Luxurious Compact Lexus Model Showcases High-End Features in Tight Packages
Diving into the Compact Luxury with the LBX:
Meet the LBX, the game-changer in Lexus's lineup, marking their smallest vehicle ever produced. Established in 1989 as a high-end challenger to the American market (Luxury Export United States), Lexus embarked on a new journey with the LBX (Lexus Breakthrough Crossover). While it didn't make significant waves in Europe, the LBX proved to be a worthy contender, selling 23,018 units across the continent after 2024, making it the second best-selling Lexus (behind the NX).
Design-wise, the LBX embraces a fresh aesthetic, moving away from the iconic spindle grille with its "Resolute Look." A twist on the classic hourglass grille, the front encapsulates the LBX's bold nature. Dimensionally, the LBX boasts a length of 419 cm, width of 183 cm, and height of 155 cm, fitting into a discreet corner of your garage. Surprisingly, these dimensions compromise a boot capacity of only 332 liters and a mere 247 liters in the all-wheel-drive version, due to the presence of a secondary electric motor.
Moving inside, the LBX pays homage to the driver's experience, tapping into the Japanese concept of Tazuna, which translates to precise reins control for a horse, embodying a vehicle cockpit with controls and information sources designed for minimal hand and eye movement. In practice, however, the user interface could be more intuitive, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen that responds well, but navigating the menus requires patience. Only Apple CarPlay connects wirelessly, and Android Auto requires a cable connection.
Though the cabin impresses with high-quality materials and assembly, space is lacking, particularly for taller drivers. The LBX shares its technical foundation with the Toyota Yaris Cross but offers a more luxurious ride experience. Performance-wise, the hybrid powertrain delivers approximately 136 horsepower, allowing the LBX to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h. The LBX stands out with exceptional fuel efficiency, boasting around 20-25 km/L in the city and similar figures on extra-urban roads.
The LBX comes equipped with an arsenal of driver assistance systems, ensuring safety in various driving conditions. As for pricing, the base model starts at 39,000 euros, with ongoing promotions available. The LBX is positioned as a luxury subcompact option for those seeking a smaller vehicle with outstanding fuel efficiency, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and a distinct design language.
- On average, the LBX's owner might enjoy a fuel efficiency of around 20-25 kilometers per liter in the city and similar figures on extra-urban roads, showcasing the vehicle's commitment to low carbon footprint and cost-effective operation.
- While the LBX offers an impressive home-and-garden friendly design with a dimensionally compact profile of 419 cm (length) x 183 cm (width) x 155 cm (height), it unfortunately has a relatively small boot capacity of only 332 liters and 247 liters in the all-wheel-drive version.
- For homeowners who are mindful of their lifestyle choices and interested in reducing environmental impact, the LBX's introduction of an electric-vehicle powertrain alongside its hybrid counterpart might be an appealing car-maintenance option, further supporting the broader movement towards sustainable home-and-garden practices.
