Look familiar? It’s the Lexus LBX, an upmarket version of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
LBX stands for Lexus Breakthrough X (cross)-over, but at this stage it is not guaranteed
for Australia.
Lexus Australia says it continues to assess models that may be suitable for the needs of
local customers and the LBX is no exception. “A decision on LBX will be made at a later
stage,” it says.
LBX is built on the GA-B compact vehicle platform, modified and retuned to meet the
requirements of a Lexus vehicle. Emphasis has been given to a creating a lightweight
body that is highly rigid, with a low centre of gravity to enhance dynamics.
LBX is 4190mm long, 1825mm wide and stands 1560mm high, with a 2580mm
wheelbase.
It’s powered by a 1.5-litre inline three-cylinder hybrid powertrain, with a combined output of
100kW of power and 185Nm of torque.
Used for both front-drive and all-wheel drive versions, it features a compact, lightweight
transaxle with enhanced motor output and high-output nickel metal hydride battery.
The sprint from 0-100km/h takes a claimed 9.2 seconds.
The front suspension features a newly developed MacPherson strut arrangement with
updated suspension geometry to ensure excellent straight-line stability and minimal
understeer.
Rear suspension on the front-drive variants uses a lightweight and exceptionally rigid
torsion beam, while the AWD variant uses a trailing arm type, two-link double-wishbone
set-up housing the rear motor.
Drive Force Control automatically adjusts acceleration and deceleration to reflect the
driving conditions.
Travelling uphill or downhill the system detects variations in road incline and provides
assistance by adjusting the acceleration and deceleration torque, minimising the need for
frequent accelerator and brake inputs.
When the system detects significant front/rear/left/right G-forces during cornering, it
increases deceleration upon release of the accelerator, maintains engine revs and allows
for smooth re-acceleration.
In addition, Braking Vehicle Posture Control is used to suppress pitch and achieve a linear
braking feel and increased stability when decelerating.
The dashboard features a 12.3-inch fully digital screen to display vehicle information, with
another 9.8-inch centre touchscreen offering the latest in multimedia technology and
operation of further vehicle controls and features.
LBX offers 14 pre-set interior illumination themes and an additional 50 colours.
Multi-layer absorption panels are used behind the dashboard and in the roof panel,
together with strategic use of high-dampening adhesives — to reduce body vibrations.
Attention is also given to the powertrain with optimal placement of the engine mounts, as
well as the inclusion of a balancer shaft for the engine and addition of a resonator to for
the air intake to reduce intake noise. Larger mufflers also help to deliver lower exhaust
noise.
LBX comes with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features and
technology, including: Proactive Driving Assist, Pre-Crash Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist.
