2024 Lexus LBX Crossover Teased Ahead of June 5th Debut

Lexus has caught the whole automotive world by surprise this week, as the luxury Japanese marque unveils new teaser images of a brand-new model in its line-up. Cordially named the Lexus LBX, little was known about this new model, but the ‘X’ prefix in its name suggests that it will be a crossover/SUV model.

The first of the two teaser images showcases the LBX’s front fascia design, featuring sharp LED headlights design with L-shaped DRLs inside them. The two headlights are connected by what seems to be a chrome trim that sits above the front grille, featuring hexagonal design like we’ve seen on the new Lexus RX.

Aside from the grille, the LBX is also shown to be draped in the same Sonic Copper colour as the RX.

Things are more vague in the second teaser image, as it only showcases the LBX’s illuminated rear LED taillights that span across the car’s width. Apart from that, we can only see the car’s flared-out rear profile, as well as the side mirrors design, as the rest of the details are engulfed in darkness.

TNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross

Currently, the Lexus UX stands as the smallest SUV offered by the brand, serving as its luxury B-segment SUV fighter against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1. With Motor1 suggesting that the LBX will be based on the Euro-spec Toyota Yaris Cross, it will probably sit below the UX as the marque’s smallest SUV model.

For reference, the TNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross measures 4,200 MM long, whereas the Lexus UX is almost 4,500 MM long.

Should the LBX be based on the Yaris Cross, it will underpin the same TNGA-B platform and share most of the mechanical parts with its low-market twin. This includes the hybrid powertrain comprising of a 1.5-litre 3-cyl mill and single electric motor that delivers 114 HP. Cordially, there should also be an all-wheel drive (AWD) version to go along with the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) option, mated to either a CVT or six-speed manual gearbox.

While these teaser images caught the whole industry by surprise, rumours about a new Lexus compact SUV model have been swirling around since the beginning of this decade. Back then, numerous reports suggested that this new compact SUV will go against the recently-axed Audi Q2 as one of the few super-compact SUVs available in the European market.

The 2024 Lexus LBX will make its debut on June 5 this year, taking place at a special event held in Milan, Italy. With its launching taking place in Europe, there’s a strong chance that the LBX will be a European-exclusive model, just like its alleged downmarket twin.