweight materials also contribute to its fuel efficiency and low emissions.
A Spacious and Sophisticated Interior
The LBX’s interior is designed to provide a spacious and sophisticated environment for the driver and passengers. The LBX has a five-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, offering flexibility and practicality for different cargo and passenger needs. The LBX also has a large trunk with a capacity of 420 liters, which can be expanded to 1,120 liters by folding the rear seat. The LBX also has numerous storage compartments and cup holders throughout the cabin.
The Lexus LBX’s interior is also equipped with advanced technology and luxury features. The LBX has a 10.3-inch touchscreen that serves as the central hub for the infotainment system, which includes navigation, audio, climate control, and smartphone integration. The LBX also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and hybrid system indicator. The LBX also has a head-up display that projects the key information onto the windshield, such as speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts.
The LBX’s infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing the driver and passengers to access their favorite apps, music, messages, and calls through the touchscreen or voice commands. The LBX also has a wireless charging pad for smartphones and tablets, as well as USB ports and power outlets for other devices. The LBX also has a premium sound system with 14 speakers and a subwoofer, delivering a crisp and clear audio experience.
The LBX’s interior also offers comfort and convenience for the driver and passengers. The LBX has leather seats with heating and ventilation functions, as well as memory and lumbar support for the driver. The LBX also has a dual-zone automatic climate control that adjusts the temperature and air flow according to the preferences of the driver and front passenger. The LBX also has a panoramic sunroof that lets in natural light and fresh air, as well as a power tailgate that can be opened and closed with a gesture or a button.
A Hybrid Powertrain with a Sporty Performance
The LBX’s powertrain is a hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The LBX’s hybrid system produces a total output of 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, delivering a sporty performance and a smooth acceleration. The LBX’s hybrid system also offers a high fuel efficiency of 44 miles per gallon in the combined cycle and a low carbon dioxide emission of 99 grams per kilometer.
The Lexus LBX’s hybrid system also has a regenerative braking feature that recovers the kinetic energy that is normally lost during braking and deceleration and converts it into electricity that is stored in the battery. This reduces the fuel consumption and emissions of the LBX, as well as extends the battery life. The LBX’s hybrid system also has an EV mode that allows the LBX to drive solely on electric power for short distances and low speeds, such as in traffic jams or parking lots.
The LBX’s hybrid system is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that optimizes the gear ratio according to the driving conditions and driver’s input. The LBX’s CVT also has a manual mode that allows the driver to shift the gears using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, adding a fun and engaging element to the driving experience. The LBX’s CVT also has a sports mode that enhances the throttle response and steering feel of the LBX, giving it a more dynamic and responsive character.
The Lexus LBX’s powertrain is also supported by a sophisticated suspension system that balances the ride comfort and handling stability of the LBX. The LBX has a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a double wishbone suspension at the rear, providing a smooth and quiet ride on various road surfaces. The LBX also has an adaptive variable suspension (AVS) that adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers according to the road conditions and driver’s preferences, offering a customizable and versatile performance.
The LBX’s powertrain is also complemented by a comprehensive safety system that protects the driver and passengers from potential hazards and collisions. The LBX has the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5.
