LEXUS Malaysia’s LBX (Lexus Breakthrough Crossover) sports utility vehicle is its latest model that packs all of the brand’s styling and luxurious appointments in a compact package.
Available in two variants of Premium and Luxury, the hybrid petrol-electric LBX now replaces the UX model introduced locally four years ago.
As a fully imported (CBU) model from Japan, the B-segment SUV’s entry-level Premium variant has been priced on-the-road without insurance at RM238,888 while the range-topping Luxury costs RM268,888.
A standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty provides coverage while its HEV components – including battery, inverter and HEV Vehicle Control Computer gets covered by an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty with an optional two-year extension.
For colour choices, there are nine options in total including Astro Grey Metallic, Black Mica, Silver Metallic, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper and Sonic Quartz.
The remaining three colour options of Deep Azure Mica Metallic, Passionate Yellow and Red Spinel are optional extras.
As long as Black Mica has not been chosen, the roof can be blacked out.
Against the UX, the smaller LBX has a 2,580mm wheelbase (-59mm), length of 4,190mm (-306mm), width of 1,825mm-wide (-15mm) and a 315-litre boot that is expandable to 992 litres.
Although the Premium is 1,550mm tall, the Luxury is 10mm higher which makes it 10mm to 15mm taller than the UX.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre (1,490cc) naturally-aspirated M15A-FXE Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder engine that’s fed by a 36-litre fuel tank.
The internal combustion engine (ICE) for both variants is rated at 91PS at 5,500 rpm and 120Nm of torque from 3,800 to 4,800rpm.
Meanwhile, the ICE is supplemented by a 94PS and 185Nm electric motor which gets its power from a 1kWh nickel-metal hydride battery.
The total hybrid system output is rated at 136PS.
Power to the front wheels is managed by a next-generation electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).
This allows the SUV with a drag coefficient of 0.34Cd and a kerb weight of about 1,350kg to dash from 0 to 100kph in 9.2 seconds.
Externally, the Premium rolls in on 17-inch wheels wearing 215/60 series tyres with 282mm front and 265mm rear disc brakes.
Larger 18-inch alloys with 225/55 tyres are used for the Luxury variant.
Front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam setup are used to give the LBX a 220mm ride height for some light off-roading if required.
An all-wheel-drive version of the LBX does exist (although not available in Malaysia) and uses double wishbones for the rear suspension setup instead.
For added differentiation from the Luxury variant, the Premium gets added with a partially chromed front splitter which can also be seen on the rear bumper’s lower edge.
A matte and gloss stripe effect is also present on the C-pillars.
Although the front end of the LBX does bear the “L” logo, the hands-free operated tailgate now spells out the “LEXUS” brand.
Furthermore, the decade-long use of its Spindle Grille effect has evolved into what the brand describes as a “deconstructed” version that still allows for instant recognition.
Nonetheless, the grille is flanked by slim outward-facing L-shaped daytime running lights with integrated turn-signals and shares the same headlight housing with the bi-functional (low and high beam function) LED projectors and the pair are linked by a curved satinated bar.
Inside, the 9.8-inch touchscreen blends into the “waterfall” centre console and comes with wireless Apply CarPlay and wired Android Au to.
There are also physical buttons for the dual-zone climate controls which is accompanied by a Panasonic nanoeX ioniser.
Meanwhile, the Premium gets a 7.0-inch digital cluster while a larger 12.3-inch screen is used in the Luxury variant that provides crisp clarity at all times.
To juice up your device, a 15W wireless charger has been provided as well as four USB Type-C ports for wired connectivity.
The Premium gets a six-speaker sound system while the Luxury comes with a more sophisticated 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system.
While the seats are upholstered in faux leather, the front seats allow occupants to hunker down low and although the driver gets powered-adjustability.
Due to its compact dimensions, the cabin can be deemed a tad tight for those with larger and lankier builds.
Nevertheless, the Premium does provide some conveniences that include keyless entry with push-start button and a reverse camera.
Opting for the Luxury nets a 360-degree camera system along with a digital rearview camera feed and the Lexus Teammate Advances Park Assist system.
For safety, the LBX comes equipped with eight airbags as standard and this includes a centre airbag that prevents occupants from banging heads during a side impact.
The safety suite, that is Lexus Safety System+, also makes its way inside and includes automatic high beam assist, blindspot monitoring, lane centring assist, active cornering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-go functionality, traffic sign recognition and a unique ‘door open’ warning.
With that out of the way, here’s how the LBX Luxury faired on our journey from Petaling Jaya to Janda Baik, Pahang.
Firstly, drivers will quickly note the lightness of the steering wheel, which provides for ease of manoeuvrability within confined spaces.
Throttle response is excellent and provides for a near effortless roll off the line when faced with heavy traffic conditions.
This excellence is echoed in the cabin’s restricted confines during the long journey which came off as more cosy than cramped thanks to the high levels of insulation against noise vibration and harshness.
The suspension simply soaks up undulations and uneven roads like a sponge – suppressing any sharp jolts from entering the cabin for that added sense of comfort.
Throwing it around corners provided a strong sense of confidence and in this instance, the use of laser screw welding and high-decay adhesive strengthening measures, have helped gift the steering with sharpness and precision.
Chassis flex was hardly noticeable, allowing for the rear end to truly submit to the front end.
The inclusion of Vehicle Braking Posture Control helped provide a strong sense of stability and sure-footedness by reducing the vehicle’s pitch and roll.
Although the brake pedal did provide a good amount of initial bite and solid consistency when abused, there was some sponginess to get used to for those more familiar with a Euro-type brake feel.
In full-electric mode, drivers shouldn’t expect a rapid power surge or a long driving range like a typical EV.
Putting the LBX’s entire grunt onto the road was a hit and a miss in that while it provided a strong sense of acceleration, it was limited to 50kph before reaching a sort of “dead zone”.
This would last until 70kph where power could be felt again to propel the LBX to higher speeds.
Doing so would have this little SUV’s 1.5-litre ICE screams, heard in the cabin – understandable under full throttle, but even with partial throttle, the engine still wants to reach its 6,000rpm redline.
With its compact nature paired with a zippy disposition, the LBX, while able to tackle long-distance road trips and is more ideal in urban settings.
