The Lexus LBX has been revealed as a smaller, petrol-hybrid alternative to the likes of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Standing for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, it's the smallest SUV Lexus has ever built and aims to mix compact dimensions with a premium feel and a refined drive. Here’s everything we know so far.
Update: Since this guide was published we have driven the all-new Lexus LBX. Click here to read our full 2024 Lexus LBX Review
Lexus LBX: price, specs and release date
- Lexus LBX: exterior design and dimensions
- Lexus LBX: power, performance and drive
- Lexus LBX: interior design and infotainment
- Lexus LBX: practicality and boot capacity
- Lexus LBX: price and release date
Lexus LBX: exterior design and dimensions
The Lexus LBX is designed to appeal to a younger crowd than the company’s larger models, and can be finished in a choice of contrast paint jobs.
Up front, you get a new take on Lexus’s spindle grille design, which now features a single trapezoid bar that links the car’s LED headlights. This new look is set to be rolled out across the range.
Around the sides, the LBX gets origami-style body creases and a floating C pillar – both carried over from the flagship RX – while, at the back of the car, the number plate has been lowered to show off the light bar that stretches the breadth of the rear bodywork.
In terms of dimensions, the Lexus LBX's rivals are hard to place. At 4,190mm long, 1,825mm wide and 1,545mm tall, it’s about the same size as the Toyota Yaris Cross but is tasked with taking on larger posh alternatives such as the BMW X1.
Lexus LBX: power, performance and drive
The Lexus LBX is built on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris, however, it has been substantially modified to meet the more exacting standards of a premium brand. It’s been strengthened with extra bracing, structural adhesives and welding, while an aluminium bonnet and moulded resin wheel arches keep weight in check.
Read our review of the new BMW X1
Lexus has worked hard at refinement, with special attention paid to the doors and roof, which are padded with sound insulation. Expect this to be one of the quietest cars of its type.
A 285mm hip height is supposed to give you the raised driving position of an SUV, but also the sportier feel of a lower-slung hatchback.
And Lexus tells us the LBX will have a sporty drive, particularly four-wheel drive models that come with independent rear suspension. All models also get Vehicle Braking Posture Control that stops the car from pitching under braking and leaning in bends.
Power comes from a revised version of the 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid engine also found in the Yaris, but fitted with a balancer shaft to increase smoothness.
In the LBX, the engine produces 134bhp and gets the two-wheel-drive car from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds. Figures aren’t confirmed, but you can expect the LBX to be capable of fuel economy of around 50mpg.
You can thank the hybrid system for that impressive figure. Because of it, the LBX will drive in pure electric mode 50% of the time in town and can potentially reach motorway speeds using battery power alone.
According to Lexus, the LBX is tuned for enjoyable performance. In practice, that means you get surging acceleration away from the line, while a sound synthesiser masks the linear shifts of the car’s standard CVT automatic gearbox. You can expect four-wheel-drive models to be heavily road-biased: suitable for slippery roads and not much else.
Lexus LBX: interior design and infotainment
Lexus looks to have gone all out to make the LBX have the premium feel of a posh small SUV.
All models get stitched upholstery on the dashboard and doors, plus there’s ambient lighting with a choice of 50 different colour shades and the option to spec Tsuyusami charcoal trim inlays with a multi-layer finish that gives a sense of depth.
Adding to the clutter-free, premium feel is the car’s standard 9.8-inch centre touchscreen. This high-end system features cloud-based satnav and a voice-activation system that launches when you start with the words “Hey Lexus…” followed by your request.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is fitted as standard, although you’ll need a cable to use the car’s Android Auto. The Digital Key is an optional upgrade allowing you to share access to the car via an app on your phone.
The optional Mark Levinson stereo features 13 speakers, including a subwoofer hidden in the boot lid.
Lexus LBX: practicality and boot capacity
The Lexus LBX is a small SUV with space for two adults in the front and, at a push, two more in the back, although the car’s small rear doors don’t aid access. You can expect it to have less rear seat room than larger rivals such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
Boot capacity is also down on rivals – two-wheel-drive versions of the LBX have 332 litres to play with, which drops to 255 litres in four-wheel-drive models. A tall load lip and back seats that don’t fold completely flat could prove to be a pain when loading bulkier cargo.
Lexus LBX: price and release date
The Lexus LBX opens for orders in July, although first deliveries aren’t expected until March 2024. Lexus has yet to confirm UK prices, however, you can expect the car to start from around £30,000. Although it’s smaller than all of them, the Lexus’ closest competition comes in the form of premium small SUVs such as the MINI Countryman, Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
Full specifications for the new Lexus have yet to be confirmed, but Lexus has confirmed that you’ll be able to choose from four ‘atmosphere’ base models – Elegant, Relax, Emotion and Cool.
Elegant and Relax models focus on looking discreet and being comfortable. They get a monotone paint job and a choice of 17- or 18-inch wheels. Inside, Elegant models have synthetic leather covering the seats and large swathes of the dashboard and doors. Relax versions replace synthetic for real leather and also feature contrast stitching on the seats.
Emotion and Cool models live in the sportier end of the LBX spectrum. They get a bi-tone paint job and 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish. Emotion cars get a perforated synthetic leather interior with red accents, while Cool models get Alcantara-like upholstery again with contrast stitching.
Options will include a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle, an electrically operated boot lid and the Mark Levinson sound system.