A Week With The New Lexus LBX
Remix digi editor Martha Brooke experienced the new Lexus LBX over a week and quickly realised the compact SUV was designed to stand out.
I’ve never claimed to be a ‘car’ person. But as I settled into a week with this sleek and sophisticated SUV, I was pleasantly surprised by its blend of performance, refinement and efficiency, and found myself imagining a future with the LBX — sunset drives and all. It was simply love at first drive.
Throughout my week with the LBX, I had plenty of photoshoot planning to tick off my to-do list, which included multiple sample pickups. Manoeuvring through the winding city streets was a breeze in my compact SUV, with ample room in the boot and backseats for storing outfits. But it wasn’t just the clothes getting compliments—the LBX garnered praise for its unwavering style. After all, we’re used to Lexus delivering impeccable interiors — just look to the NX and RZ, for starters. But, at a fraction of the price, the LBX still looks and feels like an expensive drive thanks to the intricate attention to detail and finishing work.
In a groundbreaking move for Lexus, the LBX comes in three distinct moods rather than grades, each catering to various lifestyles. I opted for ‘Cool’— a model that captures the essence of ‘premium casual’ through its minimalist, ergonomic design and leather and Ultrasuede® accents. Its Active counterpart exhibits a sportier interior while Relax presents a serene yet sophisticated feel. The longer I spent behind the wheel of the LBX, the more it seemed like it was crafted specifically for my needs. I’ve never encountered such attention to detail and personalisation in touch points otherwise considered mundane. From the 9.8” touchscreen to the adjustable lumbar support in the driver’s seat (a personal favourite), every aspect of the LBX felt like it was designed to seamlessly integrate into my lifestyle, all within the sleek confines of a compact SUV. I’m not alone in this sentiment. The Lexus LBX is tailored to cater to the preferences of younger urban drivers who prioritise both fashion and function— a job well done if you ask me.
Venturing beyond the city onto narrow westward roads to scout a photoshoot location, I decided to put the LBX’s hybrid prowess to the test. In an instant, the LBX’s electric purr made me forget I was driving a hybrid. It seamlessly switched to the engine for more oomph for inclines and higher speeds, all while keeping the ride smooth and serene. After a two-hour drive, the LBX barely sipped from the fuel tank thanks to its clever powertrain tech that balances engine, electric motor, and battery power. Saving on fuel is always welcome!
As someone not used to a plethora of bells and whistles a.k.a high-tech safety features, I was keen to see how they would integrate into my driving experience, if at all. When told the Lexus LBX could park itself, naturally I was a little dubious. Myscepticism quickly dissolved when put to the test. Manoeuvring into a parallel spot on my busy residential street after work was a breeze. With a simple press of the Lexus Teammate Advanced Park button and a few taps on the display screen, the LBX flawlessly executed the parking manoeuvre using the 6x front and 6x rear parking sensors, alleviating all of my parking-related stress. Features like this and the extensive Lexus Safety System+ package cemented my trust in the Lexus LBX. When pulling out of work onto the road with limited peripheral clearance, the Pre-Collision technology kicked in. Using a combined radar and monocular camera system, I could see any road hazards and an extended view on the display screen, allowing me to pull out safely and confidently.
Like previous Lexus models, the LBX interior design mimics the Tazuna concept — an ideology that allows the driver to intuitively connect with the car with minimum movement of hand and eye. LBX Cool and Relax come equipped with a head-up display which projects key information in front of the driver’s eyeline onto the windscreen to help mitigate distraction. Using the steering wheel buttons, I could toggle through the menu and customise the projection and functions to those I used most and maintain my gaze on the road and hazards before me. Despite being such a technically advanced safety system, all features operate in a way that feels natural to the driver and are thoughtfully arranged in a layout that is both operable and ergonomic. It was great knowing the LBX was on my team.
Drive away in a car that puts you first and discover more about your dream LBX at
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