In the case of a subcompact from a premium Japanese brand, acquaintance at first sight will not be successful; only long and close communication reveals all its advantages. And there are a lot of them.
This is Lexus’ first attempt to enter the small city crossover niche. They have never had such a small car in their range before. From the very beginning, the brand created large, comfortable models for the American market. This is evidenced by the name LEXUS (luxury exports to the US). At the very least, they managed to take root and build a reputation there, and at the same time they conquered half the world. It’s only been many years since the Japanese have been trying to gain a foothold in the European market, so this time it seems that LBX has been entrusted with an important mission.
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Positioning of the Lexus LBX
The not-so-successful sales of the Lexus UX compact SUV model should have given the Japanese something to think about, but no, we get another small Lexus with a cunning three-letter name that stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover. Yes, Lexus has hardly ever used three letters in an abbreviation, we only remember the sporty LFA, so it looks like we’ve been given a unique product. What is so special about it?
At first glance, we can say — nothing. Because LBX is a redrawn Toyota Yaris Cross. And the company is mainly positioning the subcompact as a worthy vehicle for «golden» youth. In this way, they are trying to target the most sought-after segment in Europe. Given the crossover’s environmental friendliness and the popularity of city cars, it is quite possible that they will succeed.
Our hero is based on the standard TNGA-B architecture and a hybrid setup, just like Toyota. However, it’s difficult to find similarities with the Yaris Cross on the outside of the LBX, the designers have done a good job here. Lexus looks completely different. You can only see the cues of kinship in the rear in a single light strip between the headlights. The luxury subcompact received a 20 mm longer wheelbase and a body lengthened by the same 20 mm. The extra millimeters went into the passenger space, unfortunately without playing any special role.
I would say that the LBX stands out among other models of the brand: there is no such menace in the outlines of the front part, clearly drawn ribs on the sides and majesty in the overall appearance. This baby is chubby like Winnie the Pooh. In addition, for some reason it vaguely reminds us of the French DS 3
The only main question is whether with such a friendly appearance, the Lexus LBX will be able to challenge the best small SUVs of competing premium brands, such as the Audi Q2 or Range Rover Evoque, or MINI Countryman. And it will be interesting to watch because Lexus offers the most solid build quality, quality materials, thoughtfulness in the smallest details, liveliness in behavior and economy.
How the Lexus LBX rides
According to Lexus engineers, they have put a lot of effort into refining the crossover in the smallest details that generally create a different impression of the car, in line with its luxury status. The TNGA-B platform has been modified for improved handling, in line with Lexus standards, and they were guided by the 1989 IS sedan, taking it as a reference.
This is felt in the dynamics, precision control combined with lightness. The car’s behavior on the road is clear, predictable, without unnecessary rolls and stops. Lexus LBX is like a capsule for moving in space, programmed by every movement of the rather elastic steering wheel and responding with lively behavior.
The suspension is tuned for comfort, but you won’t find the softness of large crossovers here. Unlike the Mini (with its multi-link rear suspension), the LBX basically follows the trend of small cars with MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion bar in the rear. The steering column is equipped with an intermediate shaft with an expansion/compression mechanism to help absorb vibrations.
The system produces a total of 136 hp compared to 114 hp in the Yaris Cross. In addition, the engine is equipped with a balancing shaft that absorbs «negative» vibrations to smooth out the operation of the three cylinders in the engine and make it smoother. In addition, this engine is quiet enough not to cause a startle when suddenly changing operating modes.
A noticeably cautious attitude to the accelerator pedal and the Eco mode in general will allow you to drive more on electric power. There is a button on the center console to force the electric mode and maximize its use. But even without it, the system runs on electricity for the maximum available period of time. You can drive many kilometers and occasionally hear the engine.
Interestingly, even on the highway, the crossover switches to electric drive mode, thereby reducing fuel consumption. And on average, the crossover’s appetite does not exceed 5 liters per 100 km.
This is too complex a concept to explain in full here. The main thing that the user needs to do is simply fill the tank with gasoline, switch the lever to Drive mode and press the gas pedal to move off. Right off the bat, he will be able to feel all 136 horses, which readily demonstrate the liveliness of the crossover. And this is regardless of the driving mode: Sport or Normal. The CVT in the LBX is flawless and accelerates the baby to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds.
For some people, this is not an impressive figure, but even with such indicators, inertia manages to push passengers into their seats. You can play like this until the battery is completely depleted. Thereafter, the agility will drop, and the engine will remind you of its presence, despite the decent noise insulation of the cabin. At speeds over 100 km/h, light wind howls appear in the mirrors, so the aerodynamics could definitely have been worked on more.
In general, driving this small crossover is pleasant and fun. It maneuvers easily in traffic and accelerates quickly at any speed. It makes you want to drive fast and dynamic, and the constant fuel consumption adds even more excitement and encourages you to continue.
Technology and safety in the Lexus LBX
The Lexus Safety System+ safety systems in the LBX are set to pay constant attention. You don’t need to turn on adaptive cruise for the car to keep you safe on the road. It acts carefully and not intrusively, acting at the last moment and correcting the driver’s inattention.
It has lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, cross traffic warning, emergency braking, and driver attention monitoring, among others. The LBX is packed to the brim, even in the starting configuration. So, the car will constantly monitor where you are looking and annoyingly remind you if you look away from the road for more than 5 seconds.
The Lexus LBX has LED lighting everywhere, including the interior and dimensions, but with an adaptive lighting system. In principle, it’s enough to avoid having to remember to switch the headlights once again.
And the crossover will not open on its own when you approach. Perhaps this is done for safety, but you will have to use the touch opening. This function is called E-Latch and was first seen on the NX. So the handles here are unusual: they are completely stationary and work from sensors. You just need to grab the handle to open the door, and it will automatically open, and you can lock it by placing your fingers on the outside of the handle. Opening them from the inside requires skill: you simultaneously press the button and push the door to open it.
Interior and space in the Lexus LBX
The first thing you notice when you get into the LBX is that Lexus has managed to make the interior no less upscale than in the Lexus RX, but visually compressed. The materials are pleasant, with plenty of soft-touch synthetic leather that is hard to distinguish from real leather by eye, but you can feel a slight rubberization when you touch it. Only the stitching is thin and even, and the black roof upholstery creates an overall unified space.
The 9.8-inch touchscreen is harmoniously integrated into the center console architecture and has a sufficient selection of physical buttons, for example, for temperature, heating, and a volume knob. Only the angle of the screen is strange and impractical, as the surface instantly collects dust.
Some climate control controls are accessible through the screen, but they are displayed constantly and have normal sensitivity, which allows you to press them like keys. The climate control here is dual-zone with a Lexus Nanoe-X air quality filter. The controls do not require unnecessary movements, you get used to the location quickly. The front-row seats are heated and cooled, and you can also set them to turn on automatically according to the climate control.
The instrument panel is 12.3 inches and displays information about driving speed, rpm, hybrid system operation, assistants, and more. Many functions are configured to be controlled by the steering wheel buttons, which minimizes distractions from driving.
The multimedia has the usual style for the concern and is very similar to the interface in Toyota. Clear graphics, font and adequate response to touch. It’s nice that the connection to the smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is wireless. Also, with decent software that does not overheat the smartphone and does not discharge it as quickly as it is very common with other brands. There is also a wireless charger under the screen, which rather maintains the charge and makes sure that the phone does not overheat by turning off for a while and resuming the charging process again. The smart system monitors the process constantly. For which we are grateful to the manufacturer.
There are several variants of equipment supplied to our market, but not the maximum. So the difference between them is not significant, but there is one. So LBX Elegant will not have a black roof and will offer light shades of interior upholstery: light beige and brown. But LBX Emotion — is our test car with a black interior and a black roof.
Another aspect of the smaller cabin is the narrow center console and proximity between the driver and passenger. A feature of the subcompact. You can get used to it because there is plenty of storage space, a place to put coffee, put your phone, and a niche under the center monitor for additional storage of small items. But the pockets in the doors are very modest.
It will be much harder for the rear passengers. If a tall man sits in front, even a child’s palm won’t be able to get in behind. But an average height allows a child to ride safely on the back seat, or even an adult to fit. Interestingly, the roof is not a hindrance, and the passage to the rear row is quite spacious. It is convenient to attach child seats or load things when the rear row backrests are folded.
On the other hand, the trunk is surprisingly deep, although not huge. The volume is 317 liters, while the Toyota Yaris has 390 liters. A victim of design or engineers? And here there will be no touch-sensitive opening of the luggage door, you will have to press the button under the inscription or on the key.
Competitors and test drive conclusion
Over the years, only Mini has managed to convince enough buyers to pay more for a small car. The first generation of the Audi A1 performed well at the time, but everything stopped at the second generation. The Audi Q2 is not showing record sales either. Even the Mercedes-Benz A-Class still exists as a complement to the segment, not making sales for the brand. So Lexus can be called quite bold. If we remember that the concern rarely takes rash steps, then this is most likely a fairly balanced goal.
In any case, for the smallest Lexus, they ask from 39 thousand dollars (1,584,804 UAH) for the LBX Elegant and 40 thousand dollars (1,631,592 UAH) for the maximum LBX Emotion. And that’s a lot of money for a small car, especially if you can leave the same dealership with a Toyota Yaris Cross for $29,189 (1,179,640 UAH). Just remember that even a packed Toyota will cost $31,985 (1,292,625 UAH), which is not much less than a Lexus, and the difference will be greatly felt.
With similar equipment, an Audi Q2 costs about the same as an LBX, DS 3, or Peugeot 2008, but certainly less. Larger cars like the Cupra Formentor or Mercedes GLA are obviously pricier. And not everywhere there is an offer with hybrid engines. So there is virtually no competition in the segment in our market, but the European range will offer a little more, and Lexus will start to build its reputation there.
In addition to its impeccable safety record, Lexus is also known for building some of the most reliable vehicles. The LBX hasn’t yet covered its tens of thousands of kilometers and proved its reliability, but the Toyota Yaris Cross is already on the road and doesn’t cause any alarms.
In my opinion, thanks to the hybrid transmission, you realize that the LBX is economical and profitable to use. After all, you should also consider the three-cylinder engine, which will be a little cheaper to maintain, and all the units in the car are repairable, affordable, and easy to replace, which works only for the better.
The LBX meets most of the requirements you would hope for. Its interior ambience and quality convince, and the attention and care taken in finalizing the software commands respect. The smooth, quiet and economical powerplant is ideal for the city. In general, the idea of a small but not expensive car is attractive to those who can and want to add a little luxury to their everyday commute.
PROS: economy, comfort, quality of materials, multimedia.
CONS: too little space for rear passengers, boring exterior.
Technical characteristics of Lexus LBX Emotion
| Body, type | SUV |
| Dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 4190/1825/1560 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2580 |
| Declared ground clearance, mm | 150 |
| Trunk volume, liters. | 317 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1425 |
| Engine | 1.5 Dual VVT-i |
| Power, hp. | 91 |
| Torque, Nm | 120 |
| Battery type | Ni-MH, Bipolar |
| Total power, hp. | 136 |
| Type of drive | Front |
| Pendant | Macpherson/semi-dependent |
| Transmission | 8AT |
| Dynamics 0-100, s | 9,2 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 170 |
| Fuel consumption, l (mixed) | 3,8 |
| Cost, UAH | 1 584 804 |
| The cost of the test car, UAH | 1 631 592 |
| Competitors | Toyota Yaris Cross |
| MINI Countryman | |
| Audi Q2 | |
| Mercedes GLA | |
| BMW X1 |
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