New Lexus LBX (2024) - First city SUV from the Toyota premium brand - First check
Lexus also wants to increase sales in Europe, and especially in Germany. What brand wouldn't? With the premiere of the LBX, Lexus has, in my opinion, done two key things right. The Japanese company developed the LBX in and for Europe. This primarily means that they have given the crossover, which is positioned in the high-selling B-segment, a European feel, making it more attractive to European customers.
Secondly, this model, with an exterior length of 4.19 meters, is even suitable for small families and—most importantly—should still be affordable. Although Lexus Germany hasn't yet announced pricing for the LBX, we estimate it will cost around €32,000. This would make it about €7,000 more expensive than the Toyota Yaris Cross, which is based on the same technical basis. The Yaris Cross can also only be ordered with a full hybrid drivetrain, but the Lexus LBX offers 20 hp more (136 hp), a centimeter more exterior length, and a wheelbase that directly influences the available space, which is around 2 centimeters longer (2.58 m). Both can be equipped with an additional electric motor on the rear axle for an additional charge, which can effectively turn them into all-wheel drive.
#LexusLBX #Lexus #derautotester #toyota #fullhybrid
Full hybrid drivetrain with 136 hp
But of course, a Lexus has to be even more different from a Toyota. A Lexus should be noticeably quieter in the interior, and the quality impression must also be higher. We weren't able to test the former during the static presentation in Milan. The latter is visibly and noticeably the case. In addition, modern assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, are partly standard. A 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel and a 9.8-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard provide the necessary information. The front seats offer the space typical for this class. In the rear, the footwell is – subjectively – somewhat larger than that of many competitors. Luggage space is 332 liters, about 12 liters more than in the Toyota Yaris Cross (320 liters).
The LBX is always powered by a self-charging hybrid system, whose power is sent to the front wheels via an automatic transmission (electronic, continuously variable). A newly developed 2-kWh battery stores recovered kinetic energy and transfers it to the electric motor when needed. A 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine provides the basic power. This system can optionally be expanded with an electric drive system on the rear wheels, creating a 4x4. Lexus claims acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. The top speed is said to be 170 km/h. Because we haven't been able to drive the LBX yet, we can't comment on its performance, fuel consumption, handling, or interior noise; that will likely only be possible by the end of the year.
European Development and Design
What's next? Pricing for the LBX is expected to be announced soon. A special model limited to a maximum of 2,000 units will be available to order starting mid-year. Production will begin before the end of the year, and first deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2024. We are curious to see what price Lexus will set for the LBX, as the success of the city SUV in this price-sensitive segment will depend significantly on it. It also remains to be seen how much more potential customers are willing to pay for the premium brand's higher-quality and slightly more powerful product compared to the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Competitors include: Audi Q2, Citroen C3, Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic, Seat Arona, VW T-Roc, Opel Crossland
Technical data - Lexus LBX
Dimensions: 4,190 mm (length), 1,825 mm (width), 1,545 mm (height)
Curb weight: 1,280 kg
Trunk capacity: 332 l
Towing capacity (unbraked): 750 kg
Engine: 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine
Transmission: Electronic continuously variable transmission
System output: 100 kW/136 hp
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 170 km/h
Turning radius: 10.4 m
The full report is available on www.der-autotester.de
@NinaCarMaria can be found at https://www.NinaCarMaria.de
Feel free to write to us in the comments or at [email protected]
Thanks @lexus @TOYOTAglobal
00:00 Intro
00:20 New city SUV with full hybrid drive / Special Edition / Order start / Market launch / Price
03:30 Trunk
04:17 Rear seat
05:39 Interior
08:46 Engine / Technical specifications
10:36 Conclusion