New Lexus LBX Is A Small Luxury Crossover with 134 HP Hybrid Heart

Weeks after the initial teaser, the much-anticipated Lexus LBX has finally made its global debut. Stands for Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over, the LBX is the second-ever Lexus model to feature a three-letter name, with the first one being the iconic LFA sportscar.

2024 Lexus LBX -  second B-SUV to underpin the TNGA-B platform

The LBX shares the same TNGA-B platform as its low-market twin, the Toyota Yaris Cross (XP210), making it the second B-SUV ever to underpin this specific architecture. As a result, the LBX pretty much shares most of its underbones with the Yaris Cross, while boasting almost similar overall dimensions.

Speaking of dimensions, the LBX measures 4,190 MM long, 1,825 MM wide, 1,545 MM tall, with a wheelbase of 2,580 MM – making it the smallest Lexus model to date. Not only is the LBX smaller than the CT hatchback, but it is also lighter, only tipping the scale at 1,280 KG compared to the CT’s 1,420 KG kerb weight.

The LBX employs the same 1.5-litre 3-cyl hybrid powertrain as the Yaris Cross Hybrid

Aside from the underbone, the LBX also shares the same hybrid powertrain as the Yaris Cross Hybrid, featuring a 1.5-litre 3-cyl petrol engine that is mated to a rear-mounted electric motor, delivering a total system output of 134 HP and 185 NM. This setup enables the LBX to propel from nought to 100 KM/H in 9.2 seconds, while the beefy torque output grants this small SUV a maximum towing capacity of 750 KG.

All LBX variants are offered with the CVT gearbox as standard, while customers can opt for either the front-wheel drive (FWD) or the all-wheel drive (AWD) variants. Both variants get a MacPherson strut front suspension, with the former gets a torsion beam setup for the rear axle and the latter is offered with a double wishbone.

Visually, the LBX truly stands out as an upmarket version of the Yaris Cross, featuring striking front fascia with sharp LED headlights and sizable front grille. Interestingly, the car’s front hood is made of aluminium, while the wheel arches, rockers, and lower door sections are made of moulded resin – all helping in reducing the car’s weight.

The LBX rear profile is equally-stunning to the front, featuring width-spanning LED taillights

More than four wheel options offered to the LBX, all measuring at 18-inch

At the rear, the SUV gets stylish LED taillights that run across the car’s width, while the lower part of the rear bumper features faux air inserts. In spite of its petite figure, the LBX rides on sizable 18-inch wheels as standard, while customers are spoiled with a slew of wheel designs to choose from.

Things are not too shabby on board the LBX, as the cabin is laced with a bevy of tech equipment and amenities. Highlights include the big 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an optional head-up display (HUD), a smaller 9.8-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, as well as 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. 

Opting for the FWD variant will grant you a sizable 332-litre cargo space, while the AWD one will likely be less due to the extra hardware installed at the rear axle. Elsewhere, the LBX is fitted with extra insulation materials to improve the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) level, while customers can opt for a range of premium upholstery materials, ranging from Ultrasuede to semi-aniline leather, and even vegan-friendly ones.

The Lexus LBX sits below the UX crossover as Lexus’s brand-new entry-level model. And just like the TNGA-based Yaris Cross, the LBX is primarily developed not only for the Japanese market, but also for the European ones. Production of this new compact SUV is set to commence by the end of this year, with deliveries to the Japanese and selected European markets beginning in early 2024.