The New 2023 Lexus LBX Comes With A Pricing Tag of £29,995
The Lexus lineup features the LBX as its most compact model.
Lexus has unveiled its LBX model, a compact SUV aimed at challenging the Audi Q2 and DS 4 in the compact crossover category. This small SUV comes in six different variants, open for ordering in October and set for deliveries from March 2024.
2023 Lexus LBX Preview
Crafted with European buyers in mind, the Lexus LBX is built on Toyota's GA-B platform, also utilised by the Yaris Cross. However, Lexus has meticulously refined the LBX to ensure it embodies the sophistication and driving dynamics that define the brand. Design, excellence, and customization take the forefront, highlighted by the introduction of the Lexus Bespoke Build initiative.
Design
The LBX's design puts a fresh spin on the iconic 'Spindle grille,' introducing a novel mesh segment. Above it, a slim connector unites the headlights. Towards the rear, the LED light bar spans the vehicle's width, and its central elevation on the boot lid creates a visual illusion of a lower center of gravity – a touch attributed to Lexus's design squad.
Trim Levels
Primary trim selections encompass Urban, Premium, Premium Plus, and Takumi, as well as their Design variants, Premium Plus Design and Takumi Design. Furthermore, the LBX offers four distinct 'atmospheres,' essentially style packages that influence the vehicle's aesthetic but have a limited impact on features. The Elegant atmosphere boasts an interior devoid of leather and equips 18-inch alloy wheels. The Relax atmosphere prioritises lavish components and a premium flair. Emotion caters to those seeking a sporty edge, featuring a dual-tone roof. Meanwhile, Cool strikes a balance between Emotion's urban, athletic allure and an added touch of opulence.
During the initial launch phase of the LBX, a special 'Original Edition' will be accessible, limited to a mere 250 units. This exclusive version showcases a distinctive Sonic Copper two-tone finish, complemented by matte black 18-inch wheels, bumper inserts, rear pillar decals, and unique badging.
Salient Features
The complete pricing details for the LBX are still under wraps, but we do know that the pricing spectrum commences at £29,995 for the Urban variant. Despite that, it comes brimming with features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beam LED headlights, and a 9.8-inch touchscreen Lexus Link Connect multimedia system. Standard equipment for the LBX also encompasses dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto compatibility, as well as front and rear parking sensors along with a rear-view camera.
Moving up the ladder is the Premium model, which introduces heated front seats upholstered in synthetic leather, tinted rear windows, and a wireless smartphone charger. In terms of safety enhancements, this model boasts a pre-collision system equipped with a driver monitor, a rear side monitor, and a blind-spot assist.
Stepping above is the Premium Plus version, which incorporates 18-inch wheels, a power-operated bootlid, a 12.3-inch driver's display, a head-up display, and an air purification system. Taking things a step further, the Premium Plus Design variant supplements the package with two-tone paintwork, diamond-cut alloys, and perforated upholstery accentuated by red stitching.
Takumi models elevate the experience with an upgraded sound system, a power-adjustable and memory-enabled driver's seat, multi-color interior ambient lighting, park assist, and adaptive LED headlights. The Takumi Design edition goes even further by introducing bi-tone paintwork, bespoke 18-inch alloys, and a combination of synthetic suede and leather upholstery.
Safety
Among the features shared across all LBX models is Lexus's Safety System+, a comprehensive suite comprising adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, collision warning with autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert. The LBX also incorporates Lexus's e-latch door release and Safe Exit Assist technology, preventing occupants from opening the door when a car or cyclist is approaching.
Powertrain
Beneath the exterior lies a 1.5-litre three-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission. These are complemented by a novel bi-polar Nickel Metal Hydride battery, which Kunihiko Endoh, the lead engineer, highlights as both lighter and more compact than a standard NiMH battery. This innovation facilitates quicker charging and discharging processes.
In a conversation with Auto Express, Endoh-san elaborated that this enhancement empowers the battery to produce more power, effectively harnessing a larger e-motor than that found in the Yaris Cross. In the LBX model, this upgrade is anticipated to translate into swift acceleration from a standstill—indicating the car's urban-centric design—and establish a stronger connection to the powertrain. This connection is aimed at minimizing the perceptible lag often associated with CVTs. "The objective is to deliver smooth and consistent acceleration," he disclosed. "The heightened responsiveness of the e-motor results in a harmonious collaboration between the internal combustion engine and the electric components. The electric mode should be engaged in city driving for over 50 percent of the operation."
Lexus attests that fine-tuning the suspension system has yielded a nimble and steady driving experience. The vehicle employs MacPherson struts for the front suspension and a torsion beam for the rear suspension in the two-wheel-drive variants, while all-wheel-drive models feature a double wishbone rear axle.
Lexus has integrated Vehicle Braking Posture Control to enhance stability and body control, an automatic mechanism that employs braking to mitigate pitching motions. Notably, the car boasts a 20mm elongated wheelbase and a wider track compared to the Yaris Cross.
The front-wheel-drive model offers a respectable 332 litres of boot space, although this diminishes to 255 litres in the E-Four variant due to the additional motor beneath the floor. Internal storage is satisfactory, with a cup holder positioned ahead of the innovative gear selector, shared with the NX, and another located behind it. Furthermore, an armrest, which can be slid and tilted, reveals an additional storage compartment. It's worth noting that the rear seats lack pockets or cup holders.
Can’t wait for the new Lexus LBX or want something more affordable, we have around 300 used vehicles with a 90-day warranty. You can also apply for zero-deposit car finance.
Source and Images: AutoExpress UK