Lexus has revealed its latest model, the LBX crossover, that it hopes will appeal to a new-generation of buyers, though the brand’s Australian arm says it is yet to decide on its local arrival.
“Lexus Australia continues to assess models that may be suitable for the needs of local customers, with the LBX no exception,” the brand said in a release.
“A decision on LBX will be made at a later stage.”
Despite this, it is expected the LBX (which stands for ‘Lexus Breakthrough Crossover’) will make it to Australian showrooms as one of the new three Lexus models coming in the next 18 months alongside the LM people mover and the yet-to-be-confirmed Toyota Prado-related GX SUV.
Built on the TNGA GA-B platform shared with the Toyota Yaris Cross, Lexus claims the architecture is tweaked “to meet the stringent requirements of a Lexus vehicle”.
Measuring 4190mm long, 1825mm wide, 1560mm tall and with a 2580mm wheelbase, the LBX is shares the same wheelbase measurement as the Yaris Cross, but is also slightly longer, wider and shorter.
Powering the LBX is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that Lexus claims delivers “both responsive performance and outstanding fuel economy”, though doesn’t go into detail about outputs or frugality.
For reference, the front-drive-only Toyota Yaris Cross also features a similar powertrain that serves up 85kW/141Nm and a combined fuel consumption figure of 3.8 litres per 100km.
Further differentiating the two however, is the availability of front- and all-wheel-drive configurations on the LBX, the latter designed to support an additional electric motor at the rear thanks to a unique trailing arm double-wishbone suspension set-up.
And unlike its Yaris Cross cousin, it looks like Lexus’ LBX will be a hybrid-only offering in keeping with the strong mix of electrified sales in Australia.
Of course, being a new Lexus, the LBX features the brand’s signature spindle grille, which is flanked by two sleek headlights and a tapered bonnet.
With minimal front and rear overhands, Lexus says the LBX features “a well-planted look”, while sporty touches include a roof spoiler and L-shaped tail-lights with a connecting horizontal strip.
Standard are 17-inch wheels, with 18s available on higher grades, with both wrapped in wide 225-section tyres for improved road holding.
Inside, drivers are treated to a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, ambient lighting, and extra materials in the dashboard and roof to reduce in-cabin noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
Safety, of course, is also at the forefront in the LBX, with highlights including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist.
If the Lexus LBX comes to Australia, it is expected to be the brand’s most affordable offering, slotting in below the UX crossover that starts at $46,085 before on-road costs for the 200 Luxury.
Keep in mind the Yaris Cross starts at $27,840 for the GX 2WD and extends to $35,840 for the GR Sport Hybrid 2WD, so there is plenty of air between the two models for the Lexus LBX to slot in.
The Lexus LBX would also be Australia’s only luxury light SUV, but competitors could come in the form of the Renault Captur and VW T-Cross.
Keyword: Throw your LV into an LBX! 2023 Lexus LBX hybrid SUV revealed as Toyota Yaris Cross' fancy cousin