After a decade on the market, Lexus has officially announced that the RC and RC F models will be discontinued at the end of the 2025 model year. Having sold over 90,000 units across 62 countries and regions, these iconic luxury coupes will bow out in style, offering enthusiasts one final chance to experience their exhilarating performance and unparalleled elegance.
2025 Lexus RC
The 2025 Lexus RC lineup, featuring minor updates, and the RC F, offered exclusively as a mono-spec Final Edition, are expected to arrive in dealerships early this year. These models reflect Lexus’s commitment to crafting precision-engineered luxury with performance and sophistication.
Lexus secara rasmi memperkenalkan sedan ES facelift di China, menampilkan reka bentuk yang diperbaharui, lampu terkini, dan sistem infotainmen yang lebih maju. Penambahbaikan ini mengekalkan daya tarikan premium sedan sambil menggabungkan teknologi terkini dan elemen penggayaan baharu dari Lexus.
Peningkatan Rekaan Luaran
Penyegaran terbesar pada ES terletak pada bahagian hadapan:
Gril spindle baharu kini menggunakan selat mendatar, menggantikan reka bentuk menegak sebelum ini, mencipta rupa yang lebih moden.
Lexus has officially unveiled the facelifted ES sedan in China, showcasing a refreshed design, updated lighting elements, and a more advanced infotainment system. The updates enhance the sedan’s premium appeal while incorporating the latest technology and styling cues from the brand.
Exterior Enhancements
The most noticeable changes to the ES sedan are at the front, where the signature spindle grille now features horizontal slats, replacing the previous vertical design. The headlight internals have been reworked, incorporating double L-shaped daytime running lights for a sharper look, while larger faux side air intakes add a touch of aggressiveness.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has reported impressive sales figures for July 2024, with over 9,000 units sold, pushing the year-to-date total to more than 55,800 units. This surge in sales highlights the company’s strategic focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, driving successful initiatives and promotions.
In line with its growth strategy, UMWT recently expanded its Lexus lineup with the launch of two new models. The Lexus RZ 450e, the brand’s first fully dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the Lexus LBX, a new self-charging hybrid SUV aimed at the entry-level segment, reflect Lexus Malaysia’s commitment to a diverse electrification strategy. The ‘More than Electric’ campaign underscores their dedication to offering both hybrid and fully electric vehicles while redefining luxury with sustainability in mind.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, UMWT has launched the “Discover Merdeka Exclusives” promotion for August 2024. This initiative includes savings of up to RM8,000 on the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric, with monthly instalments starting from RM1,058. Additionally, the Toyota Service Savers program offers convenient monthly instalments starting from just RM31.
Lexus has arguably come to define the essence of Japanese automotive luxury. Though there are others such as Infiniti and Acura, but after all these years, one could argue that these brands have been relegated to the status of bystanders as Lexus reaches for the sky.
Through decades of obsession for the finer things in the automotive world, Lexus has carved out a niche for itself. The Japanese marque has become synonymous with refinement, quality and reliability. In fact, it is said that one is better off buying a Lexus than some of its German counterparts.
And we agree, to an extent.
Sadly, Malaysians are still obsessed with brands and badges, and many would still buy a continental car that offered lesser for a lot more money just for the badge on the bonnet and on the boot.
The Lexus NX and RX are among the most popular in the Malaysian line-up, as well as the UX, which is the smallest model. However, the UX has been discontinued and has since been replaced by the LBX.
The Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, which is what LBX stands for, is slightly smaller than the UX. But it hides its size rather well because you really won’t be able to tell until you step inside.
There is no denying that the LBX is a great looking car. And it is only the second car in Lexus’ history to have three alphabets in its name, the first being the legendary LFA. Yes, that same LFA whose exhausts can shatter glass at full flight, in a lab at least.
Lexus says the fact that the LBX also has three characters in its name, means that it is a big deal for the company. It is an important model that wants to attract a younger audience to the brand.
I agree that the LBX is unlike any other Lexus, particularly in size. But I am also a little disappointed with it, and I am a huge self-proclaimed fan of Lexus and everything that the company stands for.
But before we get to that, let’s start off on a high note first. The design, as mentioned, is one of its biggest strengths. It showcases the next chapter in the Lexus design language, and you see that with the total omission of the Lexus spindle grille.
That iconic grille which was first introduced about a decade ago has morphed into the body of the car, and Lexus now calls it the spindle body. However, that’s only true for the NX and the RX.
In a seven-page product description, Lexus says the LBX has a new frontal arrangement that ‘breaks’ the spindle grille. Instead, the spindle grille has been deconstructed, giving the LBX an all-new frontal identity.
The grille, though still very much recognisable, now has a narrow silver aperture that runs beneath the edge of the bonnet and connects the two slim LED bi-functional headlights.
This design may seem basic and unassuming, but with all things Lexus, it all has a purpose. The design draws on the heritage of the brand’s ‘Resolute Look’, which was first seen in the LF-S concept car of 2003, and later became a signature style of Lexus production models of the early 2000s. So, consider that humble silver line a ‘throwback’ of sorts.
From the side, you will notice that the car sits rather tall but has short front and rear overhangs. This makes the 18-inch wheels seem bigger than they actually are and gives the car a muscular stance. And if you are wondering why Lexus chose to use the word Crossover in its name (denoted by the X in LBX), the side profile is the answer to that.
The rear has an LED light strip that looks like it has been inspired by the Aston Martin DBX. But Lexus says the rear was inspired by a traditional Japanese rice cake called Kagami-Mochi.
Offered during the New Year, the rice cake is made of two discs – a small one set on top of a larger one. So how is this relevant to the LBX? Well, the rear of the car has a balance of shapes that is reflected in the car’s compact cabin positioned above a powerful underbody, like the two discs of the rice cake.
Whether you see the resemblance or not, the rear of the LBX is simple and elegant.
The LBX rides on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross, so from that alone you should be able to make out its overall size.
The interior is a different ball game altogether. It is still very much in line with the general Lexus design direction, but taller drivers and those who have high expectations of the brand may be left disappointed.
But as mentioned at the beginning, we will focus on the highs for now. The quality of the interior is again typically Lexus, and everything feels well-built and you can feel that a lot of thought has gone in to ensure the interior feels and looks good.
Lexus’s unique Tazuna concept is also carried on with the interior of the LBX. The Japanese word translates to ‘reins of a horse’, and that is what Lexus envisions the driver’s area to be. Just as how riding a horse needs minute adjustments to the reins, and so driving a car requires fine adjustments as well. And that is why the car’s controls such as the gear lever, meter panel, infotainment screen and digital meter panel are no more than a short stretch or a glance away.
The LBX is also the first Lexus to have its infotainment screen mounted vertically, and the 9.8-inch screen offers intuitive controls together with features like wireless Carplay and Android Auto.
The electronically operated gear lever is the same as the one in the RX and you will notice some shared buttons as well.
The top-of-the-line Luxury variant also gets a few features that are unique to it such as a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display while the Premium version makes do with a seven-inch display.
The sound system is different too, while the Premium variant makes do with a six-speaker sound system, the Luxury variant gets a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
But besides that, the two variants offer a well-built interior with Tsuyasumi charcoal trim ornamentation around the cabin.
The seats are brilliant too but lack proper thigh support, which taller drivers might find uncomfortable, just as I did on a drive to Janda Baik.
Then there is the way it drives, and this is where the high notes end. Lexus says the LBX is meant to appeal to a younger audience, having been young once and now sitting at the fine line between young and not so young, I can vividly remember being impressed with cars that had well over 200hp.
The LBX is powered by a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder hybrid engine making 136hp and 185Nm of torque, all of which is transferred to the wheels via a CVT transmission. Those figures are hardly impressive especially for that price range because at between RM240,000 to RM270,000, the LBX can count the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the likes of that as direct competitors.
I am aware that the retail price of the two Germans is higher, but there are also some dealer discounts which will let you have a BMW 330i at around the same price as the top-of-the-line LBX.
But though the power figures are far from impressive, its efficiency levels are extraordinary. We saw a fuel consumption figure of close to 28km per litre during our drive, and that means the LBX has a theoretical range of about 1000km. It would be difficult to achieve that, but even if you can reach 800km, that by itself is quite a feat already.
And that has made me wonder whether Lexus has got its target market all wrong. While youngsters are wild blooded and would like a grand mix of power and extravagant design, the elderly particularly those whose young have left the nest and are left by themselves might just appreciate the LBX.
Its size may be small, and youngsters may not like how cramped the rear seats are, and those with a young family may not appreciate the lack of rear air-conditioning vents. But retirees would rarely use the rear seats, and they would like how manageable the size of the car is. It just makes parking and negotiating traffic a breeze, which I hear is an important consideration among my elders.
It is also a comfortable car to drive, with the suspension doing a fantastic job at detaching the cabin from the road underneath, resulting in refinement levels that Lexus is so well known for. And that is something the young may not understand, but I am quite sure those above 50 would value.
Having said that, there are a lot of things about the LBX I like, particularly the quality, refinement and the design. But it is not a cheap car, which is normal for Lexus, but not one of this size. And there in lays the problem for Lexus, rich parents looking to buy a car for their children may think that a more glamorous badge such as BMW or a Mercedes-Benz may help the social standing of their kids. And that is why I truly believe that Lexus should instead focus on those with a fat bank account and don’t care about power, that segment may just appreciate everything the LBX has to offer. I know I would, but I still believe I am young.
Lexus Malaysia telah melancarkan model baharu Lexus RZ 450e Luxury, kenderaan elektrik bateri (BEV) pertama yang tersedia secara global dari jenama tersebut. Ini adalah langkah penting dalam perjalanan elektrifikasi Lexus, yang bertujuan untuk mencapai 100% BEV di seluruh dunia menjelang 2035.
Lexus Malaysia has made a bold entrance into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the all-new, all-electric Lexus RZ 450e Luxury. This model represents Lexus’ first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle (BEV), merging sustainability with personalised Luxury and exceptional craftsmanship.
As the first BEV developed from the start to be fully electric, the Lexus RZ draws on the brand’s long experience in electrified mobility. The new model aligns with the global Lexus electrification journey, which is contributing to a carbon-neutral society by aiming to offer 100% BEVs globally by 2035. Lexus’ “More Than Electric” emphasises this promise, setting the precedence for a range of Luxury EVs and HEVs from the brand that will make a positive impact on the planet and society.
Lexus LM telah menetapkan dirinya sebagai simbol kemewahan dalam segmennya sejak diperkenalkan pada tahun 2019. Dipanggil sebagai ‘Penggerak Mewah’, ia dengan cepat menarik perhatian pengguna yang berminat dengan kenderaan yang tidak hanya menawarkan pengangkutan kelas atas tetapi juga keselesaan dan kemewahan yang lengkap.
Setelah dilancarkan di China dan pelbagai pasaran Asia Timur, termasuk Malaysia, Lexus LM berhasil menggabungkan kemewahan limosin dengan keselesaan MPV, mencipta gambar mewah yang disegani untuk jenama premium Lexus.
Daya tarikan utama Lexus LM terletak pada reka bentuknya yang menarik dan ciri-ciri canggihnya, yang mencerminkan filosofi Lexus tentang layanan pelanggan terbaik. Dengan fokus pada keselesaan dan kesejahteraan penumpang, Lexus LM memenuhi keperluan individu yang menghargai kenderaan atas yang sesuai dengan gaya hidup dan mobiliti mereka.
Sejak dilancarkan, MPV mewah ini telah mencatatkan jualan yang mengagumkan, dengan lebih dari 16,000 unit terjual di seluruh dunia, termasuk 2,788 unit di Asia Timur dan 32 unit di Malaysia. Dengan pengenalan model baharu di Malaysia, dijangkakan angka jualan akan meningkat lagi.
Lexus LM baharu tersedia dalam dua varian di Malaysia, yang sesuai untuk memenuhi pelbagai keperluan pelanggan sambil meningkatkan pengalaman mewah pemandu. Pelanggan boleh memilih antara Lexus LM500 empat tempat duduk atau LM350h tujuh tempat duduk.
Kedua-dua varian ini menampilkan sistem kuasa elektrik hibrid untuk memastikan pemanduan yang lancar dengan prestasi yang hebat dan kecekapan bahan api yang tinggi. LM500h dilengkapi dengan enjin petrol Turbo Hibrid 2.4L, 4 silinder dengan Direct 4 All-Wheel Drive yang mengeluarkan 371hp dan 460Nm tork, sementara LM350h dilengkapi dengan enjin Hibrid penuh 2.5L, 4 silinder, memberikan keseimbangan sempurna antara prestasi dan kecekapan bahan api.
Lexus LM baharu menonjol dengan perincian reka bentuk luaran yang teliti, termasuk gril hadapan ‘Spindle Body’ yang direka semula dan Roda Aluminium Multi-Spoke Mesh 19-inci yang menarik. Ia ditawarkan dalam empat warna luaran: Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, dan Sonic Agate.
Di dalam, penumpang disambut dengan kemewahan dan keselesaan, dikelilingi oleh bahan premium. Kabin yang tenang dengan reka bentuk minimalis memastikan pengalaman perjalanan yang santai dan eksklusif.
Pelbagai kemudahan dalaman termasuk thermistor terbina dalam untuk stereng, bumbung kaca dengan pelindung matahari dan panel operasi individu untuk penumpang belakang. Varian LM500 menawarkan Paparan Ultrawide 48-inci yang menghadirkan pengalaman visual yang luar biasa.
Harga untuk Lexus LM350h dan Lexus LM500h baharu masing-masing bermula dari RM1,228,000 dan RM1,468,000.
Ever since its grand entrance into the automotive scene in 2019, the Lexus LM has been the epitome of luxury mobility, setting the gold standard in its class. Branded as the ‘Luxury Mover’, the first-generation Lexus LM resonated deeply with discerning consumers seeking a vehicle that not only offered elevated transportation but also embodied comfort and luxury at its finest.
The Lexus LM made its mark upon release in China and several East Asian markets, including Malaysia. Combining flagship limousine qualities with the spaciousness of an MPV, it exemplifies Lexus’s premium luxury brand image.
The Lexus LM’s appeal lies in its design and sophisticated features, extending Lexus’ Omotenashi hospitality principles. Focused on impeccable comfort and passengers’ well-being, it sets a high bar for customers seeking class-leading vehicles to meet lifestyle and mobility needs.
Since its debut, the luxury MPV has achieved impressive sales, with 16,114 units sold globally, including 2,788 units in the East Asian region and 32 units in Malaysia. With the launch of the new flagship model in Malaysia, these numbers are expected to rise.
The new Lexus LM, available in two variants in Malaysia, caters to customers’ needs while enhancing the chauffeured luxury experience. Customers can choose between the four-seater Lexus LM500 or the seven-seater LM350h.
Both variants feature self-charging hybrid electric powertrains, ensuring quiet operation and refined driving performance with high efficiency. The LM500h features a 2.4L, 4-cylinder in-line Turbo Hybrid petrol engine with Direct 4 All-Wheel Drive, delivering 371hp and 460Nm of torque, coupled with impressive fuel economy. Meanwhile, the LM350h comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L, 4-cylinder in-line full Hybrid engine, delivering power to the front wheels and striking a balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency.
The new Lexus LM exhibits a bold presence with attention to detail in its exterior design. Standout features include a redesigned frontal appearance with a new Spindle Body grille and 19-inch Multi-Spoke Mesh Aluminium Wheels. It is available in four exterior colours: Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, and Sonic Agate.
Inside, the Lexus LM offers comfort and opulence, with premium materials and thoughtful appointments. The cabin provides a modern, serene environment with minimalist aesthetics, allowing occupants to utilise the space as a living area or mobile office.
Additional interior features include a built-in thermistor for the steering wheel, an independent glass roof with integrated sunshade, and individual multi-operation panels for rear passengers. The LM500 variant features a 48-inch Ultrawide Display with dual-screen functionality.
The new Lexus LM350h and Lexus LM500h are priced from RM1,228,000 and RM1,468,000, respectively, reaffirming Lexus’s commitment to delivering excellence in luxury mobility.
Pada Februari, Toyota Motor menghadapi penurunan 7% dalam jualan global berbanding tempoh yang sama tahun lepas. Sebab utama di sebalik penurunan ini ialah penurunan ketara dalam jualan di China, pasaran kereta terbesar di dunia, di mana jualan jatuh sebanyak 36%. Faktor yang menyumbang kepada penurunan ini termasuk masa cuti Tahun Baru Lunar dan persaingan tegang dalam pasaran yang membawa kepada perang harga.
Walaupun menghadapi kesukaran di China, Toyota mengalami peningkatan sebanyak 16% dalam jualan A.S. dan kenaikan 14% dalam jualan Eropah untuk Februari. Bagaimanapun, jualan domestik di Jepun merosot sebanyak satu pertiga disebabkan pemberhentian pengeluaran di Daihatsu, unit kereta kecil Toyota, yang turut menghadapi kerosakan pada reputasinya daripada skandal ujian keselamatan yang dilaporkan hampir setahun lalu.
