The basic version of the Lexus LBX is the cheapest Lexus in years – Back to Basics

Lexus LBX 2WD – €35,995

The Lexus LBX is a so-called B-segmenter and therefore the smallest Lexus model ever. Due to inflation and the significant price increases in recent years, it is not the cheapest Lexus ever, because the CT and even the IS were once considerably cheaper. In more recent times, however, this is indeed the cheapest Lexus, especially since the CT disappeared from the scene four years ago. For less than 36 grand you can get into a car from a truly premium brand, which in terms of drivetrain is also on par with a much more expensive LBX. This car has always been equipped with the same hybrid technology, which combines a 1.5-liter three-cylinder, a stepless transmission and an electric motor to produce a total of 136 hp. The basic technology is borrowed from the Toyota Yaris, but in the Lexus the engine is smoother and the electric motor is more powerful. Standard!

Well, and then that color. We can only be positive about it, because we have – scoop! – an LBX in this color recently entered the endurance test garage. However, that is not the basic version, which is simply called ‘Lexus LBX’. The ‘2WD’ provides some distinction from the four-wheel drive version, but the bare-bones LBX is secretly only available as 2WD. Together with the Business Line, this is the only LBX without the decoration that Lexus calls ‘Atmospheres’. The other versions are equipped with all kinds of sporty or luxurious decorations, but this is usually not very striking. The basic LBX and the Business Line are the only LBXs that have to make do with 17-inch wheels, the rest get a size larger. However, the simplest LBX does have a plain stainless steel window frame and therefore does not look ‘bare’. LED lighting also seems to be standard, but Lexus only mentions ‘full LED headlights’ for more expensive versions. This suggests that there are still some light bulbs incorporated into the standard light units, so pay close attention (LED?) to this when ordering.

Above the (almost) basic LBX, below a loaded Emotion version of 47 grand.

When examining the inside, we have a rather unique advantage during this edition of Back to Basics. At the unveiling of the LBX in Milan, the undersigned was able to view a fairly bare LBX, while we recently went out in the Netherlands with a fairly loaded Emotion with Advanced package. That car costs over 10,000 euros more than the basic version. If we place the dashboard of this Emotion next to that of the basic LBX, the first thing we notice is that photography really is a profession. Even apart from that, however, there are some differences to be seen. The simplest LBX, for example, has a dashboard made of simpler, harder materials, a simpler digital instrument cluster and other buttons on the steering wheel. This is because the Advanced package provides special steering wheel buttons that are multifunctional thanks to a switch function, but which cannot be found on the simpler versions. The ‘eye’ of the driver monitor (on the steering column) is missing in the top photo, as are the buttons for the automatic parking function placed below the screen. The simplest LBX does without electrically adjustable seats and without steering wheel and seat heating, so we do not see those functions in the infotainment screen. You will also continue to search for navigation. On the other hand: the 9.8-inch screen itself is standard, just like Android Auto, Apple Carplay and automatic climate control (1 zone). A reversing camera is always included and Lexus is certainly not childish when it comes to driving aids. For example, adaptive cruise control and active lane assistant are standard.

Differences that you do not learn from the price list: the window buttons of the simplest LBX (above) are less attractive than those of a more expensive copy.

Blind Spot Monitoring is not included, because that is included in the ‘Comfort & Safety package of €1,795. Anyone considering it will end up on a menu with no fewer than five different option packages. However, only two are available for the basic LBX: the aforementioned Comfort & Safety and a slightly less extensive Comfort Pack that is of course also cheaper. For just under €1,200 you get a rain sensor, electrically folding exterior mirrors, lumbar support for the driver’s seat, seat heating, extra USB ports and a wireless phone charger that is quite useless due to its shape and placement. The Comfort Pack is also recommended, because it makes the difference between a visibly bare car and one that is actually quite reasonably equipped. At €37,245, the Business Line is only 60 euros more expensive than a basic LBX with Comfort Pack, and supplements its equipment with parking sensors at the front.