Lexus LBX: revitalizing the customer base

Age 63. Here is the average age of Lexus customers. Faced with this image, the Japanese brand has reviewed its brand strategy. No more large sedans and large SUVs, the premium manufacturer of the Toyota group is now tackling the B-SUV segment, with its new hybrid crossover.

The LBX model – the brand’s most robust model to date – is being described as the new entry point to the Lexus range in Europe. With an attractive design and a more affordable price, the LBX is aimed at a young audience, in the same way as customers of the Audi Q2, DS3 Crossback or even the Mini Countryman.

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“The aim was to create a design that would appeal to young urban Europeans looking for high quality and a more relaxed and modern design and approach.”manufacturer details in the press release.

So the new Lexus LBX targets a 70% takeover rate, with a fair mix of individuals and professionals. With its small SUV, the premium brand hopes to sell 3,000 units before the end of 2024. A target that should be reached as Lexus has already sold 1,500 copies.

Model made in Europe

Designed specifically for Europe, the LBX will allow Lexus to win new market share on the Old Continent, becoming a key product for the brand’s growth in the region. This new model takes into account the trends and preferences of European customers and should therefore quickly establish itself as a key product in the range, with a target of 25,000 sales in Europe in 2024.

This new approach is first seen in the changes in the exterior design, which brings the new identity of Lexus. The most important feature is the new front design. The grille is integrated into a single trapezoidal shape and now blends into the reduced lines of the LBX body, contributing to the car’s dynamic stance.

“We modified the grille to make room for the new design. We succeeded in creating a new front identity that is completely different from the original, but instantly recognizable as Lexus.”explain Koichi Suga, CEO of Lexus Design. The front pillars have also been swept back, giving the cabin a compact appearance and allowing the hood to be extended for a sporty profile. The fenders have been flared to highlight the 18-inch rims.

The rear displays the brand name more prominently across the entire tailgate. ©Lexus

At the rear, the license plate has been moved to the shield, which allows the brand name to be displayed more prominently across the entire tailgate. The latest evolution of Lexus’ signature slim L-shaped light strip now has greater visual impact, while a new range of exterior colours, including bright and two-tone colours, have also been added to the list.

Premium cabin

As for the interior of the LBX, without much surprise we find the premium finish level of the Japanese manufacturer, with a simple but refined design. A clear view of the outside and a clean dashboard provide a real sense of interior space, as well as a model atmosphere from the top.

The center console looks like a popular design and includes a large 9.8-inch screen. A digital instrument cluster, 7 or 12.3 inches depending on the model, is also present and offers a wide range of customization. The only drawback is that the head-up display is only available on the highest trims in the range.

The head-up display is only available as an option on the higher LBX trims. ©Lexus

The manufacturer has however paid attention to the details and quality of materials selected in the fabrics and trim of the cabin. The low seating makes the driving position similar to that of a sedan, while the seats are quite comfortable. Note also the presence of the electronic door opening system “e-Latch”, which allows the interior door opening control to be disabled if there is a risk of contact with vehicles approaching from behind.

Despite its reduced size, the LBX still has a spacious interior. With all rear seats in place, the trunk of its front-wheel drive version offers a maximum volume of 402 liters, including 75 liters under the trunk floor, while in the all-wheel drive version, the volume is limited to 317 liters .

One hybrid engine

The first Lexus to be built on the GA-B platform, the LBX is 4,190 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,545 mm tall, with a 2,580 mm wheelbase. The reduced turning radius of 5.20 m is ideal for urban driving.

The crossover has a single 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and also benefits from a new self-charging hybrid engine. Total system power is 136 hp/100 kW and maximum torque of 185 Nm in the combined WLTP cycle is between 4.3 and 4.8l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 100 to 110g/km.

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Available in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the Lexus LBX is available in four finishes: Elegant, Relax, Emotion and Cool. A Business Edition, intended for professional customers, should also be available.

Lexus’ lowest-priced model to date, the LBX sees its price starting from 34,300 euros at the entry level, reaching 42,800 euros for the highest trims. The first deliveries have already started in March 2024.