I still remember when Lexus launched the compact CT200h. At that time it tried to enter a market segment completely and completely dominated by Bavarian premium firms. The Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class did not give customers the option to meet the CT200h. It is also true that SUVs were getting closer and customer tastes changed towards these new models. But not anymore…
Lexus will not make the mistake it once made again. The Japanese premium firm has evolved towards what the market demands and the new Lexus LBX is proof that now they are closer than ever to their rivals. There is more to see that we are facing a premium B-SUV that hardly has rivals that complicate life. But the great strength of this new model is not the lack of rivals, but everything it has to offer customers...
The line of the new Lexus LBX is fresh, elegant, and very attractive...
Externally, the new Lexus LBX measures 4.19 meters long by 1.83 meters wide and 1.53 meters high. For its part, the wheelbase is 2.58 meters so that between one level and another it is located in the heart of the B-SUV segment. In fact, it is 30 centimeters shorter than the Lexus UX but it is almost on a par with the Audi Q2 or Mini Countryman. However, compared to its main rivals, it stands out for offering a more elegant and original design...
At the front, the new Full LED optics never seen before in Lexus or the reinterpretation of the grill that occupies a large part of the bumper stand out. For its part, the hood has lines of tension that highlight the optics and the wheel arches. Finally, at the lower ends of the bumper, there are some false air intakes that keep the anti-fog optics and some very fine chrome-tone inserts that seem to simulate an inverse "C".
The waistline is rising and stands out for the bend under the "C" pillar just after the rear door. The set of alloy wheels can be up to 18 inches with an exclusive design. The bodywork also stands out for going in the highest finishes with a contrasting black roof. Finally, the rear sports optics occupy the width of the body and have a very original design. As for the bumper, it is simple as well as the gate.
A premium interior that stands out for the use of first-class materials with precise finishes and state-of-the-art technology…
If the exterior design of the new Lexus LBX pleases for its originality, inside there is more of the same. Although everyone knows that it is a clone of the Toyota Yaris Cross, there are no elements that discover it. Thus, it stands out for having a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 9.8-inch central touch display. The information is distributed between one monitor and another, although the air conditioner has the controls of a lifetime.
Among the novelties, we have a new voice interface that responds to the command “Hey Lexus”. The connectivity section is perfectly resolved with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and four USB-C sockets distributed two by two on the dashboard and rear seats. Its technology is overwhelming with electric opening rear doors thanks to the e-Latch system, Head-Up Display or blind spot assistant and 360º camera.
As for the quality of materials, the new Lexus LBX is committed to the latest trends. There are new materials such as synthetic leather and other high-quality ones that extend to areas such as the dashboard or the doors. The adjustments as expected from a Lexus are at a high level with finishes that distance it from its brother Yaris Cross. In terms of habitability, it offers space for four adults and a 332-liter trunk.
A hybrid mechanical offer that, for now, is limited to a single power level…
As we have already said, the new Lexus LBX is a technical clone of the Toyota Yaris Cross. However, although they use the same TNGA-B platform, the engineers of the Japanese premium firm have introduced improvements. In the list of improvements, we can mention torsional rigidity, vibrations, and noise or changes in the tracks and suspension. And not only that, Lexus indicates that there is a new "braking posture control" system to avoid pitching.
Regarding the powertrain, as expected, it is a hybrid of the “self-recharging” type. It is the same unit that days ago saw the light in the Yaris Hybrid 130. In this case, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine is associated with an electric motor and a nickel metal hydride bipolar NiMh battery. Its capacity is around 1 kWh and together with the thermal system plus the electric one it offers a combined power of 136 CV and 185 Nm of torque.
This power reaches the ground through the front axle and is controlled by an e-CVT automatic type transmission by continuous variation. In addition, there is an all-wheel drive version called e-Four with an electric motor that goes on the rear axle and gives it extra traction. In terms of performance, the LBX goes from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 9.2 seconds, a very good figure since it is satisfied with a final weight on the scale of about 1,280 kilos.
When will the new Lexus LBX hit the market…?
If you liked the new Lexus LBX and want one you will have to wait a bit to get it. For now, the brand has not announced its prices or its endowment, although it has when it will go into production. If all goes well, the assembly line will start at the end of this year 2023 to deliver the first units starting in March of next year 2024. But if you want to be one of the first, you will have a small prize.
At the time of its launch, Lexus will offer the special Original Edition version. It will be based on the Cool body style with two-tone paint and the details of which will be announced in a few days. All in all, the Japanese premium firm has set some restrained annual sales targets in Europe because it does not want to take a "bump." Although its rivals will soon disappear as the Audi Q2 will die shortly without a successor and BMW and Mercedes-Benz is something else...
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