This is the Lexus LBX: completely new, very compact

• Very compact crossover
• Competitor for DS 3
• Hybrid, front or all-wheel drive only

Special? Certainly. Then we mainly talk about his position. After all, the Lexus LBX operates in a segment that is usually ignored by so-called premium brands. As a ‘premium B-segment crossover’, it really only finds the DS 3 in its path, and the Audi Q2 (which I forgot in the video …) which seems to be on its last legs. BMW and Mercedes have no offer in this class and even a Mini Countryman is actually a bit bigger as a Mini brother of the BMW X1. If we look at Lexus itself, the LBX is a big step below the UX. Compared to the most compact Lexus to date, the LBX is no less than 30.5 centimeters shorter.

By the way, LBX stands for ‘Lexus Breakthough Crossover’ and means that the smallest Lexus is the second ever with a three-letter type designation. The first was the already legendary supercar LFA. As with that car, there is no engine designation after the three letters, so there is only ‘LBX’ on the lid. Lexus also wants to show that this model has an exceptional place in the line-up and is different from other models of the brand.

More peace and power

If an engine designation had been chosen, it would have been ‘200h’. For the time being, the LBX is always a hybrid. It is equipped with the updated hybrid powertrain recently introduced in the Toyota Yaris, but in a once again finely honed form. An extra balance shaft should make the 1.5-liter three-cylinder run smoother, while an extra powerful battery provides more electrical support. That not only brings more peace, but also more power: 136 instead of 130 hp. It results in a 0-100 time of 9.2 seconds, which should be enough for this segment. The LBX is standard with a front-wheel drive, but there will also be a variant with four-wheel drive. It has an electric motor on the rear axle, but the power remains the same.

In addition to the powertrain, the GA-B platform is also shared with Toyota’s Yaris offering. It is on the same basis as the Toyota Yaris Cross, but is certainly not a copy. The Lexus LBX is 4.19 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.55 meters high, making it 2 centimeters longer, 6 centimeters wider and 5 centimeters lower than a Yaris Cross. Wheelbase and track width also grew, making the LBX a wider and more confident-looking model. That, together with the relatively long nose, is at the expense of the interior space. In the back it is very tight for adults and the luggage space is 332 litres, while a Yaris Cross can carry 397 litres. The LBX is also larger in this area than the UX Hybrid, which therefore has a particularly compact cargo hold.

Cleaned up and completed

The Lexus LBX was designed specifically for Europe. That means that we Europeans are meant to like it, and Lexus pulls out a tidy, fairly rounded body for that. The wheel arches are strongly accentuated by a plastic rim and the wheels themselves measure 17 or 18 inches. The LBX introduces some serious design news in a number of essential areas. For example, the continuous light bar has been designed in a different way and the traditionally rather striking ‘Spindle Grille’ is given a somewhat more subtle shape. The headlights are visually connected by a black strip and the actual grille starts lower in the nose.

New logo

The brand logo at the front is exceptionally on the bonnet. Interestingly, the emblem itself is also new, but Lexus does not waste any words on it. Special, because normally the slightest adjustment of a logo is sufficient for a lengthy press release. You can clearly see below that the logo on the nose is a bit flatter than the more traditional one used elsewhere, such as on the steering wheel. Furthermore, the ‘notches’ are missing at the top and right at the ‘L’. When we ask about it, there is no unequivocal answer from Lexus, but the Japanese do give the impression that we are going to see this more often.

Lexus logo on the nose.

Lexus logo on the steering wheel.

The interior deviates strongly here and there from what we are used to from Lexus. The dashboard is very sleek, the touchscreen that seems to lean against it is even very square. The screen is standard in the form shown and measures 9.8 inches. Naturally, digital instruments provide assistance, while things like a head-up display and – typically Lexus – Mark Levinson audio are available at extra cost. With a lower seat and a higher center tunnel, Lexus tries to create a cozy cockpit feeling, different and more special than in the Yaris Cross.

Not performances, but Atmospheres

How special the LBX feels exactly depends strongly on the chosen composition. In addition, there is – especially for Lexus standards – an unusual amount to choose from. Apart from a nameless basic version that is already very nice in the stuff, there are four versions that Lexus calls ‘Atmospheres’. The Elegant and Relax belong together and mainly focus on a luxurious, chic look, where the Relax has genuine leather and stands above the Elegant. The Emotion and the Cool relate to each other in the same way, but have a somewhat sportier look. An F-Sport is missing, as are other traditional Lexus versions. Each ‘Atmosphere’ has its own upholstery materials, finish and wheels. There is also a lot to choose from when it comes to paint colors. Lexus offers a total of nine shades, including a bright yellow, a red and a rather striking blue. In six of the nine colours, a Bi-Tone version is also available, with a black roof.

Bespoke

Those who still fail to put together the ultimate LBX can turn to what Lexus calls ‘Bespoke Build’. A Bespoke LBX has all the standard features that the brand supplies with other versions in option packages and offers a lot of choice when it comes to colors and materials. You can even choose the color and shape of the stitching on the door panels and there are different shades for the belts.

Lexus says it has developed the LBX especially for Europe. The ambitions are serious: in 2024, some 25,000 LBXs must have European license plates. For comparison: in 2022, Lexus sold a total of about 70,000 cars on our continent. The model will not be available in the United States, which is quite unusual for a car from the brand that even has ‘US’ in its name. Country of origin Japan will receive the LBX and it rolls off the production line there. Production will start at the end of this year, the market introduction will follow at the beginning of 2024. So please be patient, also for the prices.