LBX AWD?

Partridge · July 12

I had reason to look under the rear of my AWD LBX and, for the life of me I cannot identify any drive components to the rear wheels! I wasn't expecting a drive shaft, just some form of electric motor/s however there's nothing there! I'm wondering if it's an order mistake (I didn't expect badging) or my stupidity at not being g able to identify the drive components. Anyone able to put me out of my ignorance?

Partridge · July 12

Ignore my anxiety, there are tiny Denso hub motors on each side.

Ryan_sweden · July 15

A bit off topic but Lexus (Toyota too) have been a bit cheeky with their 'AWD' marketing. None of their Lexus or Toyota hybrid models are AWDs in the true sense, it's mostly on-demand AWD - and that's the very problem. I've seen videos of AWD RAV4s stuck in snow spinning their tyres like a 2WD - the rear motors never really kicked in or when they kicked in, it was too late. For Swedish winters, at least for me, this a no-go. I joined this forum as a potential buyer of the LBX but this is the very reason I struck the LBX and all Toyota 'AWD' hybrids off my list and went with something else.

Partridge · July 15

10 hours ago, Ryan_sweden said:

A bit off topic but Lexus (Toyota too) have been a bit cheeky with their 'AWD' marketing. None of their Lexus or Toyota hybrid models are AWDs in the true sense, it's mostly on-demand AWD - and that's the very problem. I've seen videos of AWD RAV4s stuck in snow spinning their tyres like a 2WD - the rear motors never really kicked in or when they kicked in, it was too late. For Swedish winters, at least for me, this a no-go. I joined this forum as a potential buyer of the LBX but this is the very reason I struck the LBX and all Toyota 'AWD' hybrids off my list and went with something else.

It very much depends on what you need, I drive on forest tracks and muddy access lanes so chose AWD. On my previous NXs it never got stuck but you needed to know to turn off the anti-skid and be very gentle on the throttle. Standard road tires quickly fill the tread on even wet grass and lose grip, I fit cross climates as snow is so rare in our winters.

Tel · July 16

AWD used to have only a very few conditions when it operated but the very latest AWD versions trigger into play on far more occasions.

Add Winter tyres & you can see why the Canadians love the Lexus NX despite the concerns aired above.

Many You Tube videos demonstrate the Toyota AWD System.

Tel

ColinBarber · July 16

On 7/12/2024 at 11:14 AM, Partridge said:

Ignore my anxiety, there are tiny Denso hub motors on each side.

Those are possibly the parking brake motors?

There is only a single rear drive motor.

Partridge · July 18

I see no single motor or drive linking both rear wheels.

stepppy · July 18

Just checked my NX and driveshafts definitely visible, but I think the NX has a more powerful motor than the LBX which may be the reason why.

I am sure someone with more knowledge than me will come along and confirm 😀

Partridge · July 18

Yes, my NXs were like that, I just can’t believe Lexus would charge me for AWD and then supply a standard FWD LBX!

stepppy · July 18

1 minute ago, Partridge said:

Yes, my NXs were like that, I just can’t believe Lexus would charge me for AWD and then supply a standard FWD LBX!

Have you deciphered your VIN as that should tell you whether it is AWD or not I believe.

NemesisUK · July 18

Create a free account on the Lexus.eu website and enter the VIN for a comprehensive build sheet for the car

https://www.lexus-tech.eu/

johnno · July 18

5 hours ago, Partridge said:

Yes, my NXs were like that, I just can’t believe Lexus would charge me for AWD and then supply a standard FWD LBX!

Just check height of the boot floor. Its significantly higher in AWD versions

Tel · July 19

Your V5 document should state you have AWD. the boot floor is relatively shallow, the independent rear suspension is entirely different & produces a better ride & the rear engine lies underneath.

You can monitor your AWD system graphically too & some members love this feature.

Tel

ColinBarber · July 19

4 hours ago, Tel said:

Your V5 document should state you have AWD. the boot floor is relatively shallow, the independent rear suspension is entirely different & produces a better ride & the rear engine lies underneath.

You can monitor your AWD system graphically too & some members love this feature.

Tel

@Tel are you able to post a picture of one of your rear wheels as Partridge did above? It's not the independent suspension that's in question, it is the lack of drive shaft that suggests it isn't an AWD model.

Tel · July 19

With the Trunk stripped you should see a 30mm Orange Rear Hybrid Cable disappearing under the boot floor.

Tel

Tel · July 19

Yes can see a 25 mm drive shaft on the rear of my car

I used a mirror to check as I Currently cannot bend well

Tel

Partridge · July 20

22 hours ago, Tel said:

With the Trunk stripped you should see a 30mm Orange Rear Hybrid Cable disappearing under the boot floor.

Tel

I'm only being curious and wanting to understand the way AWD is delivered, I'm sure it is there!

Yes, the boot floor is shallower.

No orange cable in truck floor, there's a black bound wire bundle to the left side. There are wires running to the centre hubs labeled "Denso", who make al sorts of hub motors.

My pictures above show no drive shafts to the rear wheels, so it can only be hub motors.

Tel · July 20

So it is not an AWD

Your Invoice should describe your purchase

Tel

stepppy · July 20

43 minutes ago, Tel said:

... Your Invoice should describe your purchase

Tel

Its interesting on my NX order form it does not mention AWD, so I queried that with my Dealer and they said for AWD it doesn't state anything, but front wheel drive models state FWD.

I think this is because the Gen 2 NX was initially released in AWD only and the FWD model was released later.

ColinBarber · July 20

1 hour ago, Partridge said:

My pictures above show no drive shafts to the rear wheels, so it can only be hub motors.

The LBX doesn’t have hub motors. It appears your vehicle is not AWD.

Partridge · July 20

40 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

The LBX doesn’t have hub motors. It appears your vehicle is not AWD.

I'm gong to go back to the dealer next week. I can't find a picture of what the rear axl and AWD motor system looks like, needless to say if they've supplied the wrong car I'm not going to be best pleased!

NemesisUK · July 20

37 minutes ago, Partridge said:

I'm gong to go back to the dealer next week. I can't find a picture of what the rear axl and AWD motor system looks like, needless to say if they've supplied the wrong car I'm not going to be best pleased!

Have you inputted your VIN on the website I linked above to get the build sheet for the car?

Partridge · July 20

1 minute ago, NemesisUK said:

Have you inputted your VIN on the website I linked above to get the build sheet for the car?

Can’t get it to work, won’t send a password reset email.

Partridge · July 20

I’m no engineering genius but have rebuilt car engines and changed clutches. The suspension on my LBX looks like a torsion bar system, lacks drive shafts and I can’t see a large electric motor. At present and without a picture of an AWD rear axle I’m prepared to give the car the benefit of my doubt but the odds seem to be that it’s an incorrect order.

Malc1 · July 20

It beggars belief that brand new modern cars are so complex that mystique surrounds actuality of AWD or not !
even the Main Dealer being confused …… it’s bonkers, totally bonkers 🥵

Malc