How Lexus' smallest model yet is still giving 'big car energy'

As someone whose first car was a mint green Fiat 500, I've always wanted to feel the confidence that comes with that 'big car energy' on the roads. The problem is that I live in a city with narrow roads and no driveway (and my parallel parking skills are somewhat subpar).

But when I heard about Lexus' LBX model—made with the UK and European markets in mind—I thought it might be the perfect solution to have the best of both worlds. The smallest Lexus yet, the LBX is a self-charging hybrid crossover designed to be accessible and easy to live with.

It's managed to incorporate both contemporary and high-quality cues with a casual feel that isn't intimidating despite having all the latest tech integrated into the driving experience. As a young woman living in the city, I've never really found a car that felt like it was designed with someone like me in mind, so here are a few things that stood out to me about the LBX from a design perspective.

The new generation of Lexus drivers

Lexus' desire with the LBX was to make a car with strong visual appeal for younger, city-smart Europeans who would appreciate having the unmistakable qualities of luxury craftsmanship but still feel at home driving it in jeans and trainers. It would also suit anyone looking to downsize or have a second vehicle, a more dynamic car to fit into their evolving lifestyle.

Chief engineer Kunihiko Endoh says: "Our aim was to challenge the conventional concept of a luxury car. We have thoroughly pursued a driving experience that enables a natural dialogue between the driver and their vehicle and a design that has a refined presence."

If there's one thing that younger generations like, it is having choice and the opportunity for self-expression. After all, a car is probably the second most expensive thing you'll ever own after a property, so you want it to be an extension of yourself.

With the idea of "making luxury personal" in mind, the LBX will be offered in grades that adopt different "Atmosphere" influences through styling details, colours, textures and finishes. If you prefer a Cool look, the LBX interior can be kitted out with a mix of genuine leather and Ultrasuede. In contrast, the Relax theme features semi-aniline leather and intricate saddle tan embroidery.

A car with muscle

If you don't know what I mean by 'big car energy', let me explain through the lens of the LBX exterior design. While the exterior dimensions are more compact than those of any other Lexus, the designers and engineers have still managed to give the car that powerful stance and muscle-tone features that are all part of the traditional SUV look.

From the side, the short overhangs and powerfully flared front and rear wings are clearly visible. According to Lexus, achieving the taut, muscular surfacing around the rear doors proved one of the toughest challenges. However, it is definitely one of the key elements in the car's road presence.

The visual message is that this is a car you can drive with confidence, whether on city streets, exploring country roads or cruising on the motorway. I've done all three in the LBX and felt just as confident on the winding country lanes as I did navigating the narrow city streets. But, of course, looks aren't everything, and the shape of the car also optimises its aerodynamic performance.

Another key feature of the LBX's exterior styling is the reinterpretation of the famous spindle grille on the front, essentially giving the car a 'new face'. The spindle grille – a signature feature of every Lexus model for over a decade – has been rethought as a smaller, unified and frameless unit that blends into the bodywork.

And, if you're looking for an element of surprise, its SUV-style "planted" look is in part inspired by the shape of traditional Japanese kagami-mochi rice cakes, exemplifying how Lexus references heritage aesthetics in its contemporary designs.

The tazuna concept

One thing that sometimes worries me about modern cars is having too much tech in the cabin. I found the digital integrations in the LBX interiors to be quite unobtrusive, and some really help keep your eyes on the road.

The Lexus LBX's head-up display (HUD) is a transparent screen that projects important driving information onto the windshield, directly in the driver's field of vision. I've never experienced this before in a car and was pleasantly surprised. You also get a little telling off if the car detects that you're looking away from the road for too long (you'll soon kick that habit).

Similarly, the whole interior is centred around driver engagement, with a focused driver's cockpit based on Lexus's tazuna concept. Inspired by a rider's precise use of the reins to control a horse (the meaning of tazuna in Japanese), controls and information sources are arranged so that only small movements of hand and eye are required for operation.

The overall environment of the cabin is light, open, and uncluttered - not something you might expect in a smaller model - with an instrument panel that wraps around smoothly into the door panels.

The sounds of silence

Now, we're going to go a bit technical but stay with me. The LBX boasts Lexus' new powertrain, self-charging 1.5-litre hybrid system, which helps deliver low-speed agility that's well-suited to the demands of urban driving. As well as this, a new bi-polar nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery has been integrated to provide greater responsiveness from this smaller and lighter package, while extensive measures have been taken to address road noise and vibration.

You really can't underestimate the difference that a quiet cabin makes. After all, what's the point in having a beautiful, relaxing and seamless design if the experience is just going to be polluted with noise? It really is the cherry on top of the whole driving experience.

So, has the LBX challenged the status quo and redefined what a small car can offer through design? A resounding yes. It's nice to have some new blood in the Lexus portfolio that feels energising and expands the brand's reach and profile.

The Takumi spirit is a philosophy of excellence and attention to detail that drives the design and development of all Lexus vehicles. You can definitely see strong evidence of this thinking in every touchpoint of the LBX.