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New: Lexus LBX: sneaker SUV | STERN.de

New: Lexus LBX: sneaker SUV |  STERN.de

Lexus is taking a different path from Mercedes and is releasing a B-segment crossover with the LBX. The small SUV should convince drivers with luxury and driving pleasure.

“Small is fine!” is what Lexus says. Unlike Mercedes boss Ola Källenius, Toyota’s noble subsidiary Premium and small vehicles are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, the Japanese managers rely on brand loyalty as early as possible and want to appeal to younger people in particular with the LBX (Lexus Breakthrough Crossover). Depending on the age group, the equipment selection is also kept entirely in line with the social media style. So, starting early next year, the LBX will be available in four so-called “atmospheres” that differ in styling and color scheme, accommodating the trend popular with sneakers to personalize the product.

The colors are correspondingly colorful, including two-tone body colors, which are available with the “Emotion” and “Cool” atmospheres in combination with 18-inch rims. The other two alternatives “Elegant” and “Relax” stand for classic automotive luxury with a more elegant interior design; a single color finish and gleaming 18-inch aluminium. “The LBX should make customers smile and appeal to people who have not previously dealt with Lexus,” explains designer Simon Humphries, the people-catcher intention of the entry-level crossover, which can be had for around 35,000 euros.

The Lexus LBX is 4.19 meters long and shares the technology of the TN GA-B platform with the Toyota Yaris Cross, which is one centimeter shorter and five centimeters higher. The name Lexus Breakthrough Crossover says it all, because the small SUV is intended to herald a new aegis for the Japanese brand in Europe. This is also urgently needed. Especially in Germany, the sales figures are rather sobering. The LBX is the first Lexus model developed by and for Europe. To keep the weight of the SUV as low as possible, the bonnet is made of aluminum, while the rocker panels, wheel arches and the lower half of the door are made of cast resin. The targeted use of struts, adhesive spots and short weld seams increases the torsional rigidity of the body.

In addition to a more harmonious tuning of the chassis, a stiff body should enable sportier driving. This also corresponds to the intention of the product strategists. In addition to the sportsman LFA, the LDX is the only Lexus whose name consists of three letters. As with the Toyota Yaris Cross, the chassis consists of a MacPherson front axle paired with a torsion beam rear axle (for the versions with front-wheel drive) or a double wishbone rear axle (for all-wheel drive). When it comes to cornering, automatic braking force distribution to all four wheels prevents the body from swaying and reduces the tendency to roll.

The full hybrid powertrain corresponds to that of the Toyota brother. However, with a system output of 100 kW / 136 hp and a maximum torque of 185 Newton meters. For comparison: The Yaris Cross 4 WD has 85 kW / 116 hp and a maximum torque of 141 Newton meters. The combustion engine used in the Lexus LBX is also a 1.5 liter three-cylinder, which works according to the Atkinson principle and is combined with two electric motors (MG1 and MG2). The all-wheel drive does not require a mechanical cardan shaft and the rear axle intervenes at lightning speed thanks to the electric motor when traction or the driving situation requires it.

The bipolar NiMH battery is a further development of the previous rechargeable batteries. This means that individual energy stores are constructed as if several cells were connected in series, i.e. there are several cathodes and anodes in each cell. Due to the larger area and the reduced resistance, the charging and discharging capacity increases by a factor of 1.5 with identical dimensions. The increase in performance is the result of an improved cooling system. However, the propulsion of the LBX ends at 170 km/h, which is certainly bearable for many. It looks different with the fact that the trunk volume shrinks from 332 liters to 240 liters in the all-wheel drive version.

In addition to sportiness, the Lexus LBX is also about comfort, and that starts with the noise level in the interior. A balancer shaft ensures that the three-cylinder sheds its rough running design. In addition, the Japanese engineers have put a lot of effort into noise-dampening measures: special metal sheets suppress high frequencies, plus insulation and seals on the roof and bonnet, as well as foam at neuralgic noise points. When it comes to assistants, the Lexus LBX offers, among other things, a blind spot assistant, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The parking assistant takes care of maneuvering in tight parking spaces and can even be controlled from outside via smartphone. The wet wipe assistant comes from the Lexus flagships LC and LS and creates a better perspective.

The interior is similar to that of the mid-size SUV Lexus NX, with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster being used for the first time in a Lexus and with the option of a head-up display. A 9.8-inch touchscreen is the heart of the infotainment system. The infotainment graphics are more modern than the Toyota Yaris Cross, but still cannot quite keep up with the German premium competitors. That won’t exactly knock the digital natives off their feet. It’s good that the software can always be kept up to date with over-the-air updates. When integrating the smartphone, there is a two-class system with the Lexus LBX: While Apple CarPlay is possible wirelessly, you need a cable with Android Auto.

Source: Stern

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