The spiritual successor to the Lexus CT200h has arrived in Malaysia – it’s the Lexus LBX.
Lexus Malaysia has moved quite quickly and introduced the all-new LBX in Malaysia about a year after its global introduction. For those unfamiliar, the Lexus LBX is a compact B-segment crossover that’s said to be the spiritual successor to the CT200h hybrid hatchback from the early 2010s. Just like the CT200h, the LBX is a hybrid electric vehicle with the nimble character of a compact 5-door hatchback, but this time it integrates some SUV design cues, such as a high 220mm ground clearance, to achieve that popular crossover look. As one might expect, the LBX is current the smallest Lexus in the portfolio, supplanting the UX as the entry point in to the brand price-wise too. As the official website indicated, the UX has been pulled from our market. In Malaysia, two variants of the Lexus LBX are on offer – the Premium and Luxury for RM238,888 and RM268,888.
In terms of dimensions, the LBX is 4190mm long, 1825mm wide and 1550-1560mm tall (depending on variant as the Luxury model comes with 18″ wheels while the Premium model comes with 17″ ones) with a 2580mm wheelbase. It has a turning radius of just 5.2 meters. This the first Lexus model to be built on the GA-B global car platform which also underpins the GR Yaris. This gives the LBX a lightweight and rigid body with a low centre of gravity to help deliver the new Lexus Driving Signature.
Powering the Lexus LBX is a 1.5L Hybrid Electric Engine with 135hp and 185Nm of torque enabling a 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds while also providing excellent fuel efficiency and refinement for day-to-day driving. The hybrid system consists of a thermally efficient M15A-FXE petrol 3-cylinder and an E-CVT with 8 virtual ratios. The battery is of a new bipolar nickel-metal hybride design with reduced weight and a compact package. It’s also capable of higher output for a more rapid response.
In terms of design, the LBX features the Lexus Next Chapter Design with a more relaxed and casual character. Key highlights of the exterior design include a unified spindle body, an evolved frameless grille, single-projector headlights, belt mouldings that sit flush with the body and a gate-style rear roof spoiler. The Luxury model also comes with aero parts at the front of the vehicle.
Inside, the Lexus LBX is simple and elegant that takes on the Lexus “Tazuna” concept that puts occupant relaxation as its priority. Main controls are positioned strategically around the driver to minimise hand and eye movements while driving. Upmarket upholstery and trim pieces such as the Tsuyaumi charcoal inlays, enhance the visual and tactile appeal of the interior on the Luxury model.
The centre-piece is a new 12.3″ digital instrument display on the Luxury variant and a 7″ display on the Premium variant. Besides that, the LBX Luxury also gets a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system with 13 speakers while the Premium model gets a 6-speaker system. A Heads-Up Display is featured on the Luxury model.
Lexus Safety System + is equipped here as standard and it includes a Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist/Lane Keep Assist, and Road Sign Assist. The LBX comes with the latest Lexus’ e-latch door release system with Safe Exit Assist. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Blind Spot Monitor is included as well. The Luxury spec comes with Lexus Teammate Advanced Park with intelligent parking sensors with auto-braking. This spec also gets a Panoramic View Monitor with an Underfloor See-Through View.
All Lexus LBX models come with a standard 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty. Plus, all HEV components (HEV battery, inverter, HEV Vehicle Control Computer) get an 8-year/unlimited mileage warranty which can be expanded by 2 years at cost.
