Thirty-five years after disrupting the luxury car world with the game-changing, Mercedes-fighting LS 400 sedan, Lexus continues to reinvent itself. Over the years, Japan’s premier luxury brand has been expanding its lineup — first, with medium-sized and compact sedans, followed by SUVs, an MPV, and even the spectacular V10-powered LFA supercar. Lexus also became the most prolific hybrid vehicle producer among luxury brands, with hybrid drivetrains powering a majority of its models.
Which made the PHP 2,578,000 LBX, Lexus’ subcompact hatchback/crossover, practically a no-brainer, as it opened the floodgates to a whole new demographic of Lexus buyer—the first-time luxury car shopper who’s moving up from a mass-market brand, and, of course, happy Lexus owners who want to get a second (or third) car for themselves or perhaps for a son or daughter.
I borrowed an understatedly elegant Deep Azure Mica Metallic LBX for a week to see for myself just how much “Lexus” they can engineer into a small car. Turns out, they can do a lot. Style-wise, it’s instantly identifiable as a Lexus, thanks to a deconstructed latest version of the now-iconic spindle grille and the swoosh-like DRLs.
For a crossover, it sits low to the ground (while still offering a 220mm ground clearance that’s substantially higher than a regular car’s). The side and rear views are very elegant, with soft curves and delicately concave surfaces. A slanted rear backlight gives it a sporty side profile, while the prominent LEXUS typeface on the tailgate, clever detailing on the bumper, and full-length taillights (that look distinctive at night) give the rear a very premium feel. Overall, it presents a youthful, perky, look with a strong upscale vibe.
That low-to-the-ground stance endows the LBX with a truly enjoyable on-road performance. It’s not a hot hatch, but its overall response from the accelerator, brake pedal, and steering wheel will entertain a spirited driver going through the winding roads of Tagaytay, Rizal, or Baguio.
The LBX generates 136ps and 120Nm of torque from its 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder engine—not car enthusiast numbers, but enough to move the little Lexus smartly, especially when the paddle shifters are used. Lexus claims a 9.2-second 0-100 km/h sprint—not exactly scintillating, but very much what an LBX buyer would expect. The LBX certainly won’t disappoint hybrid buyers with its fuel economy of as high as 26.32 km/l.
Like the drivetrain, the suspension is tuned for a perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness. Don’t expect ES sedan plushness (you can only do so much with a short 2,580mm wheelbase and a torsion beam rear axle), but it’s still more refined and supple than the ride of most cars its size.
Inside, that same junior Lexus feel is evident. You obviously won’t have executive sedan space, but all the tactile feels and aesthetics you’d expect in a Lexus are there; from the supple leather and the smooth Ultrasuede on the seats and doors, to the soft-touch materials on the dashboard, console and door panels. The fit and finish are very premium.
There is a 7-inch fully digital instrument panel and a smudge-proof 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB Type C chargers and a wireless charging pad come standard, as do physical climate controls. I particularly like the placement of the engine start/stop button high on the dashboard, which enables the driver to press the button without having to look around the steering wheel.
Space up front is generous, although the rear seat passengers will find it cozier because of the limited head- and leg room. There’s enough room for two adults, but three will be tight. There’s also no center arm rest nor rear vents (although there are two USB Type C ports for the rear passengers). Nonetheless, two passengers settled at the back will find the seating position comfy enough even for a long trip. Bottleholders on the doors will help keep them hydrated. Rear cargo space is sizable enough at 317 liters—enough for two suitcases with the seatbacks up and two golf bags with the seatbacks down.
Despite its subcompact size, the LBX offers a full suite of advanced safety features found in much larger cars. In fact, it gets nothing less than the third-generation Lexus Safety System+, which bundles Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist with Lane Change Assist and Adaptive High-beam System along with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Reversing Camera, and Parking Brake Support.
When Lexus teed off with the LBX, it aimed for more than par for the course—it aimed for an ace. And the LBX certainly rolled it in on the first drive. Whether you’re single, a newlywed about to start a family, or an empty nester who no longer needs a big car, the LBX delivers on a lot of fronts. It’s looks posh, feels plush, drives well, and has all the tech and safety features you’d expect from a contemporary luxury brand.
Photos by Mica de los Reyes
