The Japanese luxury car brand, which has been in the NZ market since 1991, has never been more covetable and, as timing would have it, more affordable with a starting price tag of $58,900. The new Lexus LBX hit the market at the same time Cowboy Carter became the ultimate road trip playlist. The connection doesn’t start and finish with Texas Hold ‘em; Lexus was a sponsor of the Renaissance tour which wrapped last year.

The LBX was designed to break down the hierarchy of luxury in motoring, in a similar way to fashion, and, as Lexus NZ Vice President Andrew Davis told guests at the launch event, is a new direction for the brand. Andrew used the analogy of designer sneakers, which was Akio Toyoda’s (global chairperson of Lexus and the grandson of the founder of the brand along with parent company Toyota) inspiration for the LBX. As Andrew tells it, Akio’s interest in this type of entry level luxe targeted to affluent millennials fuelled the inception of the LBX, and many of its personalised features.

Closer to home, Lexus launched the LBX to New Zealand media with the help of their long-standing ambassador Karen Walker. The designer, whose business also offers entry level luxury through to expensive keepsakes, was a consummate host, and incredibly well-versed in her passion for the brand. She drives a Lexus NX hybrid, and while admitting she rarely gets out of Ponsonby where she lives and works, said she only needs to fill it every 10 weeks or so.

Ensemble's Rebecca Wadey (in her Karen Walker x Lexus sunglasses) with Lexus ambassador Karen Walker at Te Arai Links

Another example of Walker and Lexus’ exceptional hosting skills? Before setting off in the LBX we are all gifted a pair of limited edition Karen Walker x Lexus driving sunglasses, which really did feel like the ultimate, personalised accessory for these beautiful vehicles.

I drove a Lexus for a couple of years back in the mid-2000s, back when I had young children and a relative who was in the midst of upgrading theirs lent it to me. I’ve coveted owning one ever since, as I’ve never felt the same sense of effortlessness and luxe behind the wheel of another brand. I’d wondered if this sense of luxury would be diluted with this ‘entry’ model but nope, Lexus has still got it.

The range is divided into ‘moods’ rather than grades, each with their own personalised touches to suit individual owners. The three ‘moods’ (styles of LBX) are Relax, Cool and Active, and I drove all three over the course of an overnight roadie to the incredible Te Arai Links.

The Lexus LBX parked up at Te Arai Links. Photo / supplied

The ‘Relax’ and ‘Cool’ moods were my favourite as both include a head up display (in which the current speed limit - which adjusts as you drive, including for roadworks - and your current speed are displayed on the windscreen in front of you) which I find one of the most convenient and helpful features of modern life. The LBX is definitely smaller than my dream car, the fully electric RZ SUV, but at less than half the price something has to give, and if that something is my two 6ft teenagers and golden retriever, I’m okay with that. Plus, I sat in the backseat on the way home and it was plenty roomy enough for my 5ft 4” frame.

Lexus has the advantage with its hybrid technology and their hybrid electric cars boast only the absolute best in latest technology and battery power. It’s estimated that you’ll spend approx. 50% of your drive time in electric mode, and indeed in the 100km or so we drove each way we barely made a dent in the gas tank, leaving the LBX to seamlessly switch over to drive full electric at any given time, providing a feeling of smugness like no other.

As with anything Lexus-related, my overnight getaway was filled with personal touches of luxury that ticked off all three car personality types - from a very cool panel discussion between Karen Walker and Andrew Davis to relaxing by a beachside fire pit, and an active sunrise beach yoga session. It was an inspiring trip with a brand that’s on a great journey.

Sunrise yoga at Te Arai Links. Photo / Supplied

Internationally, Lexus has just released a tribute to our queen, a Lexus belt buckle replete with “32 diamonds to pay homage to the 32 Grammys that Beyoncé has collected over the years”, modelled after a Lexus vehicle grille and seat belt buckle. If this is outside your price range, or perhaps diamonds just aren’t your vibe, in the spirit of LBX’s vision of attainable luxury Lexus NZ has the perfect local offering, by way of a collaboration with Karen Walker sunglasses that honestly suit everyone. You’ll have to go to your local Lexus dealer to buy them, and while there, may I suggest you book a test drive. You won’t be disappointed.

Pricing for the new LBX is below and includes all of the Lexus ownership benefits.