Lexus LBX: Compact SUV and hybrid drive at first check

He is the youngest Lexus so far: 4.19 meters short, 1.83 meters wide, 1.56 meters long. With LBX, the brilliant subsidiary of Toyota is venturing into new fields. The reason is clear: this size is there SUV and crossovers are especially popular.

Fun fact on the side: LBX – for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover – is the only SUV with three letters in the model name, the others are yes. UX, NXRZ and RX. The three letters on the Lexus program were only worn by athletes like LFA and currently RCF.

The LBX looks great

The design of the LBX is, you might say, quite amazing. Along with the big Lexus twisting grille, here frameless, with a low front hood, very short overhangs and flared wheel arches and the continuous taillights that are common today. In general, despite the compact dimensions, it looks quite meaty.

LBX in “Cool” equipment variant: Two-tone painting in red/black copper and 18-inch aluminum rims suit it well.

Photo: Lexus

You shouldn’t expect much in terms of space, even Lexus can’t do magic with a height of 4.19 meters. As is typical for this class, it’s fine in the front, but the rear is difficult for taller people. The trunk is also not very generous at 332 to a maximum of 994 liters.

Lexus shows its strength in the interior

Lexus’ strength lies elsewhere, it’s stylish design, tasteful materials and careful work – the interior is very impressive. And the high-quality sound system from Mark Levinson (in a package of 3700 euros, standard with Cool equipment) is something special in this class.

LBX shares technology with Toyota Yaris Crossthe platform is called GA-B, but it was redesigned for Lexus, including larger wheels and a wider track.

You must engage in a hybrid drive

The hybrid system consists of a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 91 hp, an electric motor at the front with 94 hp. Toyota/Lexus-standard continuously variable automatic transmission and a small 1 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery. System output is 136 hp and maximum torque is 185 Nm. The all-wheel drive version has an additional electric motor on the rear axle with 6 hp.

As always, everything works very easily and transparently. Toyota, er, Lexus is carefully and steadily developing a hybrid system – and you can feel it. The system responds less quickly to gas again and reacts more actively. The LBX, which weighs around 1.3 tonnes, is quick and agile in the city and on country roads.

But really, on the highway or when things need to move quickly, the gasoline engine speaks and sounds like a strong three-cylinder, even if it is well isolated. As always with hybrids: you have to engage with it, so let it run and dodge as fast as possible. In any case, a maximum speed of 170 km / h is possible, and Lexus promises 9.2 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km / h.

The price list starts at 32,990 euros

It starts with us on March 15, 2024. Prices start from 32,990 euros for the front-wheel drive in the basic version, the all-wheel drive is available from 39,490 euros. At least for Lexus, these are probably deals that are close to people.

This trip was supported by Lexus. Our standards for transparency and journalistic freedom can be found at go2.as/unabhaengigkeit.

Photo gallery

Lexus LBX in the first test