Arrived in New Zealand and available for sale now, the first-ever Lexus LBX blends hybrid efficiency and compact agility with luxurious sophistication, embodying the entry point to Lexus luxury in the popular compact crossover segment.
LBX is a brand-new model catering to discerning individuals seeking the combination of luxury and practicality. The new compact SUV continues the Lexus electrification programme by only being available with a hybrid powertrain.
Lexus New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says LBX is gaining recognition around the world due to the Lexus approach of uncompromising design and premium build quality, even within such a compact body. It recently won the What Car? 2024 Car of the Year award and was a top 3 finalist in the World Car Awards 2024 World Urban Car category.
“Motoring award judges have been impressed by LBX – not just for its looks and interior quality but also for its superior handling and overall driving experience. LBX is moving the premium hybrid game on to the next level,” he says.
LBX is a compact SUV that is premium in every aspect. It has all the craftsmanship, luxury, high quality materials and signature driving experience you will find in any Lexus.
The launch and arrival of LBX in New Zealand follows a record sales year for the Lexus marque; Lexus New Zealand sold 1,309 new vehicles in 2023, 90% of which were electrified. The first customer deliveries for LBX contributed to the marques recently achieved 15,000 total Lexus sales in New Zealand. Slotting into the portfolio ahead of the UX, LBX is designed to appeal to a mostly urban driver with an active lifestyle.
“We are trying something a bit different with the LBX. Traditionally our model range is offered in a range of grades or variants with significant interior and exterior differences between them. For LBX there will be some slight variations in features, but it is more about the styling treatment and design so we will offer three differing ‘moods’ not grades, which says a lot about this new car and how it is positioned for today’s new Lexus customer. The moods – Active, Cool and Relax – are tailored to reflect individuals’ lifestyles and aesthetic,” Andrew says.
Built around a highly responsive and efficient three-cylinder 1.5 litre petrol hybrid engine, the LBX is squarely aimed at the urban driver who wants an element of casual chic style matched with the sophisticated and refined Lexus driving experience.
The front-wheel drive Active stands out with its 18” dark grey metallic and machined alloy wheels, a two-tone exterior, and comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ package. The interior is defined by silky white ambient lighting and black synthetic leather seats.
Other Active features include a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, automatic high beam, parking support brake (4x front and rear parking sensors) and a six-speaker sound system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
Relax and Cool both feature active noise control combined with engine sound enhancement, Lexus Teammate (auto parking) with 6x front and rear parking sensors, and panoramic view monitor. Both moods offer a multi-colour ambient interior lighting for passengers to dial up or down the mood while listening to the 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system.
Relax rides on 18” dark premium metallic alloy wheels while inside passengers can relax on semi-aniline leather accented seats in black or saddle tan.
Cool rides on 18” black sputtered alloy wheels while enjoying their ride on leather and Ultrasuede™ accented seats in black and dark grey.
Relax and Cool are both available with the choice of either front-wheel drive or E-Four all-wheel drive.
LBX is available in eight exterior colours – Sonic Quartz, Silver Pearl, Cement Grey, Sonic Shade, Emotional Red, Sonic Copper, Sun Fusion, and Blue Crush. All these are included in Cool or Active with a two-tone Ebony roof. Relax is available in the above eight shades plus adds Ink (all black) to its colour range.
The LBX is the most attainable new Lexus in the line-up, with a start price of $58,900 plus on road costs for the Active front-wheel drive variant.
Andrew Davis says as the LBX is an entirely new Lexus it is bound to draw much attention from both loyal Lexus customers and new entrants to the marque. LBX is available for a demonstration experience at all Lexus dealerships now.
Pricing for the new LBX
| Model | Specifications | RRP |
| LBX Active | FWD 1.5L Hybrid Petrol | $58,900 + ORC |
| LBX Relax | FWD 1.5L Hybrid Petrol | $65,900 + ORC |
| LBX Relax | AWD 1.5L Hybrid Petrol | $68,900 + ORC |
| LBX Cool | FWD 1.5L Hybrid Petrol | $65,900 + ORC |
| LBX Cool | AWD 1.5L Hybrid Petrol | $68,900 + ORC |
