Latest news with #LEXUS
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
The smallest Lexus ever made is loaded with luxury but doesn't cost a lot
LEXUS used to make large luxury saloons with big, silky-smooth V8s. But customers don't want cars anymore — they want SUVs and Lexus has ditched all but one of its saloon car range, now only selling the ES model. Advertisement It has invested heavily in SUVs and Lexus now has a comprehensive line-up available, starting with the baby of the bunch and this week's test drive, the LBX. Then the rest of the Lexus SUV range consists of the UX and UX Electric, the NX, RZ and range-topping RX that are all hybrids. 4 LEXUS BABY SUV: The LBX is the smallest SUV in the Lexus line-up but it isn't lacking in style or luxury and is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and self-charging hybrid system Credit: Lexus UK But in keeping with Japanese quirkiness it also produces the LM people carrier, which comes in a seven-seater or a super luxurious four-seater version that brings a whole new meaning to comfort and travelling in style. But back to the LBX, the smallest Lexus ever. Advertisement It's based on the Toyota Yaris Cross, so they share the same chassis, engine and hybrid system. The LBX compact SUV may be small in dimensions but it's not lacking in luxury — it's as plush and as well-built as you'd expect a Lexus to be. 4 LAP OF LUXURY: Super-soft heated seats and loads of soft leather trim throughout the cabin Credit: Lexus UK Key Facts: Lexus LBX Cost: From €39,440 (From £29,995 in the UK) Engine: 1.5-litre, three cylinder petrol hybrid Power: 120bhp Torque: 136Nm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds Top Speed: 170kph Economy: 52.3mpg Rea world economy: 44mpg Emissions: 103g/km Rivals: Audi Q2, Mercedes GLA, BMW X2, Volvo XC40 4 BOOT SIZE: LBX boot is 332 litres and that rises to 994 litres with the rear seats down Credit: Lexus UK Advertisement The seats are super-sumptuous, but quite figure-hugging, heated of course and there's loads of soft leather trim throughout the cabin. It's quite compact in the back, and although some bigger Lexus models are like a limo for rear-seat passengers, there's not many creature comforts back there in this one bar a USB-C charging port and electric rear windows. Most read in Motors The 9.8-inch central screen is a decent size but the infotainment could use more functionality as there are limited settings compared to some brands like BMW, who have too many apps. There are plenty of physical buttons and even though the heated seats are operated via the display, if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto there's a permanent menu bar at the bottom of the screen so you can always adjust the important functions, even when your phone is connected. Advertisement Power comes from a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, so no turbo, and along with the hybrid system the combined output is only 136bhp. But it makes up for it with torque as the engine produces 129Nm and the electric motor adds a further 185Nm — so its good for a 9.2-second sprint to 100kph and a top speed of 170kph. 4 HYBRID SYSTEM: The LBX uses Lexus' famed self-charging hybrid system so you never need to plug it in Credit: Lexus UK The CVT gearbox can be a bit vocal under heavy acceleration, but it performs really well. Alas, there's no sport mode. Advertisement It's a self-charging hybrid so you don't need to plug it in to charge and the official combined fuel economy figure is 52.3mpg. And I averaged 44mpg during mixed driving conditions, so that could easily be bettered on a long run. It's a brilliant little SUV, benefitting from Lexus build quality and reliability and it starts from €39,440.
Hindustan Times
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
The 2026 Lexus ES goes all-electric. Check out 5 key highlights of the novel sedan
The eighth-generation Lexus ES, unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, represents a bold new direction for the brand's popular luxury sedan. With sweeping updates to its design, technology, and powertrains—including its first all-electric variants—the 2026 ES is easily the model's most comprehensive upgrade since 2018. Here are five standout features that define the new Lexus ES. 1 Fully electric Lexus takes a major leap forward by introducing fully electric versions of the ES for the first time. The new EV lineup consists of two models: the ES 350e with front-wheel drive and the ES 500e with all-wheel drive. Power outputs range from 221 bhp to 338 bhp, depending on the variant. On paper, range estimates go up to 685 km (CLTC rating), although real-world global figures are likely to be lower. This move aligns with Lexus' long-term electrification goals and offers a refined, zero-emission alternative in the luxury sedan segment. 2 Design Gone is the oversized spindle grille that defined previous generations. In its place is a more refined, closed-off front fascia, echoing design elements from the futuristic LF-ZL concept car. The overall body has become sharper and more sculpted, with a slimmer silhouette that boosts aerodynamics. At the rear, new L-shaped taillights now run across the width of the car, incorporating bold 'LEXUS' lettering instead of the traditional logo. 3 Bigger inside-out The 2026 ES is larger in every dimension—it's longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing model. More importantly, it has an extended wheelbase, which translates into significantly improved legroom and comfort, particularly for rear-seat passengers. This makes the ES more appealing for chauffeur-driven buyers, especially in markets like China and India where rear-seat comfort is a priority. 5 Suspension and drivability Beyond luxury, the new ES promises better driving dynamics. It now features all-wheel steering, which improves agility during tight maneuvers and stability at higher speeds. Additionally, a new multi-link rear suspension setup ensures a smoother ride and more precise handling. Whether you're driving the hybrid or the electric version, the ES now offers a blend of comfort and sportiness that hasn't been seen in previous models. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
