The Lexus LBX, the brand’s new access model that replaces the CT-200h, is a crossover that uses the same platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross, and is available with a single engine: 1.5 with 136 hp
Lexus LBX. This is the name of the new access model of the premium brand Lexus, a small SUV with a hybrid engine and whose initials correspond to Lexus Breakthrough Crossover. It should be noted that until the appearance of the new LBX, three letters had not been used as nomenclature, except in the case of the LFA supercar.
This new Lexus is by no means a miniature UX or NX; on the contrary, it has its own personality. With a length of 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase), a width of 1,825mm (that’s quite wide really) and a height of 1,545mm, the LBX 2023 is based on the GA-B global architecture platform, the same one on which which sits the Toyota Yaris Cross.
But neither can the Lexus LBX be considered a premium version of its cousin the Yaris Cross. No, this small crossover, as we said lines above, has its own character and personality.
What’s more, in fact, it launches the new design language that we will see in the next Lexus. Called ‘Resolute Look’, this new identity is a reinterpretation, an evolution of the already famous double arrowhead grille. And the truth is that this new design language brings strength, but also lightness to the front.
“We have deconstructed the double arrowhead grille to make room for a new design. We have managed to create a front end with a new identity that is completely different from the previous one, and yet still instantly identifiable as a Lexus,” says Koichi Suga, Lexus Design General Manager.
Seen in profile, the new LBX stands out for its line halfway between an SUV and a compact, with short overhangs and on which its powerful 18-inch wheels feel great. Altogether, it is a well-proportioned model.
The low height of the heels (285 mm) is striking, so that the vehicle is closer to the road and the driver has a better vision behind the wheel.
The rear, for its part, also has its own particular style, moving away from the canons of current Lexus models, as the license plate area has been moved down to the rear bumper, giving more prominence to the Lexus letters. at the gate.
refined interior
The interior of the new LBX does have the essence of Lexus in every way, since it is based on the Lexus Tazuna concept, which we already saw in the new NX and which places the main controls and sources of information around the driver, with in order to reduce the movements of the eyes and hands of the driver and thus avoid distractions.
In this sense, the driving position is sober, it has the essentials, but it is finely finished, and top quality materials have been used. In this sense, the digital instrumentation stands out with a 12.3” screen and that premieres the LBX 2023.
Likewise, the Lexus LBX has a 9.8-inch screen for the infotainment system, equipped with the latest Lexus Link Connect system. In addition, it incorporates the ‘Hey Lexus’ on-board assistant that responds to voice commands from the driver or front passenger.
Without forgetting that the Lexus LBX is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto and that software updates are carried out through the cloud (OTA; Over The Air).
It should be noted in the passenger compartment section that the LBX can be mounted as a color head-up display option.
Although the driving position is comfortable and you feel like in any other Lexus -with the well-known Omotenashi spirit-, the truth is that in the rear seats -only suitable for two adults- the legroom for an adult of 1.83 m –as is the case of the person who signs these lines– is somewhat fair.
The trunk of the LBX 2023, for its part, holds 332 liters, although, as indicated in Lexus, for those front-wheel drive versions, “enough to carry two 75-liter suitcases.”
The figure for the trunk volume of the LBX with all-wheel drive has not yet been communicated.
A single 136 CV hybrid mechanics
The new Lexus LBX, which is a hybrid car, is available with only one engine: the 1.5 three-cylinder with 136 hp and a maximum torque of 185 Nm, with which it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds.
As for the components of the main hybrid system, they have undergone a substantial redesign, including the transaxle and the power control unit, to improve efficiency. It is also equipped with a new bipolar nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology. , low resistance and high power.
On the other hand, in addition to the well-known e-Latch electric door opening system, the LBX has the Lexus Safety System + system, and incorporates, among others, the Pre-Collision Safety System with Turn Assistance at Crossroads, Dynamic Radar Cruise, Trajectory Maintenance System and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Another security option will also be available, with features such as Front Cross Traffic Alert and a 360º panoramic view monitor to assist in parking. It must be remembered that the LBX’s natural habitat will be urban environments, for which its 10.4-meter turning radius will come in handy.
four environments
Regarding the versions/finishes, the Lexus LBX also launches a new philosophy. Thus, the LBX will be available with four ‘styles’, in addition to the base model: Elegant and Relax, which seek a refined sensation, Emotion and Cool, which have a sportier and more dynamic character. Each of them has been designed with a different type of customer in mind.
All this is reflected in the interior, with upholstery with specific seams and even the possibility of choosing the color of the seat belt, in addition to many other customization options.
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Regarding rivals, at Lexus they have in mind the Audi Q2 or the Mini Countryman, although they admit that they will also fight with competitors in the compact segment.
The new Lexus, for which prices are not yet known, will begin production at the end of 2023, and the first units will reach the European markets and other international markets from the beginning of 2024. The configurator will be available from the 5th of June, and pre-reservations can be made from June 15.
