Autozine – Autotest: Lexus LBX

When developing a new car, manufacturers always look for a balance between the price and the product offered. At Lexus, this has so far meant that there were few restrictions on quality, space or technology because the customer was happy to pay for it. This is different for the first time with LBX! The LBX should offer the luxury and exclusivity of a Lexus, but in a more compact package and at a lower price.

Uniqueness: Creativity

To turn a compact car into something special, a lot of effort has been put into its appearance. The LBX sits on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross, but to true Lexus proportions, the LBX is longer and wider. In addition, the hat is long-lasting, with a different appearance. In short: the LBX doesn’t share an inch of sheet metal with its Toyota counterpart.

Despite the wide and long platform, the interior space is average. The long hood provides little interior space and the high suspension also requires a lot of space. Headroom and legroom in the front are more than adequate, but space around the front seats is limited. Despite its high construction, the LBX offers, if desired, a low seat like a regular hatchback. Space in the back seat is much less than average in this segment. Even the storage space in the interior is limited (door pockets, glove box).

Luxury: space and technology

All designed for a unique interior look. At least, when the right options are chosen. The test drive started with a gray LBX with a black interior. This may be an elegant and mature car, but it lacks any kind of emotion. So choose a copy in an attractive color with a contrasting interior (“Rest” in “elegant” are recommended). Then this small Lexus offers the same materials and quality of finish as the larger models, making the LBX unique in its class.

“In the right trim, the LBX is luxurious and offers the same finesse as a big Lexus”

Also, many of the luxury and safety features of the larger Lexus models are also available on the smaller LBX. Even the famous sound system from specialist Mark Levinson is available. Electronics are similar to those of larger Lexus models. However, the speakers are a little easier and the subwoofer is placed in the rear doors to save space. The sound is warm and clear as usual with Mark Levinson, but the difference with the more expensive models is noticeable.

From 2024, the European Union will set very high requirements on active safety. The LBX agrees with this, with the result that any negligence of the driver is immediately punished by alarm bells and warnings. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the LBX also regularly reads signals for, for example, exits and warns that the exit speed has been exceeded without taking an exit! These intrusion and override systems dominated the test, but unfortunately this will be standard for all new cars from 2024 and Lexus will just follow the rules.

Hybrid

The platform on which the LBX is built is primarily suited for full electric propulsion and that would be the most logical route for Western European propulsion. However, worldwide demand for conventional hybrids is still high and that is why LBX is only available for hybrid stock. Moreover, after all the modifications, the platform is no longer suitable for electric operation.

The petrol and electric motor are basically the same as those of the Toyota Yaris Cross. However, the gasoline engine is equipped with a balanced balance and a different suspension to better deal with vibrations. The battery has more capacity and the electric motor is more powerful. In this way, more energy can be obtained during braking and coasting, while the electric motor can provide frequent and decisive assistance when needed.

In practice, these differences come into their own. The three-cylinder engine retains its characteristic roar, but any kind of vibration has been suppressed. Although the performance on paper is not special, in practice the LBX feels smooth and lively. There is always lovely storage available and performance is delivered very easily, as usual in the upper class. If desired, the driver can change gears using the levers behind the steering wheel, but during the test the automatic transmission did its job so well that there was no need for this.

Under good weather conditions and with the required course, test consumption of 5.2 liters per 100 km was achieved. That’s clean and in line with the Lexus promise.

Road behavior

A small car can offer the luxury of a big one. And a small car can be fast and comfortable with the right drivetrain. However, even Lexus is limited by the laws of nature. Despite the superb chassis, in practice it’s clear that this is a tough car. To achieve pleasant handling, Lexus could not fill the LBX with sound insulation. The LBX is therefore less stable on rough road surfaces and therefore less suitable over long distances than the smaller ones.

And yet there is a big difference with other compact cars! This becomes clear when driving a sports car. Communication with the driver is above average and therefore it is clear that the LBX has a lot of potential. In conditions and at speeds where other small cars struggle, the LBX performs as quietly and predictably as ever. At a higher speed, the desire increases, while respect is maintained. Then the LBX offers the same combination of quietness and sporty undertones that have traditionally been characteristic of every Lexus.

Conclusion

Lexus is making a remarkable move by not introducing another supercar, but by choosing a model in the second sub-segment of the market. So the first question is: why? The answer: to give people who currently drive large, luxury cars a tougher, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative. In that case, LBX has a good chance of success. In the correct version, the LBX is luxurious and the car offers the same finesse as a large Lexus.

The second question is: is the LBX the perfect Lexus? Yes and no. A compact car does not have the handling of a limousine. Over long distances and on rough road surfaces, the LBX drives like an average compact crossover. However, with a sporty driving style it seems that the limits are even more. The hybrid drivetrain also provides better performance, more comfort and lower consumption than a conventional gasoline engine. However, the LBX does not offer the performance and peace of mind of an electric car, while the purchase and operating costs are high.

Ignoring that last fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that the LBX is the best-dressed and most refined car of its kind. And with that, the LBX offers the sense of privilege that comes with Lexus, now also for beginners!