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Compact crossovers

The Lexus LBX is Lexus’ answer to compact crossovers such as the Audi Q2, DS3 Crossback or Volvo EX30. A compact crossover, then, with a premium look and feel. The abbreviation LBX stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover. You can also fill in the abbreviation differently: Lexus B-segment Crossover. An all-electric Lexus LBX is not planned. At least, not yet. Never say never. The Lexus LBX does come as a hybrid. Indeed, under the skin, the LBX shares much technology with the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, such as the platform and powertrain.

Own character

Still, Lexus did tweak a lot of things to give the LBX its own character. For example, the chassis is very different from a Yaris Cross, and even the hybrid powertrain has some modifications. Will go into more detail in a moment. 

Prices Lexus LBX

You can read more about the equipment levels – which Lexus calls afmospheres – below in the article, but we’ll give you the prices in advance. Prices for the LBX start at 35,995 euros or 499 euros per month in private lease. Reservations can be made immediately and the first examples of the LBX will arrive in the Netherlands in early 2024.

All prices at a glance:

Equipment level	Price
LBX	35,995 euros
LBX Elegant	40,495 euros
LBX Elegant AWD	43,495 euros
LBX Relax	41,995 euros
LBX Relax AWD	44,995 euros
LBX Emotion	40,995 euros
LBX Emotion AWD	43,995 euros
LBX Cool	42,495 euros
LBX Cool AWD	45,495 euros.
LBX Original Edition	48,495 euros
LBX Original Edition AWD	51,495 euros

LEXUS LBX: all the details about this compact LEXUS – SNEAK PREVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Compact Lexus

The idea behind the LBX is to introduce more people to the world of Lexus. So with the model, the Japanese manufacturer hopes to appeal to new markets. There is a strong focus on Europe, although the model will also be sold in Australia, Japan and other markets where Lexus operates, with the exception of North America and China. For the first time, Europe is the world’s leading region for the development of a new Lexus model.

The use of a three-letter name is striking to say the least, as previously only the legendary LFA supercar had three letters. So Lexus has quite a bit of confidence in this LBX. 

Design Lexus LBX

The most important aspect of the LBX’s design is a front end that breaks the spindle grille – a design feature of the past decade – and ushers Lexus into a new era. Koichi Suga, General Manager Lexus Design, explains: “We have transformed the spindle grille to make way for a new design. We managed to create a new identity that is completely different from before and yet instantly recognizable as a Lexus.”

The A-pillar of the Lexus LBX is set far back. As a result, the hood is relatively long and the passenger compartment appears compact. Other features include short overhangs, 18-inch alloy wheels and strongly arched wheel arches. At the rear of the crossover, the roof spoiler, the placement of the license plate in the bumper, the written-out branding and a hefty LED strip stand out.

Dimensions Lexus LBX

The dimensions then. The new Lexus LBX is 4,190 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,545 mm high. The wheelbase comes out to 2,580 mm. Under the hood, we detect a narrow air vent connecting the slim headlight units.

The Lexus LBX is the first Lexus to use the GA-B platform, the small car global architecture platform. We already know this platform from the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross. Features include a low center of gravity, wide track widths, short overhangs and a very rigid body. Lexus further reinforced the bodywork here and there with gluing and welding techniques. Lexus further used lightweight materials. For example, the hood is aluminum and the wheel arches and lower door panels are made of cast resin.

What’s next? The Lexus LBX has suspension with McPherson struts at the front and a torsion axle at the rear. The Lexus LBX with all-wheel drive has a double-wishbone suspension in the rear. 

Hybrid powertrain Lexus LBX

Lexus supplies the LBX exclusively as a hybrid. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine – familiar from the Yaris Cross, among others – works together with an electric motor. System power is 100 kW (136 hp) and maximum torque 185 Nm. That’s 6 hp more than the Yaris Cross Hybrid 130. So a little more power for the LBX. Comes from different software and a different balance shaft.

The car’s new bipolar nickel metal hybrid (NiMH) battery is compact and light. The battery has fast power output. The LBX with E-Four all-wheel drive has an additional electric motor on the rear axle, but system power remains the same at 136 hp. On low-grip surfaces, the system automatically sends electric drive power to the rear wheels.

Interior Lexus LBX

The interior of the Lexus LBX offers a lot of luxury for this segment and has a high-quality finish. We detect almost only soft materials. The car has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting with 50 different colors and a hefty 9.8-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard. The infotainment system runs on Lexus Link Connect. This includes cloud-based navigation and route planning with real-time traffic information. Voice control can be activated by saying “Hey Lexus. Smartphones (Apple and Android) can act as digital keys (opening doors and starting the car). Updates take place over-the-air. An optional Mark Levinson Premium Sound System with thirteen speakers is available. With the Mark Levinson sound system, a subwoofer is integrated into the tailgate so that no luggage space is lost.

LBX versions, the so-called atmospheres

Lexus does not use equipment levels, but so-called “afmospheres. Of course, you also have a basic version. There are also the Emotion and Cool atmospheres that focus on sportiness and dynamism. The Elegant and Relax atmospheres represent refined luxury.

The Emotion and Cool models stand out with two-tone paint and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior is also sporty. For example, the seats and various trim elements of the LBX Emotion are upholstered in perforated synthetic leather with red accents and stitching in contrast color. The LBX Cool has upholstery in a combination of Ultrasuede and leather (black/dark gray with copper-colored stitching). Various finishing details are also done in copper color.

The LBX Elegant and Relax exude sophistication. In the LBX Elegant, the seats, door panels, dashboard and part of the center console are covered in synthetic leather in the subtle color of Forest Brown or Ammonite Sand. The LBX Relax takes the next step with semi-aniline leather (Saddle Tan or Black). Striking Tatami stitching adds a tasteful contrast.

Base model Lexus LBX

The LBX also comes in base trim, which already features the Lexus Safety System+. Like the LBX Emotion and Elegant, this model is available with a vegan, leather-free interior. Customers can also add their own touches with options such as the 12.3-inch Tazuna cockpit, a head-up display, Remote Parking, the digital key and Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, Panasonic nanoeTM-X air purification technology and a power tailgate.

Original Edition

The market launch also includes a special introductory version of the Lexus LBX: the Original Edition. It will be sold in a limited edition and, compared to an LBX Cool, offers the necessary extras. For example, it features matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, an aero package with black and chrome design details, a unique pattern for the C-pillar and black stitching in the interior. For the exterior, there is a choice of three Bi-tone color schemes: Sonic Grey, Cobalt Blue or Sonic Copper. All colors are combined with a contrasting black roof. By default, the LBX Original Edition already comes with the Advanced Pack.

Assistance and safety according to Lexus

Like every Lexus, the LBX features the Lexus Safety System+. This package includes Pre-Collision System with Turn Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing/Lane Keep Assist and Road Sign Assist (road sign recognition). Safe Exit Assist is also included. Here, the E-latch door opening system is coupled with the Blind Spot Monitor (blind spot assistant). Blind Spot Assist “sees” cyclists and other road users approaching from behind at the moment occupants want to open a door. A warning tone then sounds and the automatic opening of the doors is immediately stopped. In addition, the Lexus LBX features a driver monitor, which detects distraction or fatigue, intelligent parking sensors with auto-braking and Rear Cross Traffic alert. The Extended Safety package adds Front Cross Traffic Alert and a Panoramic View Monitor. The Lexus LBX can be parked automatically via a smartphone.

The new Lexus LBX will go into production in late 2023. The first examples of the LBX will arrive in the Netherlands in early 2024.

Key specifications Lexus LBX

• Dimensions: 4,190 mm (length) x 1,825 mm (width) x 1,545 mm (height)
• Weight: 1280 kg.
• Cargo area: 332 liters
• Towing weight braked: 750 kg
• Engine: 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine
• Transmission: electronic continuously variable transmission
• Total system power: 100 kW / 136 hp and 185 Nm (also applies to AWD)
• Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 9.2 sec
• Turning radius: 10.4 m