Test 1 – Lexus LBX 136 hp (2024): A very “urban” Lexus

The car market is sometimes like a game of musical chairs. While some luxury manufacturers are turning away from the small car market – not profitable enough it seems – others are taking the opportunity to enter the dance floor.

Exit the A1 and Q2 at Audi, goodbye Mercedes A-Class and maybe ciao to Series 1, but welcome to the Volvo EX30 and, today, to the LBX, the smallest Lexus SUV (4.19 m) ever produced.

The luxury brand of the Toyota group really wants to emerge from the shadows. After more than twenty years of existence on the European market, it has certainly built a good reputation among professionals (taxi among others) but remains (also) a secret among the general public.

And to pass the milestone of 10,000 cars in France, individuals are like brunettes, they don’t count plums – sorry, it’s easy! We still need to give them the models they expect and can afford.

With us, what is sold are compacts and SUVs, more SUVs all the time. Not one or two! Especially since Lexus does not need to look far for knowledge, the younger cousin Toyota Yaris Cross has everything to admire: a modern and proven chassis, an efficient hybrid engine and equipment in the air of the time.

All that remains is to dress the bride in a beautiful and attractive dress that is more in line with the image and position of Lexus. Shorter (1 cm), but wider (1.83 m compared to 1.77) and slightly lower (4 cm), LBX – for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, “success” means “success”, as it aims to achieve Lexus in the segment Urban SUV! – immediately looks more legal on the road.

A less sporty but more elegant look

Its more fluid lines give it a less sporty but more elegant look. That being said, it is a short time to justify the price which, even at the entry level, borders on €40,000. So there is no question of solving the 116 hp hybrid assembly of Yaris and Yaris Cross.

Engineers have (re)examined the 3-cylinder engine and electric motor duo to push the power and torque of the latter to reach a combined power of 136 hp. The battery also uses nickel-metal hydride technology (and no longer lithium-ion), which is more compact and has better efficiency.

The fact remains that the tandem is again associated with variable transmission, which, despite constant progress, is still not an approved model. Very linear, acceleration is always accompanied, unfortunately, by high revs and pleasant sensations of skating.

As a bonus, the mechanism for shifting forward or reverse using the position selector is similar to the automatic transmission handling from the 1980s: you have to move the joystick to the left to engage the position.

And, on entry-level versions like our LBX Elegant, there’s no need to seek salvation through steering wheel pads, as that’s the prerogative of higher-end variants. Fortunately, should the stand need it, the LBX takes care of sound insulation.

It is also distinguished by the comfort of the suspension by focusing more and less than that of its cousin from Toyota. Its wider tracks and longer wheelbase give it confident handling and stability.

The downside…

The other side of the coin: don’t expect small changes from him. Healthy, reassuring, it indulges easily in some body movements in the corners and doesn’t try too hard to hide the low front axle condition.

There’s nothing restrictive, but let’s just say that it’s not much fun behind the wheel once the driver accelerates a bit. Do not try to accelerate too fast or too hard out of a corner, for example, otherwise you will widen the trajectory and rev the engine.

The LBX is best suited for smooth and easy driving, like its pleasant interior. Fortunately, the steering is well positioned and contributes to driving comfort.

Let’s also remember that if this hybrid set is a little uncomfortable, it has one virtue: that of consuming less and not needing to be recharged. LBX confirms this good behavior.

Officially, Lexus promises a maximum of 4.6 l/100 km, a value we actually exceeded, but the 5.3 l/100 km shown by the computer still remains economical.

To entice people to put their hands in their wallets, the LBX above all improves its interior design. Dashboard design and luxurious materials, careful finishing details, refined small inserts, precise assembly: it embodies all the principles of luxury without excess or pretentiousness.

If they are not there, hard plastics are attached to the lower parts of the passenger compartment, where the eyes rarely rest. On the other hand, it is difficult to push the walls! If in front, the driver and passengers do not have the feeling of being in a small car, but instead of traveling in a high-class car, it is better not to be too tall to sit in the back.

Multimedia: The LBX doesn’t do much either

The space to swing your legs is limited and gives reason to grind electric cars, which, for the same size, are generally more spacious. LBX doesn’t overdo it when it comes to multimedia content either.

Everything is there, sure, but it’s not very interesting. Fans of very refined style and touch will all be disappointed, unlike those who like to be able to adjust their climate temperature without looking in the submenu of the multimedia system.

The central touch screen is there, as is the digital device on board, but if the first shows a suitable size of 9.8 inches, the XL version (12.3 inches instead of 7) and the second customizable remains an option (in a pack for €1,500) on our Luxury variant, it’s already €37,800 right!

In addition, the multimedia system is not the best that we have tried: it is not very fast and the graphics are a little difficult.

Likewise, the best driving aids, such as a 360° camera, autonomous driving, a head-up display and adjustable lights, or even small improvements that give the cabin its luxurious character, such as colored lighting 50 to choose from. or digital key, are reserved for the higher end versions, which easily exceed €40,000. Some even remain optional and blow the budget up to more than €45,000.

For an urban SUV with 136 hp – unfortunately this just follows the general market trend – this is pushing the envelope a little too far.

Lexus LBX 136 ch : ses plus ?

Sound blocking
Sky on the board
Usage

Lexus LBX 136 hp: its minuses?

Contagion
Good price
The ability to sit back

Lexus LBX 136 ch : in specifications

Balance sheet of Auto Magazine : 3.5/5

Good looking, refined, well finished, inviting and economical to use… less to buy! But its driving lacks fun considering the price charged. The LBX also, unfortunately, inherits Toyota’s variable transmission, which isn’t the most pleasant on the market.

Get our test Lexus LBX 136 hp in Auto Magazine n°1149 you 29/12/2023.