Lexus LBX

The development of the LBX was led by chief engineer Kunihiko Endo. According to Endo, achieving the desired level of refinement in the LBX to keep up with Lexus standards was challenging, as they had to adopt a different approach to the traditional use of sound insulating materials. The LBX is equipped with a bi-polar nickel–metal hydride battery for its hybrid system. In comparison to a regular NiMH battery, the battery is lighter and more compact while allowing charging and discharging. As the result, the battery output can be maximised to capitalise on a larger electric motor than in the Yaris Cross.

At the front, the LBX is equipped with MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension features a torsion beam for front-wheel drive models and a double wishbone back axle for all-wheel drive variants. To enhance body control and stability, Lexus has incorporated Vehicle Braking Posture Control, a system that utilizes automatic braking to minimize pitching movements.

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The LBX is the first Lexus vehicle to use the front-wheel drive, B-segment based GA-B platform. Unlike other Lexus models, the LBX does not include Lexus’ iconic spindle grille, instead the grille is a singular trapezoid shape, similar to the style of the fifth-generation RX. The LBX follows Lexus’ "Resolute Look",{{cite web|url=https://lexusenthusiast.com/2015/07/14/lexus-global-design-manager-an-interview-with-takeshi-tanabe-part-2/|title=LEXUS GLOBAL DESIGN MANAGER: AN INTERVIEW WITH TAKESHI TANABE PART 2|date=14 July 2015|website=Lexus Enthusiast}} which was introduced onto the Lexus LF-S in 2003 and has been featured as a design cue used on Lexus vehicles from the early 2000s. Following the design principle of the "Next Chapter Design", the front-pillars have been pulled back to make the cabin seem small.

The daytime running lamps and turn signals are integrated into bifunctional units. The L-shape face outward rather than inward to harmonise with the direction of the indicators.{{cite press release|url= https://newsroom.lexus.eu/world-premiere-of-the-all-new-lexus-lbx/|title=WORLD PREMIERE OF THE ALL-NEW LEXUS LBX|date=5 June 2023|website=Lexus Pressroom|access-date=2 September 2023}}

Available wheels consist of either 17- or 18-inch. Available trims include Emotion, Cool, Elegant, and Relax. In Japan, the Cool is fitted with 20-inch wheels, while the Relax gets 18-inch wheels, and the Elegant has 17-inch wheels.{{cite web | url = https://www.goo-net.com/catalog/LEXUS/LBX/ | title = ＬＢＸ（レクサス）の歴代モデル・グレード別カタログ情報 | trans-title = LBX (Lexus) past model and grade catalog information | language = ja | work = Goo-net | publisher = Proto Corporation }}

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The primary goal Lexus designers were going for, was a simple and refined interior. A multitude of upholsteries and trims are available, as well as high quality semi-aniline leather, a vegan-friendly interior that uses synthetic leather and vegan materials for the seat covers, steering wheel, shift lever and door trims. Ambient lighting adds to the “Omotenashi” effect, which means hospitality in English. This effect is meant to evoke being welcome and feeling at home in the car. The lighting provides features 50 colour options, with themes made for different moods.

The cockpit features the 'tazuna' concept that was previewed by the LF-30 Electrified concept car. The word tazuna is derived from the “reins” used to control horses.{{cite news|url=https://newsroom.lexus.eu/take-the-reins-of-the-all-new-lexus-nx/|title=TAKE THE REINS OF THE ALL-NEW LEXUS NX|website=Lexus Newsroom|date=10 December 2021|access-date=26 September 2023}} The Tazuna concept is updated with 12.3-inch digital instrument display. A head-up display is optional, and different drive modes are available. The LBX features upholstered side pads and features two cupholders, multiple storage areas, and USB ports for smartphone charging. The compartment offers {{convert|332|L|cuft}} for front-wheel drive models with seats in place.{{cite web|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/2024-lexus-lbx-revealed-australia-confirmed|title=2024 Lexus LBX revealed, Australian launch confirmed|website=WhichCar|date=13 December 2023 }}

Additionally, a 9.8-inch touchscreen is available which runs the Lexus Link Connect system. The “Hey Lexus” assistant responds to both front seat passenger and driver commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard on the LBX, however a smart key is optional. Over-the-air update capability is standard for multimedia and safety systems. A 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system is available, as well as a subwoofer at the rear of the car.

{{Euro NCAP|year=2024|reference=https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/lexus/lbx/53408|reference_name=Lexus LBX 2024 Results|overall_stars=5|adult_points=33.1|description=Lexus LBX 1.5 hybrid (LHD)|adult_percent=82|child_points=41.1|child_percent=83|pedestrian_points=50|pedestrian_percent=79|safety_percent=76|safety_points=13.8}}

The LBX adopts a bi-polar nickel–metal hydride battery, which according to chief engineer Kunihiko Endo offers much greater power density and throughput potential than traditional lithium-ion cells.

The LBX sales target is 3,500 units per month (including 2,000 units per month just for Europe, 1,200 units per month for Japan and 300 units per month for other markets such as Australia and Southeast Asia).{{Cite news |title=Lexus LBX small crossover focuses on European buyers |url=https://europe.autonews.com/cars-concepts/lexus-lbx-small-crossover-challenge-audi-mini |first=Luca |last=Ciferri |work=Automotive News |location=Europe |date=2023-06-05 |access-date=2023-06-24}}

The LBX won the “Car of the Year” and the "Small SUV" titles at an awards ceremony, 'What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2024', in London.{{Cite web |title=Lexus hybrid wins Car of the Year award |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/lexus-lbx-hybrid-car-of-the-year-ev-b1133504.html |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=The Standard|date=19 January 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=Lexus LBX wins What Car? Car of the Year |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/lexus-lbx-wins-what-car-car-year |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Autocar}}

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LBX

Category:Cars introduced in 2023

Category:Mini sport utility vehicles

Category:Luxury crossover sport utility vehicles

Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Hybrid sport utility vehicles

Category:Partial zero-emissions vehicles

Category:Vehicles with CVT transmission