2023.03.28
Yaris by Lexus: an automotive oxymoron? Nothing could be further from the truth. The
new Lexus LBX luxury compact is built on the Toyota Yaris Cross platform (GA-B). The
LBX is the smallest model in the Lexus range and the brand’s first B-segment SUV.
Enter the progeny of the Yaris Cross. Imbued with the Lexus philosophy of Kaizen
(continuous improvement) across all its brands. Now it is bringing this to the small SUV
segment with the LBX.
Lexus sees the need for the LBX to meet the demand for signature craftsmanship,
cutting-edge design and high levels of technology in an attractive package for a diverse
and growing customer base.
“The first LBX breaks new ground,” says Lexus Australia Chief Executive, John Pappas,
“it is proof that luxury is not dictated vehicle size and is in keeping with our electrified
strategy, offering the latest in hybrid technology with an advanced fuel-efficient
powertrain.”
Available in Luxury 2WD, or Sports Luxury 2WD or AWD variants, prices start at
$47,550, plus on-road costs, and top out at $56,990 for the flagship, aimed at appealing
to youthful buyers with active lifestyles. The entry-level Luxury 2WD was on test.
All come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and Lexus being what it is, a
three-year complimentary subscription to the manufacturer’s Lexus Encore lifestyle
program boasting benefits such as exclusive offers from luxury hotel partners,
invitations to premium events and fuel discounts at participating Ampol service stations.
STYLING
Designers set out to make its mark for future generations of compact city-slicker SUVs.
Based on the rigid GA-B platform, the all-new LBX is one of the best-looking compacts
around, the trademark Lexus spindle dominating the front, vertically compressed to sit
low in the vehicle body to accentuate sportiness.
The bonnet leading edge seamlessly molds into the slim high-set LED headlights, which
include a high/low-beam light and bi-functional daytime running light and turn signal with
an inverted version of the L-shaped signature lighting.
Minimal overhangs and rugged wheel arches, dark side sills and wheel arch moldings
complement the expressive SUV design. Lexus SUV family features anchor the rear
with combination lamps joined by an LED light bar spanning the width of the tailgate,
before framing the tail lamp cluster with a distinctive L shape.
Dynamic 18-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range, with Luxury grade fitted
with dark grey metallic wheels with a bright machined finish highlighting the twin Y-
spoke design. Two-tone body finish includes a black roof.
INTERIOR
In the cabin there’s black seat upholstery, steering wheel, door and instrument panel
trim and front and rear floor mats. Front seats are heated. Dual zone climate control has
remote function.
Occupants have the benefit of wireless phone charging, ambient interior lighting, smart
entry and start and power tailgate. The driver gets an auto dimming rear-view mirror.
As for occupant comfort, Lexus says the split-folding rear seat and optimization of rear
cargo space provide customers with active urban lifestyles the carrying flexibility they
need for work, family and fun requirements. However, rear legroom is cramped, even
with average-size front row occupants.
INFOTAINMENT
The dashboard is dominated by an integrated 9.8-inch multimedia display set behind an
anti-reflective glass coating. There’s a single external knob for power on/off and volume
control. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster greets the driver on sitting down.
The display apes a smartphone layout and offers voice recognition and wireless
compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luxury grade is paired with a six-
speaker audio system.
Native navigation is cloud-based, storing map data, downloading it to the sat nav as
needed using the data communication module built into the vehicle. This also facilitates
over-the-air software updates for the head unit and instrument cluster.
Up to three users can save personal settings for multimedia, vehicle settings and active
safety parameters through a Bluetooth device or smart key. Customers can also pre-set
audio and navigation settings, seat position, interior illumination, and parameters for the
Pre-Collision System warning timing, blind spot monitor sensitivity and other settings.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
All LBX grades share the same petrol/electric powertrain, teaming a 1.5-litre internal
combustion engine with an electric motor generator and nickel-metal hydride battery for
fuel economy with refined performance.
Peak power for the petrol motor is 67kW at 5500rpm and 120Nm of torque from 3800 to
4800 revs. It is mated with a continuously variable transmission.
The petrol engine is paired with a hybrid transaxle on the front axle including a
permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 69kW/185Nm, powered by a compact
nickel-metal hydride battery stored underneath the rear seat.
Peak combined output for the three-cylinder hybrid powertrain is rated at 100kW, with
low combined fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway
cycle and average carbon dioxide emissions of 85 grams per kilometre.
SAFETY
The all-new LBX offers excellent protection for occupants and other road users with a
full suite of Lexus Safety System+ features. Active safety uses a combined radar and
camera sensor, operating high-tech. For example, the Pre-Collision System with Pre-
collision Braking, which detects leading vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in the
daytime, as well as oncoming vehicles and motorcycles in the daytime.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control offers a broad range of associated features, allowing
four levels of preset distances to vehicles in front and three levels of acceleration
strength.
The DRCC system can also offer stop-start and low-speed following, with smooth
acceleration or deceleration as required.
In a first for Lexus, owners can set a speed limiter linked with Road Sign Assist (Speed
Signs Only) to limit the vehicle’s speed in accordance with the associated speed limit.
The LBX comes equipped with eight airbags for excellent passive occupant protection.
DRIVING
The front suspension of the LBX two-wheel drive variants features a new MacPherson
strut system with updated suspension geometry ensuring excellent straight-line stability
and minimal understeer. At the rear, the front-drives incorporate a lightweight rigid
torsion beam. It all goes into making the ride and handling steady and sure footed.
While it’s no bitumen burner, engineers improved the hybrid system’s responsiveness
and acceleration thanks to the strong output of the motor and hybrid battery.
Acceleration and deceleration characteristics are sensitive to up and downhill inclines
and can adjust the drive force accordingly.
The new hybrid powertrain ensures the LBX provides refined mid-range performance
while offering excellent fuel economy and low carbon dioxide emissions. After an
average working week the test LBX had managed to average 4.5 litres per 100
kilometres of fuel use.
There’s a stillness in the well-insulated cabin, mostly free from wind and tyre noise, until
the ‘loud’ pedal is pushed, then it’s a raspy retort.
SUMMARY
The LBX delivers big on Lexus fundamentals of quality and craftsmanship, while
offering the latest in petrol/electric hybrid technology with an advanced fuel-efficient
powertrain.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 7
Tech – 8
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Lexus LBX Luxury 2WD hybrid $47,550
Lexus LBX Sports Luxury 2WD hybrid $52,990
Lexus LBX Sports Luxury AWD hybrid $56,990
Note: These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Lexus LBX Luxury 1.5-litre 3-cyl petrol, CVT, FWD, SUV)
ENGINE
Capacity: 1490cc
Configuration: three cylinders
Maximum power 67kW @ 5500rpm
Maximum combined output: 100kW
Maximum torque:120Nm @ 3800-4800rpm
Fuel type: Unleaded petrol 91RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 3.8L/100km
CO2 emissions 85g/km
HYBRID SYSTEM
Type; Series parallel, full hybrid
Front motor generator: synchronous permanent magnet
MG Maximum power: 69kW
MG Maximum torque: 185Nm
Battery: Nickel-metal hydride
DRIVELINE: CVT, FWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4190mm
Width: 1825mm
Height: 1560mm
Wheelbase: 2580mm:
Turning circle: 11.2m
Kerb weight: 1330kg
Fuel tank: 36L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Capped price servicing five years
Roadside assist 10 years
