Month 1 – Specs
Life with a Lexus LBX: Month 1
Welcoming the LBX to the fleet – 12 June 2024
LBX: A Breakthrough Compact Crossover from Lexus
Lexus has high hopes for the LBX, its newest compact crossover, as it aims to boost sales growth in the UK market. The LBX is positioned as Lexus’s smallest car yet and is expected to become its best-selling model, attracting new and younger customers to the brand. Despite some skepticism that the LBX is just a badge-engineered version of the Toyota Yaris Cross with a higher price tag, there are significant differences that set the LBX apart.
Distinctive Design and Features
While the LBX shares the same TNGA-B architecture and hybrid powertrain with the Yaris Cross, it offers unique styling and features. The LBX is longer, lower, and wider than its Toyota counterpart, with optimized ride and handling. The Premium Plus Design trim, which sits fourth in a lineup of seven trims, offers ample equipment for its price of £35,595. It comes with 18-inch wheels, a head-up display, blind-spot monitoring, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and a powered tailgate. The range-topping LBX adds fancier 18-inch alloys and a high-end Mark Levinson speaker system.
Efficient Hybrid Powertrain
The LBX is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering a combined 134bhp. It can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 9.2 seconds and achieves an impressive fuel economy of 61.4mpg. However, it’s worth noting that Lexus has chosen not to offer plug-in hybrid or fully electric variants of the LBX, despite the growing popularity of electric cars. This decision is not expected to hinder the LBX’s potential success, as Lexus anticipates it will account for a significant portion of its total UK sales.
Practicality and Comfort
Although the LBX is a compact car, it offers surprising practicality. The backseat provides ample headroom, as confirmed by a photographer who tested it. The 402-liter boot space is only three liters less than that of the rival Audi Q2, and it is well-designed to maximize storage capacity. The interior of the LBX exudes a premium feel, with comfortable seats, a large touchscreen, and high-quality finishes. However, some may find the black interior to be uninspiring, although an alternative cream finish is available.
Driving Experience and Adaptation
The LBX uses the Toyota group’s e-CVT transmission, which has received mixed reviews in the past. However, the LBX’s implementation of the e-CVT seems to surpass expectations. While there is still a noticeable engine noise when pushed hard, the overall driving experience has been positive. As the reviewer gains more miles behind the wheel, they will gauge how well they adapt to the LBX’s performance.
Conclusion: The Potential Breakthrough Model
The Lexus LBX has the potential to be a breakthrough model for the brand in the UK market. Its unique design, features, and optimized ride and handling set it apart from its Toyota counterpart. Despite not offering plug-in hybrid or fully electric options, Lexus expects the LBX to attract new customers and become its top-selling model. With its practicality, premium interior, and positive driving experience, the LBX aims to challenge the status quo and redefine what a small car can offer.