Review – Lexus LBX 35th Edition (2025) is party number!
Review of Lexus
No less than 35 years of Lexus in the Netherlands. That, of course, calls for a brief look back at how it all began for Lexus. Back to 1990. In that year, the Lexus LS 400 made its debut in the Netherlands. A luxurious limousine from an entirely new and ambitious brand from Japan, which set its sights on the absolute top class of the car market, think Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Hybrid Lexus LBX 35th Edition (2025) is a real party animal – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV
Lexus LS 400
Years of preparations preceded the introduction of the new LS 400. As early as 1983, the first meetings about the new flagship were held in the deepest secrecy. Internally, the project was known as “Flagship One” – or “Project F1. The objective was to develop the best car in the world. By creating an entirely new brand for the model, the Japanese avoided any association with established names. After thorough market research – out of 219 different options – the final choice fell on the name “Lexus.
In the LS segment, people are willing to pay a lot of money, but they are also conservative in their choices. They expect refinement, quality and the best performance from their car, but are not quick to make the choice to switch to another brand. The Lexus LS 400 embodies Japanese perfectionism. The Lexus LS is a great success after its market introduction and Lexus is officially on the map, worldwide. In the Netherlands, too, that is.
The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection
The brand’s slogan is: The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection. And that principle still holds true today. At Lexus, good is not good enough. It has to be perfect, or even better than perfect. In the models that follow the LS 400, Lexus raises the quality bar ever so slightly. And with success! Because Lexus still exists and is still kicking – so to speak – the shins of other well-known premium brands with its pursuit of perfection.
35th Edition models
As a tribute to Lexus’ brand values, Lexus Netherlands now introduces the 35th Edition models. According to the brand, these editions are a celebration of Lexus craftsmanship and combine everything Lexus stands for: beautiful design, reliability, luxurious comfort and the latest technology.
Lexus LBX 35th Edition
All 35th Edition versions are richly equipped and only temporarily available in limited editions. So is this Lexus LBX 35th Edition, which costs a minimum of 43,995 euros. Outside the Netherlands, this version is called the Vibrant Edition, but in the Netherlands Lexus has chosen the name 35th Edition, appropriate to Lexus’ anniversary year.
Features
This premium B-segment crossover stands out nicely as a 35th Edition, but what makes it special. Think 18-inch matte black alloy wheels, black front and rear spoilers, black window and door moldings and piano black inserts in the bumpers. The trim above the grille is finished in black chrome and the grille itself has a black coating, inspired by the high-performance LBX Morizo RR, a version that we are unfortunately not familiar with in Europe, but is in Japan. The LBX Morizo RR is an LBX with the powertrain of a GR Corolla. An LBX for enthusiasts, in other words.
Available in three colors
Three color options are available from the LBX 35th Edition: two-tone options that combine a Night Sky Black roof and window pillars with a body color in Emotional Red or Sonic Quartz, and a monotone Night Sky Black finish.
Interior Lexus LBX 35th Edition: the party piece!
In the interior, we detect black semi-aniline leather upholstery with contrasting Dark Rose finished side panels, shoulder panels, knee panels, center console and armrests in the front doors. Red double Tatami stitching on the seatbacks and Dark Rose seat belts complete the party. The whole thing looks atmospheric and premium.
The LBX 35th Edition also features an eight-position power-adjustable driver’s seat, ambient interior lighting with 64 different colors, a wireless charger, nanoe X air quality technology and shift paddles for “Shiftmatic” manual sequential gear selection.
Hybrid powertrain
The hybrid powertrain of the Lexus LBX has not been tinkered with, by the way. So you still get a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and bipolar nickel metal-hydride battery, good for a maximum output of 100 kW (136 hp). Count on an average fuel consumption of 1 on 20. A particularly fine powertrain that is right on target and operates quietly and neatly in the background. In fact, the LBX is surprisingly soundproofed so that you mainly experience peace on board this compact Japanese.
Conclusion review Lexus LBX 35th Edition
The Lexus LBX has been and remains somewhat the undiscovered gem in the B-SUV segment. It is neatly built, drives excellently, is economical, proves nice and quiet in real-world driving, and boasts an interior that some C- or D-segment cars envy. Okay, the LBX is not cheap, but you do get a 10-year factory warranty and the resale value of Lexus models is excellent. Above all, the LBX is a treat for yourself, especially as a 35th Edition. That interior … very cool!