• No compromise in quality and refinement for Lexus’ all-new compact crossover 
• Interior design and finish evoke the “class above” feel of larger, more expensive models 
• “Premium casual” feel in tune with contemporary tastes for a less formal approach to luxury 
• First vehicle deliveries to European customers now under way 
• Lexus LBX online vehicle configurator allows customers to explore their personalised vehicle specification inside and out with a virtual, 360-degree view 

With deliveries of the all-new LBX under way, customers are experiencing first-hand the high level of Lexus luxury in the brand’s most compact model yet.

From the appealing, contemporary lines of the car’s “Resolute Look” exterior to the design, comfort and appointments of the interior, the LBX communicates a “class above” quality – the kind you would expect from a larger, more expensive higher segment model.

At the same time, there’s a lighter, less formal touch to the car, a “premium casual” feel that reflects modern tastes for high quality with a more relaxed feel. Think of top designer sneakers and the crossover between fashion and performance sportswear. It’s an approach that will give the LBX wide appeal, including connecting with a new, younger and style-conscious audience, reinterpreting traditional Lexus craftsmanship and quality in a modern idiom.

There’s also greater choice than ever before, in line with Lexus’ commitment to making luxury personal. Moving away from the traditional model grade structure, there is a focus on style and sensory appeal with a choice of Atmospheres: Elegant, Relax, Emotion and Cool. Each evokes a different character – refined, dynamic, sporty – through colour options and look and feel of upholsteries and trims. In tune with today’s environmental priorities, you can specify a vegan-friendly leather-free interior as an alternative to tactile Ultrasuede or exclusive L-aniline leather, a material that until now has been exclusive to Lexus flagship LS limousine.

The LBX may be compact in size, but this in no way diminishes the comfort and sense of confidence and control the driver feels behind the wheel – the defining elements of the Lexus Driving Signature that’s prioritised in every new Lexus. The driver enjoys both a commanding view, characteristic of an SUV, with a low-set instrument panel and wide windscreen. At the same time, the seating position feels more like a sedan, with a driver focused control feel.

Lexus’ Tazuna concept for driver’s cockpit design ensures controls and information sources can be used with minimum movement of hand and eye, so focus is maintained on the road ahead. Steering wheel shape and angle and the position of the pedals have been precisely determined, while the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display can be customised in both appearance and content to suit the driver’s preference or priorities for the journey.  A head-up display is also available, for even safer and more comfortable driving.

A smooth and intuitive user experience is also provided by the Lexus Link Connect multimedia system, operated via a central 9.8-inch touchscreen or a voice control system that’s able to respond to requests in more conversational style. The attention to detail includes providing easy-operation physical switches for the audio and air conditioning.

For the front seat passenger there’s a sense of being warmly cocooned with the instrument panel design flowing into the doors to create a wrap-around effect. Soft-touch materials add to the comfort, including padded sides to the centre console. The influence of Lexus’ Takumi craftsmanship and traditional Japanese aesthetics are also evident in the new charcoal-finish Tsuyasumi trim inlays and in the Tatami-style upholstery stitching option.

The LBX range offers a wealth of prestige features. For example, the intelligent Lexus Climate Concierge constantly optimises heating and ventilation sources for each occupant, while a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system is available, designed specifically for the LBX’s interior architecture. A power back door is also available, giving easy access to a well-proportioned load space with room enough to stow two 75-litre suitcases beneath the tonneau cover.

Prospective customers can enjoy a sense of the LBX’s quality using Lexus’ online 3D car configurator tool. This lets you specify your vehicle down to the choice of colours, trims and interior features. You can then take a walk-around view before opening the doors and stepping inside for a detailed, 360-degree virtual experience.
 

As a leading luxury brand, Lexus has always been curious about what those notions are and has consistently sought to anticipate luxury consumers’ expectations. “From the very beginning, our greatest curiosity hasn’t been machines, it’s been people,” said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of Lexus marketing in the USA. “What moves them? What makes them tick? It’s the inspiration for everything we do. From the products we craft to the dealership experience, it’s what makes us uniquely Lexus.”

As part of ongoing efforts to exceed expectations, Lexus USA commissioned a study of more than 3,200 Americans from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. According to the study, exceptional experiences and quality top the list of demands. But new must haves have also entered into Americans’ future luxury expectations, including time for the occasional “digital detox,” a desire to be unique and an increased focus on wellness.

Amazing Experiences, Exceptional Quality

Simply put, luxury has always been about exceptional quality and, more recently, experiences over possessions. They are the single most inherent features of luxury and are the top “must-haves” for luxury brands, according to the study findings.

Most Americans (56%), feel that luxury is better described as a lifestyle of experiences than a collection of belongings. This trend is projected to continue, as the majority of Americans (73%) believe that identifying luxury with experiences over belongings will be just as, if not more, important in the next decade.

Indeed, looking to the future, successful luxury brands will differentiate themselves with quality experiences and service, not just quality products. A full 86 percent of Americans expect luxury brands to provide exceptional experiences¾from being highly responsive to customers’ needs, providing expert support, and focusing on the details; to the personal touch, such as knowing the customer’s name and preferences and even attention to the sensory, such as scent, lighting and mood.

The New Luxury: Digital Detox

Americans love their digital devices and will continue to demand and value technological advances that allow them to connect more seamlessly. That said, the dependency on these devices also has many feeling the pressure to be “plugged in” at all times. This might be why, in the next decade, almost three times as many people will associate luxury with the opportunity for the occasional “digital detox” time to voluntary refrain from social media, news, email and the internet from time-to-time.

To Know Me is to Love Me: Personalization

Americans want personalization to be built into the purchase process. Thinking ahead to the future, almost all (93%) expect to see just as much, if not more, features from luxury brands allowing them to make special requests. In fact, more than half (51%) are hoping to see additional tools and innovation supporting ways to customize their online luxury orders.

Having an Impact: Environment and Sustainability

Most Americans expect luxury brands to have environmentally friendly manufacturing processes (81%). More than seven in 10 also believe luxury brands should act like leaders on issues surrounding sustainability (71%).

And, they are open to innovative materials to help satisfy their demand for more sustainable manufacturing practices. In fact, nearly half (48%) look to see more original materials like faux leather and lab-grown diamonds in the future.

Scrutiny on how luxury brands embody “green” behaviour is expected to intensify. Looking into the future, this expectation as a luxury requirement increases by 8 percentage points, with a nearly a third (30%) saying it will be essential.

Some product categories are also held to a higher standard than others. Americans are more likely to say being environmentally friendly is more of a “must-have” for luxury brands in categories such as beauty/cosmetics, food and beverage, and automotive.

An Empowered Way of Living: Personal Enjoyment

The concept of luxury goes beyond what is tangible, with many Americans considering the freedom to enjoy oneself and focus on what’s important to be a luxury.

Those numbers are expected to increase in the next 10 years, with 51 percent saying time to enjoy oneself and 50 percent saying the freedom to focus on health and wellness will become even more of a luxury.

Looking Further: The Year 2050

Thirty years from now, Americans predict mind-reading technology, space travel and flying cars will be luxury symbols. Indeed, advanced technology leads the list in terms of what luxury is expected to look like in the year 2050. Top on the list are:

• Devices for mind reading
• Space vacations
• Flying cars
• Dream recording technology
• Brain implant devices to aid memory

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