Lexus Thailand has launched the primary ever Lexus LBX. Positioned under the Lexus UX, the entry-level B-segment premium SUV is priced 20 % decrease than the UX.

If there’s a BBA (Benz, BMW, Audi) equal to the LBX, the closest can be the Audi Q2.

The Lexus LBX rides on the identical TNGA-B platform because the Japanese / European market Toyota Yaris Cross, analogous to the VW T-Roc.

Two variants can be found in Thailand – Luxurious and Premium – each powered by the identical 1.5-litre 3-cylinder M15A-FXE Atkinson cycle naturally aspirated engine. The petrol-electric combo makes a mixed system output of 134 hp, sufficient to speed up from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 km/h.

Like all transverse engine Lexus hybrids, drive is transferred to the entrance wheels through an E-CVT, which regardless of the title, has no CVT inside. As a substitute, It’s a belt-less planetary gearset that achieves the identical infinite gear ratio, whereas permitting the series-parallel hybrid drivetrain to cost AND drive the automobile concurrently.

The Lexus LBX measures 4,190 mm lengthy, 1,825 mm large, and 1,560 mm tall, with a 2,580 mm wheelbase. For comparability, the Mercedes-Benz GLA- / BMW X1-rivalling Lexus UX measures 4,495 mm lengthy, 1,840 mm large, 1,520 mm tall, with a 2,640 mm wheelbase.

Commonplace options embody:

• Noise-reducing acoustic windscreen
• Energy-operated tailgate
• 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment that helps wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• 6-speaker audio
• 8-way energy adjustable driver’s seat, artificial leather-based
• Twin-zone automated air-conditioning
• Multi-colour ambient lighting
• Full suite of superior driving help techniques, together with rear-cross visitors alert with braking (Parking Assist Brake)
• 7 airbags
• E-Latch inside door deal with

E-Latch is an electrical inside door deal with first launched within the Lexus RX / RZ. It prevents unintentional opening of doorways onto bicycles / bikes. In case you are involved of electrical door handles failing in an accident or flood or fireplace, the identical E-Latch might be pulled to manually open the door, which nonetheless has a mechanical lock.

The upper-range Premium variant provides:

• Acoustic front-side home windows
• Adaptive excessive beam with dynamic headlamp levelling (auto excessive beam is customary)
• Entrance fog lamps and cornering lamps
• 12.3-inch multi-info show (centre show on instrument panel, customary is 7-inch)
• Head-Up Show
• Paddle shifters
• Contact Swap steering wheel buttons
• Real semi-aniline leather-based seats

Costs in Thailand begin at THB 2,390,000 for the Luxurious variant, and THB 2,229,000 for the Premium variant.

The one phase larger Lexus UX begins at THB 2,780,000, or 20 % extra.

In Malaysia, Lexus Malaysia has discontinued the Lexus UX. Our native market is just too small to assist two closely taxed, totally imported-from-Japan (CBU) Lexus fashions underneath RM 300k.

The hole will likely be crammed by the Lexus LBX, although Lexus Malaysia has but to make any announcement on the matter. The UX has since been faraway from Lexus Malaysia’s web site.

The Lexus UX was final bought at RM 250,688 for the City variant, and RM 290,688 for the Luxurious variant. Assuming that the identical 20 % value hole between the Thailand market Lexus UX and LBX will also be utilized to Malaysia, Malaysians may be capable to purchase the Lexus LBX at simply barely above RM 200k.

On the identical time, expectations have to be tempered as a result of the entire level of Lexus Malaysia discontinuing the UX is to clear the circa RM 250k to RM 300k value vary. The LBX is a hybrid-only mannequin, and in contrast to Thailand, Malaysia’s all-or-nothing tax construction for imported vehicles do not acknowledge the contribution of hybrids, so costs will stay excessive. You pay both zero tax on a battery EV (BEV), or the total taxable quantity whe shopping for a non-BEV mannequin.

Apart from the Lexus LS, all Lexus fashions bought in Thailand are hybrids.

The LBX is the second-ever Lexus mannequin to hold a three-letter title, which is reserved just for genuinely standing quo-challenging fashions. The opposite was the Lexus LFA.

If LFA stood for Lexus Future Advance, LBX is brief for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, as a result of typical understanding says small vehicles have to be constructed cheaper, utilizing much less refined supplies, than massive vehicles.

The Lexus LBX can also be one in all Chairman Akio Toyoda’s private vehicles. However since he additionally doubles as the corporate’s Grasp Driver ‘Morizo,’ his LBX is powered by the GR Yaris’ 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged G16E-GTS engine, paired with an 8-speed automated transmission.

There’s nonetheless no affirmation on whether or not Akio Toyoda’s Morizo RR Idea private LBX, which remains to be a prototype, will likely be greenlighted for manufacturing.