Text by VJ Bacungan, photos by Atty. Karen Jimeno
Lexus Philippines is set to beef up its hybrid lineup with the all-new LBX subcompact crossover, which will be launched locally on Mar. 18.
The Japanese luxury carmaker said in a press statement that the LBX is the smallest model to carry the Lexus badge, slotting under the Lexus UX crossover, but “has all the luxury quality, craftsmanship and exhilarating driving rewards the brand is famous for, with a striking design that stands out on the street.”
The LBX debuted globally in June last year and rides on the same Toyota New Global Architecture platform as the European-market Toyota Yaris Cross that isn’t available in the Philippines. The company said the crossover appeals to younger buyers “who like luxury with a more casual feel.”
Pretty and petite
Despite having a smaller footprint, the LBX is distinctly Lexus, particularly the trapezoidal “spindle” front grill and the high-mounted LED light clusters with pointy edges for a more youthful appearance.
The little Lexus also features swoopy flanks, accentuated by the flared fenders, black undertrim and the character line that peaks at the C-pillar. The two-tone black roof and the large alloy wheels, which are at the very corners of the car, give an athletic stance.
At the back, the pert rear end is nicely complemented by the steeply raked rear windscreen. A small tailgate spoiler and the faux diffuser complete the LBX’s sporty appearance.
Plush, driver-centered accommodation
Although final specifications have yet to be announced, the LBX features a well-appointed, minimalist cabin in other markets.
Lexus said it used the “Tazuna Concept” for the interior – “Tazuna” is a Japanese word that refers to “how a rider can control their horse with just the slightest adjustment of the reins.” Put another way, the main controls and screens can be accessed with the “smallest head, eye and hand movements.”
Key features include a 12.3-inch LCD digital gauge cluster, as well as a 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is neatly integrated into the center console. In other markets, the LBX features contrast leather trim that wraps around the driver and passenger.
Safety-wise, the LBX will come standard with the Lexus Safety System + active-safety suite.
Hybrid powertrain
What is certain about the upcoming Lexus LBX is its hybrid powertrain.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 gasoline engine mated to a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This pumps out a combined output of 134 hp, which is coursed through a continuously variable transmission.
Front-wheel-drive variants abroad feature MacPherson front and torsion beam rear suspension, while the LBX E-four gets a double wishbone rear end.
Prices have yet to be announced, although it is expected that the LBX will cost under P3 million. Lexus Philippines said it is now accepting pre-orders, with the first deliveries slated for Mar. 18
