Why the Lexus LBX feels perfect for modern Singapore
24 Oct 2024|2,295 views
Smaller cars don't seem to be very much in vogue in our modern era where size is king. Yet Lexus seems to be betting big on its first brand-new model in years: The LBX Hybrid.
The origin story of its name should already be quite telling; it's only the second Lexus model thus far to bear a three-letter name - and after the hallowed LFA supercar too. The letters themselves are also pretty significant, given the way they clearly spell out the firm's grand ambitions: Lexus Breakthrough Crossover.
Then, the final banner headline of the LBX is the fact that this marks the first Cat A-eligible model to join Lexus' lineup in Singapore.
Arguably, however, one could say that these are all just individual isolated qualities that sound good on paper. In reality, what exactly makes the LBX so alluring? Following a weekend out with the little crossover a month ago (a good portion of which was spent helping out with a good cause alongside Inchcape Singapore!), here are a few reasons why we think the LBX feels perfect for modern Singapore - and in a dependably Lexus-like manner too.
1) Compact proportions: Perfect for the city
At just under 4.2 metres long, and slightly under 1.6 metres wide, the LBX's compact proportions make it perfect for Singapore's roads.
Whether it's crawling through the tighter, old carparks along Orchard Road, or trying to navigate the gaps that open up in traffic jams, the LBX handles most driving situations in Singapore with ease.
When it's finally time to squeeze yourself into that suddenly-available parallel lot, you don't just have the car's size to count on, but also its 360-degree parking camera - which can even turn the car 'invisible'!
2) But big where it counts: A 400-litre boot
Undeniably, the LBX's size does mean that its rear bench might be better suited for smaller adults, or children. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that this is fully in line with the car's positioning after all, since Lexus has designed it more for smaller families and younger working professionals (although we suspect it may also find favour among retiree couples looking for something more manageable).
And for these demographics, what will certainly not be lacking is boot space.
Pinch the LBX's tailgate button, and it raises automatically to reveal a 400-litre boot with a nice and wide aperture. This was more than plenty to swallow all the food supplies we needed to haul during our afternoon out, volunteering with Inchcape Singapore and Food from the Heart. Golf clubs, and heavy grocery runs? Those should be an even easier feat.
The LBX's self-charging hybrid powertrain negates the need for plugging in, even as it allows the car to be extremely fuel efficient. At lower speeds and for short periods of time, the LBX can even be driven entirely on electric power
3) Cat A, self-charging hybrid powertrain: Fuel-efficient, green stalwart
Powering the LBX is a 1.5-litre hybrid engine producing a combined 129bhp and 185Nm of torque, which - as mentioned above - means that it ducks under the power ceiling for a Category A COE.
On the one hand, Lexus' mastery of hybrid technology means that the LBX delivers excellent fuel economy. During our weekend with the car, we clocked a final figure of 20.7km/L (while going quite heavy on the pedal, too). More light-footed drivers might see even better figures.
Best of all, the fact that the car's onboard battery (which powers the electric motor) is charged purely by the engine means that there’s never a need to plug the LBX in and wait for it to recharge. One can simply treat it as they do any other combustion-powered car.
4) Blending electric and combustion power: Good peppiness to match its excellent efficiency
On the other hand, however, this hybrid powertrain also gives the LBX plenty of pep.
While its on-paper performance figures are honestly nothing to shout about, what matters is the real-world driving experience - and on this front, the initial (light) punch given by the LBX’s electric gives it a pleasant sense of light-footedness and agility.
5) Intricate interior craft in a modern car: Still a Lexus through and through
Finally, the LBX may be the smallest Lexus on sale today, but that doesn't mean that the brand has compromised its dependable experience of luxury.
Lexus' dedication to intricately crafted interiors remains here still. Step in, and one will be greeted by an expensive-feeling, suede-like material that covers the dashboard and door cards. Everything is neatly tied into place with lovely copper stitching too, and like its larger siblings, the LBX also comes with intuitive-to-use electronic door handles.
Like its larger siblings, the LBX boasts a high level of intricate interior craft - and even comes with these cool electronic door handles
Up front, a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen also takes centrestage, and is paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, for a modern and appropriately high-tech motoring experience too. This system even offers wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple Carplay, ensuring that you can get all of your entertainment and navigation needs mirrored onto the car's screen seamlessly, regardless of where your smartphone allegiances lie.
Here are a few other stories that may interest you!
Mycarforum visits the Lexus LBX!
Smaller cars don't seem to be very much in vogue in our modern era where size is king. Yet Lexus seems to be betting big on its first brand-new model in years: The LBX Hybrid.
The origin story of its name should already be quite telling; it's only the second Lexus model thus far to bear a three-letter name - and after the hallowed LFA supercar too. The letters themselves are also pretty significant, given the way they clearly spell out the firm's grand ambitions: Lexus Breakthrough Crossover.
Then, the final banner headline of the LBX is the fact that this marks the first Cat A-eligible model to join Lexus' lineup in Singapore.
Arguably, however, one could say that these are all just individual isolated qualities that sound good on paper. In reality, what exactly makes the LBX so alluring? Following a weekend out with the little crossover a month ago (a good portion of which was spent helping out with a good cause alongside Inchcape Singapore!), here are a few reasons why we think the LBX feels perfect for modern Singapore - and in a dependably Lexus-like manner too.
1) Compact proportions: Perfect for the city
At just under 4.2 metres long, and slightly under 1.6 metres wide, the LBX's compact proportions make it perfect for Singapore's roads.
Whether it's crawling through the tighter, old carparks along Orchard Road, or trying to navigate the gaps that open up in traffic jams, the LBX handles most driving situations in Singapore with ease.
When it's finally time to squeeze yourself into that suddenly-available parallel lot, you don't just have the car's size to count on, but also its 360-degree parking camera - which can even turn the car 'invisible'!
2) But big where it counts: A 400-litre boot
Undeniably, the LBX's size does mean that its rear bench might be better suited for smaller adults, or children. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that this is fully in line with the car's positioning after all, since Lexus has designed it more for smaller families and younger working professionals (although we suspect it may also find favour among retiree couples looking for something more manageable).
And for these demographics, what will certainly not be lacking is boot space.
Pinch the LBX's tailgate button, and it raises automatically to reveal a 400-litre boot with a nice and wide aperture. This was more than plenty to swallow all the food supplies we needed to haul during our afternoon out, volunteering with Inchcape Singapore and Food from the Heart. Golf clubs, and heavy grocery runs? Those should be an even easier feat.
The LBX's self-charging hybrid powertrain negates the need for plugging in, even as it allows the car to be extremely fuel efficient. At lower speeds and for short periods of time, the LBX can even be driven entirely on electric power
3) Cat A, self-charging hybrid powertrain: Fuel-efficient, green stalwart
Powering the LBX is a 1.5-litre hybrid engine producing a combined 129bhp and 185Nm of torque, which - as mentioned above - means that it ducks under the power ceiling for a Category A COE.
On the one hand, Lexus' mastery of hybrid technology means that the LBX delivers excellent fuel economy. During our weekend with the car, we clocked a final figure of 20.7km/L (while going quite heavy on the pedal, too). More light-footed drivers might see even better figures.
Best of all, the fact that the car's onboard battery (which powers the electric motor) is charged purely by the engine means that there’s never a need to plug the LBX in and wait for it to recharge. One can simply treat it as they do any other combustion-powered car.
4) Blending electric and combustion power: Good peppiness to match its excellent efficiency
On the other hand, however, this hybrid powertrain also gives the LBX plenty of pep.
While its on-paper performance figures are honestly nothing to shout about, what matters is the real-world driving experience - and on this front, the initial (light) punch given by the LBX’s electric gives it a pleasant sense of light-footedness and agility.
5) Intricate interior craft in a modern car: Still a Lexus through and through
Finally, the LBX may be the smallest Lexus on sale today, but that doesn't mean that the brand has compromised its dependable experience of luxury.
Lexus' dedication to intricately crafted interiors remains here still. Step in, and one will be greeted by an expensive-feeling, suede-like material that covers the dashboard and door cards. Everything is neatly tied into place with lovely copper stitching too, and like its larger siblings, the LBX also comes with intuitive-to-use electronic door handles.
Like its larger siblings, the LBX boasts a high level of intricate interior craft - and even comes with these cool electronic door handles
Up front, a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen also takes centrestage, and is paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, for a modern and appropriately high-tech motoring experience too. This system even offers wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple Carplay, ensuring that you can get all of your entertainment and navigation needs mirrored onto the car's screen seamlessly, regardless of where your smartphone allegiances lie.
Here are a few other stories that may interest you!
Mycarforum visits the Lexus LBX!
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