The Lexus LBX is a essential mannequin for the premium Japanese carmaker because it kinds as a brand new entry level for purchasers to the model.

This luxury gentle SUV is technically Lexus’ smallest mannequin ever, undercutting the CT hatch that was on sale domestically from 2011 to 2021.

The LBX is predicated on the identical GA-B platform because the Toyota Yaris Cross and is completely powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain producing 100kW of energy.

Deliveries of the LBX commenced in Australia on March 18, with Lexus Australia claiming round 1500 examples are set to reach within the first 12 months. Regardless of this Lexus Australia chief government officer John Pappas instructed CarExpert provide for the primary 12 months shall be tight.

This car is likely one of the most luxurious gentle SUV choices in Australia up to now. Is it value contemplating? Learn alongside to search out out.

How does the Lexus LBX evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Lexus LBX towards equally sized autos.

Lexus

LBX

How a lot does the Lexus LBX value?

Three variants are being provided at launch.

2024 Lexus LBX pricing:

To see how the LBX compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.

What’s the Lexus LBX like on the within?

Strolling as much as the LBX it has a cute but placing presence that’s distinctly Lexus. There’s the basic spindle grille up entrance, some cladding across the wheel arches to emphasize that it is a crossover, in addition to full-width tail gentle meeting.

Opening up the door is a wierd expertise however a really comparable one in case you’ve been in any current Lexus mannequin. The LBX has an E-Latch door deal with system that requires you to press a button on the within of the outside door deal with for it to open.

The outside door deal with doesn’t really transfer when go to open it. This could be a little awkward for individuals unfamiliar with them as they assume the door handles are damaged.

Hopping in you’re introduced with a set of sporty-looking seats with finishes that depend upon which trim degree you go for. The entry-level Luxurious receives black NuLuxe leatherette upholstery with crimson highlights, whereas the flagship Sports activities Luxurious receives mixture leather-accented and UltraSuede upholstery with contrasting orange highlights.

The driving force’s seats in each LBX variants supply loads of electrical seat adjustment permitting you to dial in your required seating place. I fairly appreciated how a lot you’re in a position to dial up the thigh assist.

Each the entrance seats supply heating throughout your complete LBX vary which is extremely helpful if you first hop within the automotive on a cold morning.

Forward of the driving force within the entry-level LBX Luxurious is a NuLuxe leatherette-wrapped steering wheel which, just like the seats, is extremely gentle to the contact. It might be controversial however I a lot favor how this steering wheel feels to the right leather-accented unit within the flagship LBX Sports activities Luxurious.

Persevering with why the LBX Luxurious’s steering wheel is healthier is as a result of it has common steering wheel buttons which can be logical and have a satisfying click on.

The LBX Sports activities Luxurious, like a lot of current Lexus SUV fashions, has touch-sensitive buttons which can be complicated at first and just a little distracting. The button’s goal adjustments relying on which web page you have got chosen, and it is advisable to seek advice from the head-up show to see what capabilities the buttons will do.

The touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons within the LBX Sports activities Luxurious are needlessly sophisticated. I don’t perceive why Lexus didn’t simply make the Luxurious’s common steering wheel buttons commonplace throughout the vary as a result of there’s no studying curve wanted to make use of them.

Behind the steering wheel is a correct 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that seems to be clear and high-resolution. It presents loads of configuration with three foremost web page layouts that may be customised to your liking.

Going again to these touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons within the LBX Sports activities Luxurious, if you’re shifting you’ll be able to’t really change the instrument web page structure. You may nevertheless within the LBX Luxurious which is so complicated.

The top-up show within the LBX Sports activities Luxurious is shiny and will be configured to show minimal or plenty of data. Sadly the head-up show isn’t accessible within the entry-level Luxurious variant in any respect.

Shifting throughout the 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centrepiece of the LBX’s inside, sitting proud on the dashboard. It’s a sq. unit that just like the digital instrument cluster is shiny and high-resolution, although it’s a fingerprint magnet.

The touchscreen’s consumer interface is very easy to know and to navigate. There aren’t an entire heap of sub-menus to get misplaced by which is a aid.

As commonplace the LBX presents each wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related wirelessly I didn’t expertise any dropouts.

Fortunately there’s a wi-fi charger on the base of the dashboard in a small storage cubby which helps hold you’re telephone topped up. There are additionally two USB-C ports slightly below the touchscreen.

It’s good to see there are some bodily local weather management switchgear within the LBX, in contrast to some its premium rivals that are utterly integrating them into the touchscreen. You’re in a position to management gadgets just like the temperature and defrosters with bodily switches and buttons, although adjusting issues just like the fan velocity can solely be accomplished utilizing the touchscreen.

Wanting across the cabin there are a substantial quantity of soppy touches. That is positively no Toyota Yaris Cross on the within with more durable plastics being tough to search out.

On the centre stack there’s a basic Lexus hybrid gear selector which has a considerably complicated motion for individuals unfamiliar with it. Cupholders are additionally few and much between. There’s one at all times available, nevertheless the second is hidden by the sliding centre armrest.

Below the centre stack there’s an open space that’s giant sufficient to accommodate a purse. It is a good contact as a result of the glovebox on the passenger aspect is so small the proprietor’s guide takes up all of the area.

Shifting to the second row is the place the LBX’s attraction begins to return undone. The area on supply is de facto restricted, that means this automotive is clearly extra geared in direction of single individuals or {couples} with no kids.

As soon as I had pried myself into the second row I discovered there’s just about no legroom behind my very own driving place, plus head and shoulder room felt actually cramped. So as to get out of the LBX I have to step like I used to be utilizing a ladder as a result of the door opening is so tight.

If the shortage of area wasn’t sufficient of an indication that the LBX’s second row isn’t one of the best place to be, there aren’t many facilities in any respect. The one notable inclusion are two USB-C ports on the again of the centre console. There aren’t any rear air vents, nor fold-down armrest for second-row passengers.

On the again the LBX comes as commonplace with a powered tailgate which is a premium characteristic for this phase. As soon as the tailgate is open the quantity of area relies on which variant you go for.

Lexus formally quotes boot area for the LBX 2WD variants at 402 litres with the rear seats up, whereas boot area for the LBX Sports activities Luxurious AWD is a barely tighter 315 litres. Folding the rear seats of the LBX 2WD variants expands boot capability to 994 litres.

Boot area within the LBX 2WD variants is okay, whereas within the Sports activities Luxurious AWD it’s not nice because the rear electrical motor-generator eats into the cupboard space. Each LBX variants have a excessive loading lip which isn’t superb if you’re lifting heavy gadgets into the boot.

Positive folding down the rear seats makes the boot area on supply bigger, but it surely’s not essentially extra useable as a result of there’s a steep lip the place the seats fold. It’s unlucky the rear seats don’t fold flat.

Lastly your complete Lexus LBX vary solely comes with a tyre restore package. Meaning there’s no spare tyre in any way. For some individuals this may be okay, however for others it’s one thing to be actually aware of since you don’t need to get caught in the course of nowhere with a flat tyre ready hours for roadside help.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The Lexus LBX is hybrid-only. It’s accessible with both front- or all-wheel drive, relying on the variant.

To see how the LBX compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.

How does the Lexus LBX drive?

Beginning up the Lexus LBX is a straightforward course of that feels very acquainted in case you’ve ever pushed any Toyota hybrid car. You press the beginning button and there’s a delicate beep and flash on the sprint indicating you’re able to drive.

Usually the startup course of is totally silent, although on chilly mornings the three-cylinder petrol engine could change on to heat up the fluids and provides the battery pack a slight cost.

As I famous within the inside part the LBX’s gear selector would possibly take you a second to acquaint your self with in case you’ve by no means used a Lexus gear selector earlier than. As soon as you understand how it really works it’s pretty self explanatory.

There are delicate variations with the gear selectors within the LBX Luxurious and Sports activities Luxurious. Once you pull the gear selector instantly downwards within the former it prompts ‘B’ mode which amplifies regenerative braking and in addition makes use of the engine to gradual you down extra, whereas within the latter it prompts ‘S’ mode which is actually a sport mode.

Setting off the LBX will fortunately cruise round on EV mode at decrease speeds. When you attain a sure velocity, are going uphill, or push the accelerator just a little more durable from a standstill nevertheless, the petrol engine will kick in.

There’s a noticeable distinction in how the Lexus LBX’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine surges to life when in comparison with the Toyota Yaris Cross’s. It’s nowhere close to as rattly and shaky which might generally be the case with three-cylinder engines as they’re not as balanced as four-cylinder engines.

This makes the engine startup course of extra subdued and fewer noticeable, that are each enormous ticks for the LBX. For those who weren’t paying consideration in on a regular basis visitors you’d be hard-pressed to know when the engine really fires to life except you’re trying on the digital instrument cluster.

Every time the three-cylinder petrol engine does fireplace to life its gas consumption is initially fairly excessive. It is because it’s getting all of the fluids shifting across the engine once more and it’s additionally charging up the nickel metallic hydride high-voltage battery pack.

Though the LBX could produce 15kW greater than the associated Yaris Cross Hybrid, don’t count on its complete system output of 100kW of energy to blow you away. Because of the electrical motor-generator (or mills within the AWD) nevertheless, the preliminary acceleration can get you forward of visitors on the lights in case you’re that manner inclined.

It’s value noting the all-wheel drive model of the LBX is 85kg heavier than the front-wheel drive variations which makes the claimed 0-100km/h dash 0.4 seconds slower. Entrance-wheel drive LBX variants are claimed to have the ability to do the 0-100km/h dash in a docile 9.2 seconds, whereas the all-wheel drive LBX takes 9.6 seconds.

Regardless of not being at outright sports activities automotive (save that for the not-yet-confirmed-for-production LBX Morizo RR), the LBX has direct steering and continues to be actually chuckable and dynamic within the corners. I’ve had comparable experiences with all of the autos based mostly on Toyota’s modular TNGA platform.

When you’re cruising about within the metropolis the LBX is far quieter and refined than the Yaris Cross. The one distinguished noise you hear is the whine of the electrical motor-generator, particularly if you’re slowing down with regen.

The LBX’s experience and dealing with is yet one more spotlight of this luxury gentle SUV. It seems like a correct Lexus within the sense the vast majority of the bumps are soaked up, although you continue to get a way of what’s taking place beneath the automotive.

Two-wheel drive variations of the LBX have a torsion-beam rear suspension setup, whereas the all-wheel drive model has a extra subtle double wishbone trailing arm rear suspension setup as a way to accomodate the additional weight of the rear electrical motor-generator.

Regardless of this I discovered it actually exhausting to tell apart any actual variations between the 2 forms of rear suspension. I feel that goes to point out how properly Lexus has tuned the two-wheel drive’s rear torsion-beam setup. Each of them are in a position to tackle velocity bumps like a champ.

Given it’s diminutive exterior dimensions, the LBX is an absolute dream to park. Its steering is de facto to show lock-to-lock and it has actually small turning circle of 5.6 metres.

As commonplace there are each entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera. For those who step as much as the Sports activities Luxurious variant you additionally get a semi-autonomous parking help.

Once you get out on the open highway at greater speeds it turns into obvious the town is the place the LBX feels most at residence. The hybrid powertrain begins to expire puff when build up velocity which causes the three-cylinder petrol engine to drone because it’s mated to an electrical repeatedly variable transmission (e-CVT).

When you attain a cruising velocity nevertheless out on the open highway the LBX is surprisingly refined. The hybrid SUV doesn’t get blown round an excessive amount of and might maintain its personal on the highway towards bigger autos.

The flagship Sports activities Luxurious variants have energetic noise cancelling which does drown out among the highway and tyre noise that’s prevalent on coarse-chip bitumen roads. It’s value calling out highway noise within the entry-level Luxurious variant wasn’t overly dangerous both.

On the security entrance your complete LBX vary comes with driver consideration monitoring. Whereas I used to be driving it didn’t trigger any frustrations in any way, nevertheless when my co-driver was behind the wheel it beeped incessantly.

Adaptive cruise management comes as commonplace and it’s surprisingly superb. The system is ready to reply naturally when vehicles merge into the lane forward of you and never slam on the brakes instantly.

The automotive’s lane-keep help operate can also be useful on clearly marked highways and freeways with light curves, however I turned it off as a result of I discovered it to be too pressured on slim and winding city Sydney roads.

Lastly your complete LBX vary comes with shiny LED headlights which have an automated high-beam operate. Though I didn’t get a possibility to check these out correctly they’re actually helpful for these driving at night time in rural and regional areas.

What do you get?

There are two totally different Lexus LBX variants provided domestically. The entry-level Luxurious can solely be had with front-wheel drive, whereas the flagship Sports activities Luxurious is offered with both front- or all-wheel drive.

LBX Luxurious 2WD highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tyre restore package
• Automated LED headlights
• Adaptive high-beam
• LED tail lights
• LED entrance fog lights, cornering lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• E-Latch door handles
• Auto-dimming driver’s aspect mirror
• Shark fin antenna
• Rear spoiler
• Entrance, rear air spats
• Rear privateness glass
• Energy tailgate
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Linked satellite tv for pc navigation
• ‘Hey Lexus’ pure voice recognition
• DAB+ digital radio
• 6-speaker Panasonic sound system
• 5 x USB-C ports
• 2 x 12V sockets
• Wi-fi charger
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Proximity entry and push-button begin
• NuLuxe leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
• NuLuxe leatherette-wrapped shift-by-wire gear knob, door trim, ornamentation
• ‘Tsuyasumi’ centre console ornamentation
• Single-colour ambient inside lighting
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Entrance and rear carpet flooring mats
• Black NuLuxe leatherette upholstery with crimson highlights
• Heated entrance seats
• 8-way energy driver’s seat with two-way lumbar and reminiscence

LBX Sports activities Luxurious 2WD provides:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels, 10 twin-spoke design
• Rear pillar movie ornamentation
• Color head-up show
• Lively Noise Management
• Engine sound enhancement
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
• Multi-colour ambient inside lighting
• Real leather-accented shift knob
• Real leather-accented steering wheel
  • Paddle shifters
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Haptic touch-sensitive controls
• Ultrasuede door trim and ornamentation
• Mixture leather-accented, Ultrasuede upholstery with distinction orange stitching

LBX Sports activities Luxurious AWD provides:

• AWD emblem
• Rear induction asynchronous motor-generator (4.7kW/52Nm)
• Double wishbone trailing arm rear suspension (replaces torsion beam)

Is the Lexus LBX protected?

The Lexus LBX hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP at this stage.

The next security gear is commonplace throughout the vary:

• 8 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Day, night time pedestrian detection
  • Day, night time bicycle owner detection
  • Day bike detection
  • Junction help
  • Reversing AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Protected exit help
• Driver monitor digital camera
• Adaptive cruise management
• Visitors signal recognition
• Entrance, rear parking sensors
• Encompass-view digital camera
• Tyre strain monitoring

The LBX Sports activities Luxurious provides a semi-autonomous parking help.

All Lexus LBX variants additionally obtain a three-year complimentary subscription to Lexus Linked Companies. It presents clients real-time car data, distant performance, and emergency calling.

How a lot does the Lexus LBX value to run?

The Lexus LBX is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee like the remainder of the Lexus lineup.

Logbook companies are required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The primary 5 companies are capped at $595 every.

A 3-year complimentary Encore subscription can also be supplied at no additional value. It contains roadside help, complimentary service mortgage automotive, Ampol gas reductions, in addition to unique way of life occasion presents.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus LBX

It’s exhausting not to attract parallels to the Toyota Yaris Cross when driving and experiencing the Lexus LBX, but it surely nonetheless drives and seems like a Lexus ought to.

The experience could be very compliant, it’s dynamic within the metropolis, and the noise suppression is sweet for its phase.

I do know sure persons are going to like this automotive. These persons are seemingly singles and {couples} who don’t want to make use of the second row of seating on a regular basis (if in any respect) and in addition don’t want an excessively huge boot.

Whereas this automotive presents loads of luxurious touches and fuel-sipping hybrid effectivity, the LBX does include a worth premium that will flip individuals off immediately. A beginning worth of $50k drive-away for a flowery Yaris Cross Hybrid is a substantial amount of cash.

Because it at the moment stands, the candy spot of the LBX vary is the entry-level Luxurious 2WD variant. It doesn’t really feel prefer it’s lacking a lot commonplace gear, plus the NuLuxe leatherette finishes are softer and extra supple than the right leather-accented finishes within the flagship Sports activities Luxurious variants.

Positive the LBX Sports activities Luxurious could decide up options like energetic noise cancellation, a premium Mark Levinson sound system, and a head-up show, amongst others, it additionally has some annoying quirks together with the finicky touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons.

The flagship AWD variant can also be more durable to suggest as a result of moreover probably including a contact extra grip and safety in slippy eventualities, it simply weighs the automotive down and reduces boot capability.

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