Lexus: Luxury Motoring That Makes Sense

As the automotive landscape evolves, Lexus remains at the pinnacle, championing a vision of luxury rooted in personal expression.

The LBX, Lexus’s compact premium SUV, challenges conventional notions of luxury, catering to the demands of the modern driver. For Lexus, this vehicle transcends mere transport; it represents a sanctuary. This ethos is embodied in the brand’s campaign, “Living in my LBX”.

Rather than adhering to established luxury conventions, the LBX embraces a fresh “premium casual” aesthetic, harmonising beautifully with contemporary lifestyles. At the heart of this design philosophy lies Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) – the fundamental elements that shape the perception of a vehicle and its interaction with those inside.

Lexus’s design ethos is anchored by three key principles: Omotenashi – the spirit of Japanese hospitality and service that extends beyond the vehicle itself; Takumi – a commitment to unrivalled craftsmanship steeped in time-honoured artisanal traditions; and Time – a dedication to preserving Japanese heritage while curating enriching experiences with every journey.

Viviana Hohenstein, a designer at Lexus and CMF expert at the brand’s European Design and Development Centre in France, encapsulates Lexus’s dedication to delivering genuine value. “Our aim is not only to mitigate CO2 emissions; it’s about making a meaningful impact on our customers, society, and the planet. This involves honouring our heritage while weaving innovation into our craftsmanship,” she explains.

“Today, we’re entering a new era of CMF design,” Hohenstein states. “It’s no longer solely about aesthetics. We’re fusing sensory experiences that engage all the senses – sound, touch, and even scent – to elevate the user experience to extraordinary levels.”

Remarkably, this evolution allows the rich 1,200-year history of Japanese textile heritage to find a contemporary voice in Lexus’s innovative designs. Traditional materials and techniques are being harmonised to create automotive experiences that resonate with luxury, balance, and nature.

Bamboo stands out as a particularly important material. Historically employed in furniture, utensils, and transportation for centuries, its resurgence highlights its adaptability, with Lexus leading the charge in incorporating bamboo into vehicles as a sustainable alternative to plastic and leather.

What’s more, Lexus has joined forces with Givaudan, a trailblazer in fragrances and wellness. Together, they strive to transform the in-car experience through authenticity, sustainability, innovation, and emotion. Givaudan has developed a bespoke bamboo accord for the automaker, resulting in five fragrances inspired by Japan’s bamboo groves.

Beyond sensory enhancements, Lexus places great importance on audio excellence, having collaborated with Mark Levinson for more than 25 years to elevate in-car entertainment. This commitment ensures every new Lexus promises an auditory experience that perfectly complements the vehicle’s interior. Acoustic engineers at Mark Levinson collaborate closely with Lexus designers and engineers from the earliest stages of development, ensuring that each audio system radiates perfection.

The LBX’s remarkably quiet cabin is ideally suited to the bespoke 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Sound system, which includes a powerful 22.4 cm subwoofer seamlessly integrated within the load floor. Employing advanced Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Surround Technology alongside Clari-Fi, this sound system provides a rich and immersive auditory landscape, characterised by well-balanced frequencies and remarkable clarity, regardless of the music genre.

By integrating elements of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, Lexus not only honours its past but also sets a precedent for the future of automotive design. This pioneering approach to materials, sensory engagement, and audio excellence embodies a journey defined by both destination and the experience of travel.

Hence, the LBX transcends being merely a car; it represents a redefinition of luxury that feels authentic, personal, and gratifying. As I stepped inside the Lexus, I was enveloped by a sense of satisfaction, pleasantly surprised by its minimalist yet sophisticated design. The spacious interior offered an uncluttered aesthetic with excellent visibility. Furthermore, I appreciated how the layout fostered a tranquil driving experience – whether cruising on the motorway, navigating rural lanes, or steering through urban streets, operating the LBX was a breeze.

The interior of the LBX is designed with key controls conveniently positioned for easy access, enabling you to maintain your focus on the road ahead. I found myself seamlessly connected to the Lexus, almost without effort, as everything I needed was exactly where it belonged. The dash’s horizontal layout not only enhances visibility but also enriches your experience of the car’s dynamics, especially during cornering.

Comfort in the LBX deserves special mention, as the driving position feels reminiscent of that found in a larger saloon. The rear seats are similarly impressive; they are slightly elevated to enhance visibility for all passengers, which is a thoughtful touch that doesn’t go unnoticed. Each seat is supportive, and the eight-way power adjustments make it easy to accommodate the varying preferences of any front-seat occupant. Additionally, the technological features are striking, particularly the expansive, fully digital driver’s instrument display.

The LBX boasts responsive steering, sensitive brakes, and smooth throttle responsiveness, all contributing to an exhilarating yet stable drive, regardless of the road conditions. Despite its compact stature, Lexus has engineered a serene cabin environment that rivals that of larger luxury models. The sound of the doors closing provides a reassuring quality, while road noise is kept to a minimum.

At the core of the LBX is a new self-charging full-hybrid powertrain that offers remarkable efficiency, coupled with the acceleration feel of a battery-electric vehicle. With a total system output of 134bhp and peak torque of 185Nm, the LBX can sprint from 0-62mph in a spirited 9.2 seconds for the front-wheel drive variant and 9.6 seconds for the all-wheel drive option.

The LBX stands as a compact luxury car that heightens the senses. As I delved deeper into the features of the Lexus, it became clear to me that it encapsulates what many seek: an upscale experience that doesn’t compromise on practicality.