If Lexus wanted to impact and show its renewal, the LBX is undoubtedly the symbol. The brand, known and recognized throughout the world for its large premium sedans and its large, comfortable SUVs, is trying to make its way into a market where it was not expected at all: small urban vehicles.
Because yes, this LBX is the smallest Lexus ever produced. At 4.19 meters, it is shorter than the Lexus CT, launched in 2010 and sold more than 400,000 units in its 12-year career. An honorable performance, but one that inspired the brand to persist and highlight this high-margin small vehicle segment, in addition to its traditional activities.
And the final result of this reflection is convincing. Lexus built on parent company Toyota’s best-seller, the little Yaris Cross, to serve as the basis for its LBX (just as the CT came from the Corolla and the ES from the Camry). But this time it’s not a rebadged or slightly redesigned model, as Lexus has given it some real character.
The front, very “Lexus”, takes up the famous hammer-shaped grille that we also find on the Toyota Prius, with almond-shaped optics, a tall but contained stature (1.5m) and beautiful curves, reminiscent of the Opel Mokka. , the Ford Puma or even the new Smart aesthetic. A successful combination that attracts attention on the street, especially in this elegant “bassoon copper” color and black roof.
We like: A truly beautiful Lexus
Inside, the Lexus LBX is a truly beautiful Lexus…in miniature. Nice multifunction steering wheel, very comfortable seats (even the rear ones) in ivory leather, gray Alcantara with beautiful orange stitching that recalls the body color, quality lacquered plastics… the brand image is carefully respected while still adapting to a A more urban, more dynamic and perhaps younger identity. From the very careful digital screens, with a large quality central screen, to the impeccable connectivity, through the quality of the Mark Levinson audio with 13 speakers, without a doubt… we are facing a true Lexus concentrate, very chic, that you will not forget. to be modular and practical.
At the wheel we find all the qualities of the typical behavior of the Toyota Yaris Cross, both dynamic and economical. The drive chain is fully assumed, that is, a 3-cylinder, 1.5-liter thermal engine associated with a 33 kW electric battery and a continuously variable gearbox. With 136 horsepower, the power is comfortable with 185 Nm of torque, especially for a car that does not exceed 1.35 tons. The soft and adequate cushioning ensures really good ride comfort, a feat for such a small machine.
We also like: a very economical engine
This simple drive is therefore very pleasant to drive in the city, especially from an economical driving perspective, where the electric phases are quite frequent and can even extend over several hundred meters or even a kilometer depending on the conditions. of traffic and speed. A real little game that can be livened up by activating the EV Mode function that maximizes battery usage, especially at low speed. And finally we find a really very low consumption, with an average of 4.7L on a mixed route observed during the test, a very good result.
Even after a road test, which will not be its favorite terrain, the LBX reveals very good maneuverability and impeccable comfort conditions over long distances, even at the rear. Its propulsion system guarantees good acceleration, unlike Toyota’s first small hybrid models whose behavior on main roads was quite laborious. And in these traffic conditions consumption will not exceed 7L/100km, a truly remarkable score.
We like it less: unpleasant engine and small trunk.
An elegant small urban SUV… but not exempt from some defects inherent to its technical origins: Toyota’s hybrid propulsion system is still not a model of driving pleasure. Although it is still softer than its first versions, it is still noisy and thermally unfriendly, which makes driving outside the city a bit noisy. Also, be aware that the fuel gauge can be a little misleading on the highway, suddenly dropping at high speed to the end of the tank! Feel free to leave some leeway.
The audible warnings when reading signs, speeding or changing lanes are a bit irritating, but they can be turned off quite easily via the center console display. Finally, it is also worth highlighting a fairly small trunk, only 332 liters, enough for two large suitcases, but not extraordinary.
But at what price? A good deal at the best time.
But if this LBX is full of qualities, the main one remains… its release date! And Lexus can even bet on a real breakthrough, since the timing is ideal. In the premium urban SUV segment, the DS3 Crossback and the Audi Q2 are beginning to age, the Opel Mokka, despite all its qualities, struggles to find its audience… and, above all, its main competitor, the Mini (particularly the Countryman), is in the middle of a rather daring remodeling process, which leaves everyone very perplexed, including its clients.
Therefore, Lexus has a very favorable window of opportunity ahead to consolidate its LBX as the new favorite of exclusive neighborhoods, with the added advantage of a very good quality-price ratio (base price 34,300 euros).
Tested model: Lexus LBX Cool Pack Advanced two-tone
Prize: €46,300
Source: BFM TV
