Lexus is known for its premium vehicles that combine luxury, performance, and reliability. But the brand is not afraid to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities. That’s why it has created the Lexus LBX, a compact crossover that breaks down the traditional luxury hierarchy and appeals to a younger, style-conscious audience.
The Lexus LBX stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, a name that reflects its innovative design and technology. It is the smallest Lexus yet, but it offers much more than you might expect from a car in its class. It is also the first Lexus model to be developed specifically for the European market, where it is expected to become a game-changer for the brand.
Now, we will look closer at the LBX and see what makes it so special. We will also compare it with some of its rivals in the same market category and field, such as the Audi Q2, the Range Rover Evoque, and the Volvo EX30. Let’s get started.
Design: Premium Casual Meets Dynamic Elegance
The LBX has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other Lexus models. It follows a “premium casual” theme that combines high quality with a casual feel. It has a muscular and sculpted body, with sharp creases and curves that create a dynamic impression. The front features the signature Lexus spindle grille, flanked by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights. The rear is sleek and sporty, with a roof spoiler, dual exhaust system, and LED taillights that wrap around the sides.
The LBX is also very compact, measuring 4,190 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,545 mm in height. It has a long wheelbase of 2,640 mm, which maximizes interior space and stability. It also has a wide track of 1,560 mm at the front and 1,570 mm at the rear, which enhances handling and agility. The LBX has a ground clearance of 160 mm, allowing it to easily tackle rough roads.
The LBX offers a range of exterior colors, including some exclusive ones such as Copper Brown and Lapis Lazuli. It also has various wheel options, from 16-inch to 18-inch, with different designs and finishes. The LBX can be further customized with the F Sport package, which adds a more aggressive front bumper, a mesh grille, a black roof, and sporty alloy wheels.
Interior: Refined Craftsmanship Meets Omotenashi Hospitality
The LBX may be small on the outside, but it is big on the inside. It has a spacious and comfortable cabin, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and the passengers. It also has a generous trunk capacity of 332 liters, which can be expanded to 1,031 liters by folding the rear seats.
The LBX has a high-quality interior, with nearly every surface covered in either leather or Ultrasuede. It has a minimalist and modern dashboard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. It also has a wireless charging pad, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. The LBX features the latest Lexus Safety System+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
The LBX also delivers the Lexus omotenashi hospitality, which means anticipating and fulfilling the needs and desires of the customers. It has electric door handles, which open the door with a gentle squeeze. Its smart entry and start system recognizes the driver and adjusts the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors accordingly. It also has a climate concierge, which automatically controls the air conditioning, the seat heating and cooling, and the steering wheel heating.
Performance: Efficient and Responsive Hybrid Powertrain
The LBX is powered by a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and a battery. It has a total system output of 134 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), which provides smooth and seamless acceleration. The LBX can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 9.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 109 mph.
Thanks to its hybrid system, the LBX is also very efficient and eco-friendly. It has a fuel consumption of 54.7 mpg and a CO2 emission of 120 g/km. It can also run on electric power alone for short distances, up to 31 mph. The LBX has a regenerative braking system, which recovers energy and charges the battery during deceleration.
The LBX is available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive versions have an additional electric motor on the rear axle, which improves traction and stability in slippery conditions. The LBX also has a drive mode selector, which allows the driver to choose from four modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV. Each mode adjusts the throttle response, the steering feel, and the suspension damping to suit different driving scenarios.