Many rumors about a more luxurious Yaris Cross model have now finally come true. The Lexus LBX, which many are already calling the "Toyota Yaris Cross in a tuxedo," has officially arrived and is aimed mainly at the European market, but will be available in other markets as well.
Lexus LBX it is positioned under the UX model and serves as a new entry model in the world Lexus. This cute crossover is an indirect replacement for the previous model Lexus CT hatchback. The LBX sits on the same GA-B platform as its Toyota cousin, but with a different design that better suits the Lexus design language, both inside and out.
LBX measures in length 4190 millimeters (165 inches), in width 1825 mm (71.8 in), to a height of 1545 mm (60.8 in), while it has a wheelbase of 2580 mm (101.5 in). It comes with 18-inch wheels as standard, and the Lexus LBX is actually slightly larger and heavier than the Yaris Cross 1,280 kilogramsin (2,821 pounds). It will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and all configurations will be exclusively equipped with a continuously variable transmission.
At the heart of the Lexus LBX is a hybrid powertrain based on a three-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine. It produces a total of 134 horsepower (100 kilowatts) and a maximum torque of 185 Newton-meters (136 pounds per inch). The electrified power is enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h 9.2 seconds and maximum towing capacity 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds).
Lexus LBX it is like a jewel that combines elegance, performance and comfort. Each model has MacPherson strut suspension at the front, while the rear uses a torsion bar for front-wheel drive models and a double wishbone for AWD models. What's more, this little crossover has some aluminum, as well as molded resin trims on the wheel arches, sills, and door sills to help keep weight down.
Inside, the LBX boasts a 12.3-inch screen with an optional head-up display, complemented by a 9.8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless connectivity only works for Apple CarPlay. Lexus once again teamed up with Mark Levinson, who provided a 13-speaker sound system with an additional subwoofer.
If you opt for the front-wheel drive model, you get a trunk volume of 332 liters (11.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats intact. An AWD-equipped LBX will likely be less practical due to the hybrid's extras. Lexus points out that despite being a new entry-level model, the Lexus LBX has made no compromises in terms of quality and attention to detail. The LBX is the company's first model for which the development took place mainly in Europe.
The LBX is expected to go into production later this year and go on sale in Europe along with additional markets in early 2024. This small but powerful addition to the Lexus lineup may be just the thing for those looking for luxury in a compact package.
Lexus LBX As the shining jewel in the Lexus crown, it proves that size really isn't everything. After all, as the old saying goes: "The best things are always packed in small boxes."
