The completely new model of the Lexus range, LBX, which debuted last year, breathed fresh air into the range of the Japanese manufacturer. It is not only the brand’s smallest car with a new generation hybrid drive. The compact city SUV will expand the company’s offer in a new segment and will target European tastes, as for the first time the car was developed specifically for the needs of drivers in the European region.
Breakthrough Goals
It is the first Japanese model designed on the GA-B global small car architecture platform. It has features that ensure driving pleasure: a low center of gravity, a wide track, an extremely strong body and short overhangs behind the wheels.
Already in the name of the model, it is coded that this is a new concept crossover. The manufacturer does not hide that it hopes to achieve a breakthrough in new audiences with the LBX model (Lexus Breakthrough Crossover): the affordable price level of the new car should also attract the attention of potential customers. In Lithuania, the price of the LBX city SUV starts at 35 thousand. 600 euros or 363 euros per month with a special offer.
Basically, the new model starts a kind of revolution in the automotive industry: it proves that even a small vehicle can be luxurious, characterized by high-quality materials and advanced technologies. Special attention is paid to technological progress in the field of safety, so the LBX model, like large Lexus sedans or SUVs, is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ system, which has a wide range of safety and driver assistance functions.
It includes a number of early warning features. In the event of danger, they automatically activate the control of steering, braking and driving forces and help avoid a collision or mitigate its consequences. Among the most important technologies, there is an emergency system with cornering assistant, dynamic cruise control, lane keeping or lane keeping assistance.
New audiences
All of these features and the manufacturer’s reputation over the years for creating quality, durable, reliable and efficient models powered by hybrid powertrains make the Lexus LBX much more attractive to a younger audience and perhaps to drivers who have yet to discover the brand.
Another trump card for these audiences should be a wide range of individual styling tools. Emphasizing this, the manufacturer offers to choose not equipment levels, but one of five separate styles and even then to design additional desired equipment in more detail. Nine colors are offered for the exterior alone and at least eight more combinations when choosing to paint the car in two shades.
“We set out to challenge the conventional concept of a luxury car.” We persistently sought to create a dialogue between the driver and the refined design of the car while driving,” said Chief Project Engineer Kunihiko Endoh at the time when introducing the new model.
The most modern hybrid
It is also important that the manufacturer installs a new generation fully hybrid power system in this model: as a result, the average fuel consumption is only 4.5 liters. The Lexus hybrid electric power system works with a compact and lightweight 1.5-liter three-cylinder internal combustion engine. Key components of the hybrid system, including the transmission and powertrain, have been substantially redesigned to reduce vehicle weight, drivetrain size, energy losses and increase performance.
The engine’s thermal efficiency is one of the most impressive in the world. It’s made possible by rapid combustion technology and design details such as straight intakes and laser-turned intake valve covers. Other notable features include ultra-lightweight pistons designed for high-rpm performance and an electronically controlled advanced variable valve actuation system.
A new bipolar nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery with higher energy efficiency and high output power has also been installed. It provides additional support to the electric motor during acceleration and extends the car’s electric-only driving range.
The LBX SUV features genuine Lexus E-Four all-wheel drive. It uses an additional electric motor mounted on the rear axle. During acceleration, cornering or on poor traction surfaces, the system automatically directs drive power to the rear wheels, helping to maintain vehicle stability and maintain driver confidence.
The latest Lexus model can already be tested at the manufacturer’s representative offices in Lithuania.
