New Lexus LBX revealed: price, specs and release date for Australian debut in 2023

Introducing the latest addition to the Lexus lineup – the new Lexus LBX . This compact crossover is designed to sit below the UX model, offering a smaller and more affordable option for customers. Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, the LBX will be available for purchase starting in October.

Let’s dive into the details of the new Lexus LBX:

• It is the smallest car ever produced by Lexus.
• Serving as a new entry point for the brand, this baby SUV offers a fresh perspective.
• Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-hybrid powertrain.
• Prices for the LBX will start at £29,995.
• Expect to see these cars on UK roads by March 2024.

So, what makes the new Lexus LBX unique?

This compact SUV is being hailed as a “landmark model” and a “game-changer” for the brand in Europe. Unlike other premium brands, Lexus is offering an SUV in this small size category, which sets it apart from larger competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA that align more closely with the Lexus UX.

If you’re in the market for a vehicle similar to the DS 3, Nissan Juke, or Peugeot 2008 but want a more prestigious badge, you might want to consider the Lexus LBX. The LBX is set to be available for purchase in October, with the first cars hitting UK roads in March of next year.

Prices for the LBX will start at £29,995, and customers will have the option to choose from six different trim levels when ordering opens in October. The full pricing details will be announced simultaneously.

Read more: Unveiling the Luxury and Power of the 2023 Lexus ES300h Sports

2023 Lexus LBX design

In terms of design, the Lexus LBX features a softer and less dramatic styling compared to other vehicles in the brand’s lineup. Instead of numerous large grilles, the car boasts slender headlights that add to its premium appearance. Additionally, the LBX has shorter front and rear overhangs, giving it a sportier stance. Buyers can also opt for either 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels.

The back of the vehicle showcases prominent Lexus lettering across the tailgate, replacing the previous placement of the badge. Additionally, a rear spoiler and a full-width lighting bar adorn the bootlid.

With a length of only 4190mm, the LBX is considerably shorter than both the Peugeot 2008 and the VW T-Cross, with a difference of 110mm and 45mm respectively. In comparison to the Lexus, the DS 3 is 72mm shorter. However, despite its compact size, the LBX offers a spacious interior, thanks to its wider dimensions compared to those other small crossovers.

2023 Lexus LBX interior and infotainment

The new LBX showcases a sleek and fashionable interior, as one would anticipate from a Lexus. The cabin boasts an abundance of striking shapes and contours, while the materials used are captivating as well.

Elevating the technology, higher trim levels feature a central 9.8-inch touchscreen complemented by a new 12.3-inch fully digital dashboard display. Additionally, a head-up display will be offered for an enhanced driving experience. The LBX offers convenient voice control through the ‘Hey Lexus’ feature, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Users will have the option to use a digital key to unlock the car using their phone and share it with others who need access to the vehicle, along with a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system for music enthusiasts.

In terms of practicality, the boot space is not very generous, with a luggage area of 332 litres compared to 350 litres for the DS 3, and over 400 litres for the Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Cross.

New Lexus LBX engine and performance

The Lexus LBX will initially be available with one engine option, which is a newly developed version of their hybrid system. This “self-charging” hybrid combines a petrol engine, a small battery, and an electric motor that can power the car for short distances on its own. The system mainly recharges through energy recouped when slowing down.

According to Lexus, the changes to the hybrid system have allowed them to focus on improving driving pleasure. The three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid engine has a power output of 134hp, although performance figures are yet to be confirmed.

One notable improvement in the new hybrid system is its ability to operate at higher speeds and longer distances compared to previous models. In previous cars, a delicate touch was required to keep the EV system running without relying on petrol backup.

The standard configuration for the cars is front-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is also available as an option by adding an additional electric motor to the rear axle.

Lexus LBX Specifications

If you’re interested in the Lexus LBX, you can choose from six different trims: Urban, Premium, Premium Plus, Premium Plus Design, Takumi, and Original Edition.

The entry-level Urban trim includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beam, dual-zone climate control, a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone integration, and front and rear sensors with a rear parking camera.

The Premium trim adds heated front seats, rear privacy glass, synthetic leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, automatic wipers, ambient lighting, and a pre-collision system with blind spot monitoring, rear side monitor, and safe exit assist.

Opting for the Premium Plus trim includes 18-inch alloys with a high gloss finish, a powered tailgate, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, and head-up display. Upgrading to the Premium Plus Design trim adds perforated synthetic leather upholstery with red stitching, machined alloys, and two-tone paintwork.

With the Takumi grade, you’ll get a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat adjustment, multi-colored ambient lighting, intelligent park assist, an advanced safety pack, and adaptive high beam for the LED headlights. The Takumi Design optional extra includes two-tone paintwork, 18-inch machined alloys, and leather with suede upholstery.

The Original Edition launch model features special copper dual-tone paintwork, matte black 18-inch alloys, rear bumper inserts, rear pillar stickers, and specific model badging. Only 250 units will be sold in the UK.

All versions of the LBX are equipped with advanced safety and driving assistance features as part of the Safety System+ setup.

The full specifications for each trim level will be released in October, along with pricing details.

Lexus (レクサス, Rekusasu) is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota. The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide and is Japan’s largest-selling make of premium cars. It has ranked among the 10 largest Japanese global brands in market value. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Operational centers are located in Brussels, Belgium, and Plano, Texas, United States.