Why German brands should be afraid of this Lexus

A brand that grew big with limousines and SUVs is downsizing to grow bigger. We got behind the wheel of the smallest and most affordable Lexus.

How much does it cost? The LBX is a B-segment crossover that is 4.19 meters long and costs less than 36 grand.

Powertrains Lexus LBX

It is only available as a hybrid and not as a plug-in hybrid and there will also be no fully electric version. As Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus certainly pioneered hybrid technology and according to the manufacturer it is the best powertrain for this LBX.

(Photo: Lexus)

Whether this is the right strategy at a time when the focus is on full electricity is a question that will have to be decided in practice. The fact that sales of fully electric vehicles are currently at a standstill due to, among other things, unclear government policy does not seem to bode well for this LBX.

Yaris crossover

But is the little LBX also good enough to be a convincing Lexus? What do we get for Lexus in less than 36 years? A Toyota Yaris Cross dressed up as a Lexus or? No one denies that the LBX and Yaris Cross share a platform and driving style, but at Lexus of course they emphasize that the feeling of luxury is guaranteed through the modification of the chassis and the drivetrain.

Lexus and Toyota will soon let you download the sound of your engine

The LBX corners with enthusiasm and, despite its e-CVT design, the drivetrain is not a reason to break. Acceleration is not wild with the accumulated 136 hp, but it gives a smooth feeling. The race from 0-100 km / h is completed in 9.2 seconds and the top speed is a reasonable 170 km / h. On the highway, the direct route is fine and the intuitive cruise control does its job satisfactorily with most of the driving aids.

Lexus for Volvo EX30 money

Is the LBX a real Lexus? Yes, the answer is: the build quality and the feeling of luxury are of sufficient quality. But just like with the competition from Audi and Mini, it only starts to get fun when it could be a little more.

So not many base versions of this LBX will be sold either. But the 40-plus grand Elegant is still a reasonable deal in this class. We’ll see if this LBX doubles Lexus’ sales figures as predicted.