Lexus LBX (2024) teased ahead of June 5 reveal

Small SUV, but what exactly is behind it?

Ok, what is LBX anyway? Lexus Europe surprises us with a few teaser images ahead of the model’s debut on June 5 at an event in Milan, Italy. Toyota’s premium unit doesn’t reveal anything else about the car, but it’s likely to be the Yaris Cross in a tuxedo. So the new basic style under UX?

In fact, the Yaris Cross is about 4.20 meters long, while the Lexus UX is about 4.50 meters. So on paper, the new LBX is small enough not to step on the UX’s toes. The question is: Should Lexus bet on haberdashery? You and I can say no, because brand dilution is a reality, but small SUVs continue to sell like hot cakes. Also, we’re sure that the Lexus upgrade of the Yaris Cross didn’t require any major investment from Toyota.

Rumors about a small SUV from Lexus have been circulating on the Internet since May 2020. It was said at the time that it would be called “BX”, but a trademark registration later indicated that “LBX” would be the final name. The Japanese may have thought of a regular Citroën BX at the right time, especially since the French have already discussed the XM acronym with BMW.

Hence the three-letter model name, which is unusual for Lexus. The LBX will compete with the Audi Q2, but not for much longer, as the small Ingolstadt company disappears from the market after just one generation. The DS 3 and Lancia Ypsilon announced for 2024 could also be rivals. BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA are more similar in size and UX.

The new Lexus LBX is based on the TNGA-B platform, which it shares with the Yaris. There will be a hybrid version with all-wheel drive, in which a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine works together with an electric motor to achieve a system output of 116 hp. Toyota Yaris Cross runs from 0 to 100 km / h in 11.8 seconds. There is also a front-wheel drive non-hybrid model, where the 1.5-liter engine sends 125 horsepower to the front wheels via a CVT.

Photo gallery: Lexus LBX (2024) teaser