Lexus LBX is now on sale in New Zealand

The Lexus LBX has arrived in New Zealand, and is now the brand’s least expensive model on sale. It kicks off at $58,900 for the LBX Active.

The LBX name stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, and was previewed here last year. The range slots in beneath UX and is designed to appeal to a mainly urban driver with an active lifestyle. 

Lexus LBX mixes hybrid efficiency in a compact crossover that is highly appointed. The new compact SUV continues the Lexus electrification programme by being available only with a hybrid powertrain. All models run a three-cylinder 100kW/120Nm 1.5 litre petrol hybrid engine hooked up to a continuously variable transmission. The motor power is not stated. Mean fuel use is a quoted 3.6L/100km (84g/km) while its 0-100 time is a claimed 9.2sec. Kerb weight is around 1300kg and LBX is a diminutive 4.19m long.

Lexus New Zealand VP, Andrew Davis, said that LBX is gaining recognition around the world, recently winning the What Car? 2024 Car of the Year award. 

The arrival of LBX in New Zealand follows a record 2023 during which Lexus sold 1309 new vehicles, the vast majority electrified. 

Mr Davis said “We are trying something a bit different with the LBX. There will be three differing ‘moods’ instead of grades. They are Active, Cool and Relax, tailored to reflect individuals’ lifestyles and aesthetic.”

The front-wheel drive Active features 18-inch grey machined alloy wheels and a two-tone exterior, while inside there’s white ambient lighting and black synthetic leather seats. Other Active features include a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, automatic high beam, and parking support brake (four front and rear parking sensors). There’s also a six-speaker sound system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Relax and Cool variants feature active noise control combined with engine sound enhancement, Lexus Teammate (auto parking) with six front and rear parking sensors, and panoramic view monitor. Both models offer multicolour ambient interior lighting and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system.  

Relax rides on 18” dark premium metallic alloy wheels. Its occupants relax on semi-aniline leather-accented seats in black or tan. 

Cool runs on 18” black alloys while passengers lounge in leather and Ultrasuede-accented seats in black and dark grey. Relax and Cool can be had as front- or all-wheel drivers. 

LBX is available in eight exterior colours while Cool and Active can be had with a two-tone Ebony roof.  Relax is available in the same shades and adds an all black hue. 

Andrew Davis said the LBX is an entirely new Lexus so is bound to attract new entrants to the marque. Above LBX Active is LBX Relax at $65,900 + ORC. An AWD variant goes for $3000 more. 

The same pricing applies for LBX Cool. 

LBX is covered by a four-year/unlimited km warranty and four-year full maintenance service plan. The battery warranty is eight years or 160,000km. There is also a four-year Lexus Plus AA Roadside Assistance package.