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Editor’s Pick July 2025 | If Marie Kondo designed a car it would be like this
A tiny Lexus leaves a big impression, but is it enough to change perceptions of the brand?
Words by: Catherine King
Published on 3 July 2025 | 0 min read
Catherine King writes…
While I am a big fan of Japanese cars like my beloved Mazda MX-5 and the Suzuki Swift I lived with for six months, it’s fair to say I hadn’t really given Lexus much thought. It’s a brand I had previously overlooked assuming it was the preserve of silver-haired George Clooney types who like to hang out at the golf course. However, it turns out I was wrong.I was recently lucky enough to be invited to the famous 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race where I spotted two Lexus RC F race cars battling it out against Aston Martins, Porsches and Ferraris in the GT3 class. Despite neither Lexus making the podium, seeing them in this setting couldn’t have been further from the perception I had previously held.
Not long after my motorsport schooling I was invited to attend the launch of the recently updated all-electric Lexus RZ. You’ll have to wait a little longer before I can tell you what I thought of it, but I can share my experience of the car I borrowed for my drive home.
The LBX is the smallest car in the Lexus line-up aiming to attract younger buyers and more women to the brand. This makes me the target demographic, and I was suitably intrigued to try it out. Compact crossovers are usually not my thing, but to my eyes the slope of the LBX’s bonnet makes it more elegant than most. Inside, the cream interior of my test car was light and airy; it felt as though it has been decluttered by Marie Kondo and on first impressions the bijou Lexus was certainly sparking joy.
The LBX is the smallest car in the Lexus line-up aiming to attract younger buyers and more women to the brand. This makes me the target demographic, and I was suitably intrigued to try it out. Compact crossovers are usually not my thing, but to my eyes the slope of the LBX’s bonnet makes it more elegant than most. Inside, the cream interior of my test car was light and airy; it felt as though it has been decluttered by Marie Kondo and on first impressions the bijou Lexus was certainly sparking joy.
Out on the road I was pleased to discover the LBX is not just a pretty face. Lexus has leveraged Toyota’s experience with hybrid technology, and it shows. The LBX is smooth and relaxing to drive, capable of nearly 60mpg and it's also generously equipped. My car had a head-up display, heated front seats and all the safety equipment you’d expect. The only annoyance is Android Auto requires you to plug your phone in whereas Apple CarPlay is wirelessly compatible, but it’s a sacrifice I could live with.
Frankly, I am now completely sold on Lexus life. The little LBX is the car equivalent of the little black dress I have in my wardrobe: it’s versatile, classy and understated. You’d be forgiven for thinking I’ve been drinking the Lexus Kool-Aid, but look at the price and you'll hopefully agree my enthusiasm is justified. Given the level of refinement, the frugal hybrid engine and prestigious badge, the LBX offers a very reasonable package. If you configure a Ford Puma in ST-Line X trim and add optional extras like heated seats and blind spot monitoring it will cost about the same as the LBX Premium Plus I had on loan. However, the Ford isn’t half as plush as the little Lexus and I know which car I would rather buy. I think Lexus might be onto a winner.
Frankly, I am now completely sold on Lexus life. The little LBX is the car equivalent of the little black dress I have in my wardrobe: it’s versatile, classy and understated. You’d be forgiven for thinking I’ve been drinking the Lexus Kool-Aid, but look at the price and you'll hopefully agree my enthusiasm is justified. Given the level of refinement, the frugal hybrid engine and prestigious badge, the LBX offers a very reasonable package. If you configure a Ford Puma in ST-Line X trim and add optional extras like heated seats and blind spot monitoring it will cost about the same as the LBX Premium Plus I had on loan. However, the Ford isn’t half as plush as the little Lexus and I know which car I would rather buy. I think Lexus might be onto a winner.
