Launched: 2024 Lexus LBX – 2 CBU Variants, From RM238,888

Lexus Malaysia has officially launched the all-new Lexus LBX today, featuring two variants priced from RM238,888.

Following its global debut back in June last year, Lexus Malaysia has finally welcomed the much-anticipated Lexus LBX. For our market, this subcompact SUV crossover arrives in two fully-imported (CBU) variants, namely the baseline Premium and the top-spec Luxury model.

The LBX underpins the same TNGA platform used on many current Lexus and Toyota models.

Short for Lexus Breakthrough X (crossover), the LBX is the first Lexus model to underpin Toyota’s proprietary TNGA platform, which it shared with the JDM-spec Toyota Yaris Cross. Thanks to its rigid body setup and low centre of gravity, the TNGA platform grants the LBX commanding driving performance that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and control.

Also shared across two models is its series-parallel hybrid (HEV) powertrain setup, which comprises a 1.5-litre 3-cyl M15A-FXE petrol mill and a single, rear-mounted electric motor that deliver a total system output of 134 HP and 185 NM. Mated further to an 8-speed electronically-controlled CVT gearbox (eCVT), the LBX can accelerate from 0-100 KM/H in 9.2 seconds.

Design-wise, the new LBX follows Lexus’ New Chapter Design philosophy, featuring some familiar design cues we’ve seen on other new Lexus models. Key highlights present here include its commanding front face that features sharp LED headlights and a sizable front grille, wider wheel arches that hide its sporty alloy wheels (17-inch for Premium and 18-inch for Luxury), plus a sporty tailgate design featuring full-width LED taillights and sporty rear bumper accents.

For our market, LBX buyers can opt from up to six exterior colourways, which include Silver Metallic, Astro Grey Metallic, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper, Sonic Quartz, and Black Mica. A two-tone option featuring a blacked-out roof on top of the aforementioned colourways is also available at an additional cost of RM1,500 on both variants.

The LBX currently stood as the smallest Lexus model to date, measuring smaller than the CT hatchback.

In terms of dimensions, the LBX is somewhat similar-sized to its aforementioned platform twin, with this subcompact SUV crossover measuring 4,190 MM long, 1,825 MM wide, and 1,545 MM tall, with a wheelbase of 2,580 MM – making it the smallest Lexus model to date.

Despite its rather small stature, the LBX’s interior is brimmed with the latest tech and comfort equipment, befitting the sharp ‘L’ badge it carries. Implementing the marque’s ‘Tazuna’ design concept, the LBX cabin is wrapped in a plethora of premium trims and black-hued leather upholstery, including the novel Tsuyasumi charcoal trim ornamentation.

As for the tech amenities, the LBX gets a sizable 9.8-inch central infotainment display that supports both wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, while the digital instrument cluster size differentiates the two variants, with the Premium model getting a smaller 7-inch unit, while the top-spec Luxury model gets a bigger 12.3-inch display with a head-up display.

Also special for the LBX Luxury are the 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system over the Premium’s 6-speaker unit, while other standard tech amenities primed in both models include the wireless charging pad, four USB-C ports, and the Panasonic Nanoe X ioniser that is integrated to its dual-zone climate control system.

On the safety front, the Malaysian-bound LBX gets a healthy dose of both active and passive safety features, with the former coming courtesy of the Lexus Safety System+ ADAS suite. The latter includes ADAS functions like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centering Assist (LCA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and many more.

Now available for booking, the all-new 2024 Lexus LBX starts at RM238,888 for the baseline Premium variant, while the range-topping LBX Luxury variant commands a higher price tag of RM268,888. Included with said prices are the standard 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and an 8-year unlimited mileage battery warranty, with an extra two years of coverage offered as an option.