The smallest car in the Lexus line-up, the compact sized LBX crossover, went on sale here earlier this year. It is set to be a game changer and key model for the brand’s growth in Europe competing in a segment that Lexus has not previously catered for.
This landmark vehicle opens up new market opportunities, aimed at younger style-conscious drivers seeking a small but premium car as their first step up the luxury car ladder at a price they can afford, and at existing Lexus customers who want a second but smaller car. It will also appeal to those who haven’t considered Lexus before but who are interested in this new crossover.
So far this year, some 222 LBX units have been sold here in Ireland, just behind its NX stablemate with 262, so the car is already making an impact among buyers.
This is the first Lexus model based on the GA-B platform which is shared with its Toyota Yaris Cross cousin, so it shares the same underpinnings of that model. The two cars differ in construction and in size with the LBX measuring 4,190mm long, 1,825mm wide and 1,545mm high and with a 2,580mm wheelbase so it is longer, wider but not higher than the Yaris Cross. But the biggest difference is in price with the Toyota costing over €8,000 less than the LBX.
The handsome exterior design is both muscular and powerful. The new frontal arrangement features a trapezoid shape while front pillars have been pulled back to make the cabin seem small and the bonnet even longer for a sporty look. Flared wings accentuate the large 18-inch wheels. At the rear, the Lexus lettering is prominent on the tailgate and the new signature blade light with an L-shaped lighting design gives the car presence; a blacked-out rear pillar adds to the car’s strong look.
The interior gives a warm welcome and a feeling of being nicely cocooned. The beautifully finished cabin is of premium quality; great attention to detail is evident in the upholstery and trims including sand coloured leather upholstery and contrasting black floor mats. A low scuttle line aids visibility as do the front side windows that stretch far forward and the small A-Pillar windows. The latest Lexus Link Connect system is operated via a 9.8-inch touchscreen located down low on the dash and tilted back to integrate with it. It includes cloud-based navigation. Smartphone integration is enabled using wireless or wired connections for Apple CarPlay, or a wired link for Android Auto users. The system’s My Setting allows you customise preferences for the multimedia, vehicle driving position and Blind Spot Monitors. The deeply recessed 7-ins multi-information instrument cluster can be customised to suit individual preferences. You get a volume control knob on the dash and up and down switches for the climate control, a small C type USB and a charging one.
As this is not a high car, it doesn’t offer a high seating position. Front sports seats were really comfy with good support but I was surprised to find manual adjustments, not power ones. However, there was a lumbar support on my driver’s seat and both front seats could be heated. Rear seats are set slightly higher than those in the front and can divide and fold 60:40. While there’s reasonably good headroom, leg room can be a bit tight for an adult seated behind a tall person in front and the middle seat back doesn’t come down to provide cupholders. There are no USB ports. With all seats up, there’s 402 litres of luggage space and space below for a tyre repair kit and other items. The tailgate is power operated and can be set to a height you require to avoid hitting a low garage ceiling or wall. The auto gear shifter is on the flat of the central console which makes it easy to use. A ‘B’ gear is for use on steep downward slopes, while you can drive up to 50pc of the time in EV drive mode and drive quietly in residential areas late at night without waking the neighbours.
The Lexus uses a 134bhp 1.5 3-cylinder self charging petrol hybrid powertrain matched to an e-CVT automatic transmission and with 120Nm torque. It has a 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds, the official fuel return is 4.5 L/100kms WLTP and road tax €140. The Elegance trim boasts a huge amount of standard equipment and top safety features. They include a rear view camera, Radar Cruise Control, Adaptive Speed Limiter, front cyclist/pedestrian detection, anti-theft immobiliser and alarm, Parking Assist Sensors front and rear, and a dusk sensor. I found the car handled well and was well balanced. I enjoyed driving it on all types of roads as well as in urban areas where it was a joy to park with its compact size.
After a week’s test drive, while I’m still unsure if the LBX is worthy of carrying the prestigious Lexus badge, it could well turn out to be the best-selling Lexus, ever.
Priced from €39,440 plus delivery and related charges.
