As the automotive industry progresses, Lexus is at the forefront with a vision of luxury centred on personal expression, writes journalist Tim Barnes-Clay. With the introduction of the LBX, Lexus's compact premium SUV, comes a radical shift, inviting owners to transform their cars into genuine reflections of their own personality and conviction.
You see, the LBX redefines luxury to suit the needs of today's motorists. For Lexus, it's clearly more than a vehicle; it's a sanctuary. This theme comes to life in the company's campaign, "Living in my LBX".
So, instead of conforming to traditional luxury standards, the LBX has a refreshing "premium casual" appearance, elegantly synchronised with contemporary living. At the centre of this design approach sits Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) - the key elements that determine how a car is perceived and interacts with its occupants.
Lexus has three key principles that drive its design philosophy: Omotenashi - the spirit of Japanese hospitality and service that extends beyond the car itself. Takumi - a dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship that is steeped in honoured artisanal traditions. Time - a commitment to safeguarding Japanese heritage and creating rich experiences with each drive.
Viviana Hohenstein, a designer at Lexus and brand CMF expert at the brand's European Design and Development Centre in the South of France, sums up Lexus’s commitment to making real value. "Our mission is not merely to reduce CO2 emissions; it's to make a sustainable impact on our customers, society, and the world. That means preserving our heritage but infusing innovation into craftsmanship," she explains.
"Today, we're in a new era of CMF design," says Hohenstein. "It's not just about what it looks like anymore. We're marrying sensory experiences that engage all senses - sound, touch, and even smell - to elevate the user experience to new heights."
Interestingly, all this means the more than 1,200-year history of Japanese textile heritage is being given a modern voice in the innovative designs of Lexus. Ancient materials and techniques are being blended to forge innovative car experiences that resonate with luxury, harmony, and nature.
Bamboo is perhaps the most significant material. For centuries, it's been used in furniture, utensils, and transportation. Its comeback shows how versatile it is, and Lexus is at the sharp end of using bamboo in its vehicles as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and leather.
Lexus has also partnered with Givaudan, a leader in fragrances and wellness. Together, they aim to change the in-car experience by including authenticity, sustainability, innovation, and emotion. Givaudan has created a custom bamboo accord for the automaker, resulting in five scents inspired by Japan's bamboo forests.
In addition to sensory upgrades, Lexus also places tremendous emphasis on audio excellence, working with Mark Levinson for over 25 years to take the in-car entertainment to a whole new level. It ensures that every new Lexus is equipped with the potential to deliver an aural experience, crafted to harmonise with the interior of the vehicle. Acoustic engineers at Mark Levinson work with Lexus designers and engineers from the early development stages, ensuring that every audio system radiates perfection.
The near-silent cabin of the new Lexus LBX is ideally suited to the bespoke 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound system, featuring a robust 22.4 cm subwoofer inlaid within the load space floor. Adopting advanced Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Surround Technology, coupled with Clari-Fi, this sound system delivers a rich and immersive soundstage, dominated by well-balanced frequencies and exceptional clarity, regardless of music genre.
By weaving in elements of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, Lexus not only celebrates its past but also sets a precedent for the future of car design. This pioneering approach to materials, sensing, and the craft of audio greatness is a journey of both destination and travel.
So, the LBX isn't just a car; it's a redefinition of luxury that feels authentic, intimate, and satisfying. Indeed, as I stepped into the Lexus, I felt a sense of contentment and was surprised by its minimalist yet high-tech design. It has a roomy feel, with an uncluttered look and open visibility. What’s more, I appreciated how the layout encourages a serene motoring experience - whether cruising along a motorway, navigating rural roads, or steering through town, driving the LBX is effortless.
The interior positions key controls within easy reach, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. In fact, I found myself connected to the Lexus without even trying - and it felt as if everything I wanted was exactly where it should be. The horizontal configuration of the dash improves visibility, too - and enhances the way you experience the car's dynamics, particularly when cornering.
The comfort of the LBX is also worth noting, with the driving position feeling akin to a larger saloon. The back seats are great, too - positioned slightly higher to provide improved visibility for all - a pleasant touch that doesn’t go unnoticed. Each seat feels stable and supportive, and I can easily see how the eight-way power adjustments would cater to the different preferences of any front seat occupant. Furthermore, the LBX’s technological features make quite an impression - especially the large, fully digital driver's instrument display.
The LBX also offers responsive steering, sensitive brakes, and smooth throttle inputs, all of which provide an exciting yet stable drive on any road. Despite its compact size, Lexus has created a chilled cabin environment akin to what you’d expect from a larger luxury model. For instance, the closing sound of the doors offers a reassuring sense of quality. Road roar is also minimal.
At the heart of the LBX is a new self-charging full-hybrid powertrain that delivers high efficiency and the acceleration characteristics of battery-electric power. With a total system output of 134bhp and peak torque of 185Nm, the LBX achieves 0-62mph in a brisk 9.2 seconds for the front-wheel drive model and 9.6 seconds for the all-wheel drive version.
The LBX is a compact luxury car that elevates your senses. Indeed, as I explored the Lexus, I couldn't help but feel it encapsulates what many of us are looking for: an upscale experience that doesn't sacrifice practicality.
