Technology known from Toyota Yaris Cross, but noticeably a completely different car
In the first decade of this century, Lexus launched the CT 200h, with which the brand had a car in the compact middle class for the first time. With the LBX, the brand goes one size smaller. Is so much luxury in such a small car of added value?
LBX? That’s new, a Lexus with three letters?
Not entirely, because there was also the LFA supercar, but this new Lexus has little to do with that. Thanks to successful crossovers and compact SUVs, the elevated B segment is the fastest growing class in the car world. Lexus has decided that it wants to benefit from this and is therefore launching the compact LBX, a crossover on Toyota’s GA-B platform, which includes the Yaris Cross. If we look at the car’s drivetrain, we also see a hybrid system that is very reminiscent of the Yaris: a 1.5 three-cylinder engine with electric assistance. Yes, the system power of 136 hp is slightly more than that of the hybrid Yaris, but otherwise the impression is that this is just the well-known Toyota, with some Lexus logos. Yet it really turns out to be more of a car.
The Lexus LBX doesn’t look like the Yaris Cross.
What are those differences?
For starters, the car is bigger than the Toyota, while the rear overhang is smaller. This makes the car more stable on its wheels. This is also not exactly a converted Yaris in terms of looks, but a car with its own identity. This is also not a recognizable Lexus design, because for the first time in a long time the brand is abandoning its spindle grille and the car has a new Lexus face. It is not yet entirely clear to what extent Lexus will implement this new look on its future models, but the LBX is certainly setting its own course. We took a closer look at the car during the unveiling before the summer. Check out the video here.
Beautiful materials
But the same drive body in the LBX?
Indeed, it is always a hybrid, like almost every other Lexus on the market. We know the design from the aforementioned Yaris, but there is slightly more electric power, so that we now have 136 instead of 130 hp. The three-cylinder also received an extra balance shaft for more refinement. It is noticeable. In any case, the power is more than enough for Dutch use. The available torque in particular makes the car very smooth and probably very economical to drive in practice, which fits in with the relaxing character of the LBX. Comfort is the basic design of the car, although Lexus has clearly gone to great lengths to prevent body roll. There is no question of dynamics, but people who are looking for that will not easily walk into a Lexus dealer anyway. The car is also noticeably quieter than the Yaris Cross, which, like most Toyotas, has a lot of wind and tire noise. The difference in refinement is so great that another model would have fit in there. It’s like going from Skoda to Audi and skipping Volkswagen.
Here the front seats are very far forward, because it is a cramped car.
But he is small…
Indeed, space is extremely limited. Adults cannot properly sit in the back if the driver is also of normal size. Headroom is tight but survivable, but legroom is really frighteningly bad. The trunk is not too bad: with 332 liters you have more than in a Lexus UX, but less than in the aforementioned Yaris. On the inside we see a cockpit that is unparalleled in this segment. In any case, we get a remarkably short list if we write down all the premium B-segment crossovers. Audi is going to stop the Q2 and we still have the DS3. And it was! In any case, the LBX exceeds the mentioned models when we look at the interior quality. The finish and use of materials are of high quality, even in places that are not immediately noticeable. Moreover, no line or button is the same as in the Yaris Cross, which confirms that the Lexus is truly its own car.
How much does this Lexus LBX cost?
The starting price of 35,000 euros is not bizarrely high, especially because things such as the multimedia screen and the extensive driver assistance systems are standard. If you want it to be a bit nicer, you can quickly spend over 40,000 euros and that is a lot of money for a car of this size. Lexus is fully committed to personalization, with different paint color and two-tone options. There are different ‘atmospheres’ for the inside, which do not differ much in price and available options, but do differ in style. From suede to synthetic leather in different colors. There is of course a reason that there are few premium brands in this segment. People who are going to spend more money often also want ‘more’ car. Lexus is also full of confidence and thinks it can double its sales figures in the Netherlands with the LBX. According to the importer, current CT 200h drivers, among others, should dare to switch to an LBX. A ten-year warranty is of course a nice unique selling point to attract private buyers, so who knows, maybe that will provide the final push. The car can already be ordered and will be available at dealers in the new year.
Nice cockpit and no trace of Yaris here either
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl