What the hell is the LBX, exactly? Lexus has surprised us with a few teaser pictures ahead of the premiere of its new model on June 5, at an event dedicated to it in Milan, Italy. Toyota’s premium division hasn’t said anything about the vehicle but it is likely a Yaris Cross dressed in a tuxedo. It might be confusing since the UX already is a small crossover.
2024 Lexus LBX Specs
2025 Lexus LBX Review
On paper, a Yaris Cross measures around 4,200 mm (165 inches), while the UX is nearly 4,500 mm. So, on paper, the LBX is not too big to step on the toes of the UX. Should Lexus continue to downsize? We might both say no since the brand is already diluted. However, subcompact crossovers are still selling like hotcakes. We’re also fairly sure that Toyota did not invest a lot of money in Lexusifying the Yaris Cross.
Since May 2020, rumors of a Lexus entry-level crossover have circulated on the Internet. The initial reports said it would be a Citroen akin to “BX”, but a trademark filing hinted that “LBX” was the final name. The Audi Q2 will be its main competitor, but not for very long. Ingolstadt’s small premium is disappearing after one generation. The BMW X1 or Mercedes GLA is more like the UX in terms of size than this future LBX.
The new Lexus LBX will be based on the same TNGA platform as the Yaris mini-car. It is expected that the LBX will have the same technical specifications as its mainstream counterpart. There will be an all-wheel drive hybrid version, powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, which together produce 114 horsepower. The Toyota-badged version takes 11.8 seconds to go from 0-60 mph (100km/h). The front-wheel drive model is also available with a 1.5-liter engine that delivers 123 hp via either a six-speed CVT or manual transmission.
Lexus Europe has published teasers confirming that the model will be sold on the Old Continent. We would not hold our breath waiting for the LBX in the United States, where the Yaris Cross and Yaris aren’t available.
Changes
The Lexus LBX will use the same TNGA-B platform as Toyota’s Yaris Cross and also share some key mechanical components. The Yaris Cross is 4180mm in length, 1765mm in width, 1590mm high, with a wheelbase of 2560mm. The hybrid version is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol-electric engine with 85kW and comes in both a two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive layout.
2024 Lexus LBX
The teaser pictures show that the LBX has a short bonnet and slim C-shaped front lights with an interlinked chrome bar. The LBX is also notable for not having the spindle grille that has become a trademark of the brand, instead using a honeycomb-style grille. The full-width LED rear-light treatment is styled in a way that looks like a pair of sunglasses.
2025 Lexus LBX Released
Lexus Australia released a press release overnight announcing the new LBX. This indicates that the vehicle is headed for our market. Lexus Australia announced earlier this year that it would release three new models, which will fit into new market segments and be marketed under the Lexus brand by the end of the next year.
2024 Lexus LBX Review
The 2024 Lexus LM, due for launch in the latter part of this year, has been confirmed. The LBX is all but set, and the third model remains a subject of speculation. Possible options include a reborn, all-electric IS, mid-size vehicle, or a luxury crossover with LF badges. Lexus GX, a new generation Toyota Prado-based Lexus GX, is also expected in Australia but not before 2025. Lexus began toying around with the idea of a small SUV in 2015 when the Lexus LFSA concept was previewed at the Geneva Motor Show. Lexus will release teasers for the LBX over the next few weeks, ahead of its June 5 debut in Italy.
