Lexus with the LBX hybrid turns on the challenge of a small, premium and luxury SUV.

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Small is good. Not only is it the title of Ernst Friedrich Schumacher’s economics essay, written in 1973 but still very relevant today, but it is also the fastest way to describe the Lexus Lbx. Because after many years of models that were not very suitable for city use, the Japanese brand brings a short crossover with the ability to combine the highest content with 100% hybrid versions. All with a height of less than 4.20 meters, perfect if you have to deal with a small garage every day or, worse, looking for street parking.

The exterior styling is completely new, with a design that bids farewell to the traditional hourglass grille and anticipates the stylistic direction of future Lexus. Stepping into the Lbx you discover Lexus Omotenashi’s approach to making people feel welcome and comfortable. As for advanced equipment, there is a 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver, integrated in the center of the dashboard with a 9.8-inch touchscreen monitor and optional head-up display. Compared to the past, the number of physical buttons has been significantly reduced and the infotainment system is finally fluid, easy to use and equipped with wireless or cable connections for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto cable connection. The equipment and connections are enhanced with features, while the available space is not among the largest with a trunk starting at 332 liters for the 4×2 version and only 270 liters for the 4×4. By folding the second row of seats, the capacity exceeds 990 liters.

Under the bonnet we find a 1.5-horsepower 136-cylinder engine, an evolution of the unit installed in the Toyota Yaris Cross, along with a hybrid bipolar nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery that provides high charge density and output power. The entire battery pack is placed under the rear seats, to avoid wasting any space in the passenger compartment or cargo area. Compared to previous hybrid systems, the response has increased by about 30% and the initial acceleration by about 20%; Acceleration is perfect, without a feeling of slow progress. The E-Four all-wheel drive activates an additional electric motor on the second axle and automatically distributes an adequate amount of drive power to the rear wheels by changing the torque between front and rear from 100:0 to 20:80.

Tested in a two-wheeled version, the Lexus Lbx convinced us from the first meters with its direct steering, its excellent level of sound insulation and its ability to absorb the roughness of the pavement.

The use of the GA-B platform ensures a low center of gravity and on board you love a driving position that is reminiscent of a sedan and not an SUV.