5 reasons the Lexus LBX should be your main luxury city crossover pick

The local crossover segment is currently one of the hottest categories in the Philippine automotive industry. Cars belonging to the division combine the driving feel of sedans while offering some level of utility found in larger vehicles — making them ideal for the urban landscape. 

On that note, the market is now filled with a handful of nameplates that look to fulfill the versatile needs of car buyers, but Lexus Philippines has an answer for those who want a city ride that is as opulent as it is capable. 

That said, here are five reasons why the Lexus LBX is a sound choice for car buyers searching for a luxury mini-cruiser.

Size, ease of maneuverability 

The Lexus LBX offers a city-friendly size-allowing even beginner drivers to easily squeeze their way in and out of tight traffic. 

Here are its dimensions: 

Overall dimensions (length, width, height; in millimeters [mm>)	4,190 x 1,825 x 1,560
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,580
Ground clearance (in mm)	220
Minimum turning radius (in meters)	5.2

For reference, it’s shorter but wider than the Toyota Yaris Cross and a tad larger than the Raize, making it close in size to the Corolla Cross. 

As a result, passing through busy roads in the metro during the morning (or afternoon) rush hours on weekdays won’t be a problem. Likewise, getting in and out of parking spaces during those weekend mall escapades will be a breeze. 

In addition, the Lexus LBX gets a MacPherson strut-type suspension at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. Such an arrangement — coupled with an electronic power steering system — helps the crossover (and the driver) easily handle urban terrain. 

Visibility 

Being a Lexus model, the Lexus LBX has a strong overall road presence. Its sharp character lines will surely catch the attention of many.

This design complements numerous features such as its all-LED illumination (projector headlamps with daytime running lights, front fog lamps, and cornering lights). 

Notable bits in its side profile include its turn signals integrated onto the side mirrors. 

At the back, the Lexus LBX is outfitted with a third brake lamp neatly tucked under its discreet spoiler that matches its combination taillamps with a connecting horizontal light bar, and reflectors on the crossover’s rear bumper. 

Driver visibility is important, so Lexus gave the model an automatic anti-glare rearview mirror, a decent-sized rear glass, and an extended front window glass for better view. 

Efficient performance 

Powering the Lexus LBX is a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine coupled with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. During our time behind the wheel, the said configuration clocked in at around 20 kilometers per liter (under mixed driving conditions). 

Here are the hybrid system’s performance figures: 

Engine maximum output (in horsepower [hp>)	86
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	120
Electric motor maximum output (in hp)	92
Maximum torque (in Nm)	185

 

Juicing up the electric drive is a 5.0-ampere nickel-metal hydride battery. 

Further, the hybrid powertrain lets the Lexus LBX reach 100 kilometers per hour (kph) from standstill in 9.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 170 kph. 

Top-notch safety 

Keeping the driver and passengers safe while on the road requires a suite of both standard and advanced safety features. 

Listed below are its notable technologies: 

• Lane tracing assist 
• Blind spot monitoring 
• Traction control 
• Vehicle stability control 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 
• Hill-start assist 
• Brake assist 

It is also equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, which adds features like a pre-collision system, dynamic radar, and cruise control. 

Passenger, cargo capacity 

With a flexible five-seat configuration, the Lexus LBX is capable of ferrying both passengers (comfortably, thanks to its plush upholstery) and cargo. 

The crossover’s boot space can accommodate things like shopping bags and groceries. Longer and larger items — such as baby strollers or push bikes — can be stowed inside the vehicle by folding the rear seats down, making the vehicle flexible enough to cater to the needs of both young professionals and growing families alike. 

Final thoughts 

The Lexus LBX answers the needs of upmarket car buyers who want to enjoy the benefits of owning a crossover but with the refinements that come with the Lexus badge. 

Available with color options namely Silver Metallic, Passionate Yellow, Red Spinel, Sonic Copper, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Quartz, Deep Azure, and Astro Gray, the Lexus LBX is retailed in a single trim that carries a P2.558 million-price tag. 

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