• All-new LBX breaks with Lexus design conventions
• Designed with a focus on European tastes
• Targeting a new customer base that values premium quality with a more casual look and feel
• Introducing a new Lexus “face”, rethinking the signature Lexus spindle grille
• Compact in size yet projecting the muscular, stable character of an SUV

Lexus has rewritten its own rule book in developing the all-new LBX urban-friendly crossover, not least in rethinking some of its most familiar design conventions. This radical new self-charging hybrid electric model – the most compact yet to bear the Lexus badge – has styling that sets it apart from its larger stablemates and signals its intention to capture the hearts and minds of a new breed of customer for the brand.

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 – another example of how Lexus references heritage aesthetics in its contemporary designs.

The team that created the LBX was encouraged by the company’s top management to apply fresh thinking, evolving the principles of Lexus Next Chapter design that have defined the latest generation of NX, RX and RZ models. The desire was to produce a car with strong visual appeal for younger, city-smart Europeans who favour premium quality that comes with a more casual, contemporary look and feel.

This is a Lexus you’ll feel at home driving in jeans and sneakers, while still appreciating the luxury craftsmanship and premium quality that are time-honoured hallmarks of the brand.

Nothing makes a clearer statement of the designers’ intentions than the LBX’s frontal styling, which presents a new Lexus “face”. The spindle grille, a signature feature of every Lexus model for more than a decade, has been rethought as a smaller, unified and frameless unit that blends into the bodywork.

Thanks to the compact hybrid engine, the front edge of the bonnet has been brought down, below the level of the headlights, drawing on the “Resolute Look” that characterised Lexus models from the early 2000s onwards. Fresh details include clever integration of the daytime running lights and turn indicators in a single unit, with the familiar Lexus “L” motif reversed to point in the direction of the turn.

A powerful stance and sense of power are all part of the traditional SUV look, qualities that the new LBX displays despite its compact dimensions. Viewed side-on, the classic elements are clear to see: short overhangs for nimble performance and powerfully flared front and rear wings. Achieving the taut, muscular surfacing around the rear doors proved one of the toughest challenges, but it is a key element in the car’s impressive road presence.

The eye is drawn naturally to the large-diameter tyres and 18-inch wheels and there is a strong sense of the LBX having reassuring stability, founded on its low centre of gravity. 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 highway.

Inspiration for the LBX’s powerful proportions came from a surprising source – the Kagami-Mochi rice cakes that are a traditional Japanese religious offering at New Year. These are made of two discs – a small one set on top of a larger one. When viewing the LBX from the rear, this balance of shapes is reflected in the car’s compact cabin positioned above a powerful underbody – another visual cue implying a low centre of gravity and stable handling.

Moving the licence plate down to the rear bumper has allowed for a clean, uncluttered back door surface that throws the LEXUS name into relief. In common with other Lexus SUVs, the LBX has a rear light bar with its own, dedicated design. Here, it extends beyond the span of the back door to the rear wings, emphasising the car’s width and firmly planted look. 

The design is, of course, not just about engaging looks: throughout, fine details have been incorporated to achieve the best possible aerodynamic performance. This, in turn, is an important factor in giving the car stable handling and optimising its fuel efficiency. The roof, the gate-type spoiler and the rear combination lights are all shaped to smooth airflow over and away from the car. The belt-line mouldings sit flush with the bodywork and there are fins on the lower edge of the side sills add to the aerodynamic efficiency, together with precise styling of the front bumper corners and rear bumper sides.

To show the LBX’s lines off their best effect, Lexus is offering a choice of exterior paint finishes that includes vibrant shades of red, yellow and blue and the option of a striking bi-tone execution with a contrast black roof and pillars.

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The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept introduces a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover. Combining high performance with unrestrained luxury, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless is a showcase of technology, innovation and the latest evolution of design at Lexus.

The innovative spirit of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept was created at CALTY Design Research in California. The design language is rooted in the simple yet elegant design concept dubbed “molten katana”. This design visualization fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword. Imagining that shift from a smooth, flowing mass into a solid, chiseled shape formed the basis for the fluid, yet aggressive design of the LF-1 Limitless concept.

BRAVE DESIGN FACT #1

CABIN DESIGN: COMFORT IS KING

“This is our vision for a new kind of flagship vehicle that embraces crossover capability without giving up the performance and luxury delivered by today’s top sedans,” said Kevin Hunter, President, CALTY Design Research Inc. “The LF-1 Limitless concept incorporates imaginative technology while creating a strong emotional connection by improving the human experience for the driver and passengers.”

Maximum comfort for every passenger was CALTY’s goal for the cabin. The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept adheres to the Japanese tradition of omotenashi, or hospitality, welcoming all who enter with equal enthusiasm.

The front passenger space is far more open, with even fewer controls and a wide unobstructed dashboard. Those in back get the same seats as those in front with expansive legroom and individual display screens for adjusting the climate control or entertainment options.

BRAVE DESIGN FACT #2

INTERIOR LIGHT: TWINKLE, TWINKLE, IT'S A STAR!

Lighting plays a key role in the look and feel of the interior of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept. Engaging the START button initiates a dramatic lighting sequence of ambient light based on which of the several available driving modes is engaged.

For a more subtle effect, the wooden door trim has tiny perforations that allow indirect light from miniature LEDs to shine and twinkle in a variety of colors. This lighting creates beautiful movement in the interior that complement the more direct overhead lights.

BRAVE DESIGN FACT #3

SPINDLE GRILLE: LET ME SEE YOUR GRILLE!

Like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille on the LF-1 Limitless concept is a core element to the overall design. On the LF-1 Limitless concept it’s been taken even further, with details that suggest the start of the spindle form at the rear of the vehicle that then continues forward toward the nose.

The grille itself features a three-dimensional design with colors developed in house by CALTY. Ridges radiating away from the central emblem suggest magnetism guiding metal filings into shape. There is no chrome, as the LF-1 Limitless concept instead uses LED lighting around the grille that greets you on arrival.

BRAVE DESIGN FACT #4

GLASS SURFACE DESIGN: THE ROOF TO INSPIRE  

The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept takes the popular crossover genre and heightened sense of performance while challenging traditional crossover SUV proportions and styling. The concept’s long hood and powerful stance give it the look of a performance sedan while maintaining the higher ride height and versatile functionality that have made crossovers the preferred choice for so many of today’s customers.

Using a large glass surface as the roof, helps enhance the appeal of this concept and draws attention to the interior design. The interior involves bright, modern metallic finishes and LED lighting treatments to create an enticing cabin. Gazing through the large glass roof reveals a realm of imagination and inspiration that is driving the future of the luxury crossover category. As the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept has not been confirmed for future production development, the use of glass on this model is entirely exploratory.