Read Caroline’s Lexus LBX review for everything you need to know about buying the new Lexus compact crossover in Ireland.
Lexus is expanding its line-up of cars in Ireland with the arrival of the new LBX.
Styled as a very fashionable compact crossover, it marks a new entry point into the Lexus range – priced from €39,440 – and is likely to attract new buyers to the brand.
The LBX is powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid engine, so it should fit favourably among those seeking an efficient small car with a luxury edge.
Let’s take a closer look.
Design
LBX stands for ‘Lexus Breakthrough Crossover’ and it’s a new departure in design for a brand known for its classic large saloons and SUVs. The new LBX is designed to appeal to a younger audience and those who might not have considered a Lexus before. It sports a friendlier face than many of the other Lexus models in the range, but retains classic Lexus design cues like the brand’s spindle grille. Though it shares its basic underpinnings and hybrid powertrain with the Toyota Yaris Cross, the LBX looks nothing like that car, with a smart, upmarket presence all of its own.
There are two different trim levels for Ireland – Elegant and Emotion – but 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights come as standard. The Elegant model’s alloys are dark grey with a high gloss finish, while the Emotion model’s have a machined finish. The Emotion also adds rear privacy glass and a bi-tone exterior with a black contrast roof colour.
What colours does the Lexus LBX come in?
There are a range of colours available but the LBX looks particularly smart in Neptune Blue like the car I tested. Other options include Sonic White, Sonic Grey, Sparkling Silver, Urban Grey, Midnight Black, Metallic Ruby and Sonic Copper. The standard colour is Passionate Yellow, which you don’t have to pay extra for. Metallic paint options cost between €980 and €1400.
Lexus LBX Interior
Once you sit into the LBX, you can this car belongs to an elite club. The finish of the cabin is impeccable and there’s a premium feel that’s rare to find in such a compact car. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and cream leather upholstery come as standard. The LBX feels snug from behind the wheel and all the controls fall easily to hand. A lot of consideration has gone into the driving position and how you interact with the controls. Even how the doors close – the ‘e-Latch’ electronic door release system ensures a soft close that makes the LBX feel more special than most. There’s also a digital instrument cluster and 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, as well as ‘Hey Lexus’ voice control.
Even the Elegant model comes very well equipped including dual zone automatic climate control, automatic lights and wipers, rear view camera, heated front seats with lumbar support and radar cruise control as part of the Lexus Safety Sense package. The Emotion model adds black leather with red stitching, keyless entry and wireless smartphone charging.
The new LBX is smaller than the Lexus UX but it can still seat five. However, it is quite a compact vehicle and there is not a huge amount of legroom or elbow room in the back. But it should be fine for children or small adults from time to time.
Lexus LBX boot space
At 332 litres, the boot offers a good amount of space for a small car and will easily fit a few suitcases or bags of shopping. The rear seats can also split fold 60:40.
Driving
Engine
The LBX uses the same 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain as the Yaris Cross. But it’s been heavily revised to boost the refinement and performance of this set-up, including a new battery. There’s 136hp and the 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 9.2 seconds. The official consumption figure is 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and motor tax costs €180 per year.
Is it any good to drive?
The LBX rivals other small premium crossovers like the Volvo EX30 and the Smart #1 – but has the benefit of a hybrid powertrain which offers an EV drive at low speeds in town but no charging required. The LBX proves to be very efficient in real world driving, achieving consumption of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres during my test drive over a variety of roads. It also delivers its power impressively and the engine never gets too noisy, despite the eCVT gearbox.
Lexus also made revisions to Toyota’s GA-B small car platform for the LBX to give it the control, comfort and confidence of a Lexus. This is the first time Lexus has used the platform. The LBX has a longer wheelbase, wider track and increased body rigidity compared to its cousin the Yaris Cross and this contributes to better handling and stability. Larger wheels and tyres add to the stable feel. Lexus also revised the suspension and tuned the steering. It’s not quite as fun to drive as a Smart #1 but the LBX feels very mature and stable on the road, and combined with the refinement of the hybrid powertrain, it is a very pleasant drive. There is some road noise apparent at high speeds on the motorway.
What is the price of the Lexus LBX?
The LBX is available in Ireland from €39,440 for the Elegant, which comes very well equipped, and from €41,600 for the Emotion with a little bit more gear like black leather, keyless entry and wireless smartphone charging.
Verdict
The new Lexus LBX is a brilliant new entry point into the Lexus range and makes the brand’s upmarket design and quality now accessible to more buyers. Extra points for the fact that it’s a trendy compact crossover and the LBX is sure to appeal to buyers looking to downsize but without compromising Lexus luxury and build quality. Despite being a small car, it still feels very much like a Lexus – particularly from behind the steering wheel.
While many rivals are going electric, the LBX offers a great hybrid solution with many of the benefits of EV driving thrown in – particularly in low speed town driving. Lexus is also to be commended for the refinement of the hybrid, which makes it a pleasant drive no matter the circumstances.
At close to €40,000, it’s still a lot of money to pay for a small crossover but it does sit at the higher end of the segment and is priced well compared to other upmarket crossovers like the Smart #1 and Volvo EX30, with plenty of equipment and high-end features on board.
Pros: Upmarket, well-built, smooth to drive, fuel-efficient hybrid.
Cons: Not the most spacious for rear seat passengers, expensive for a small car.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post Lexus LBX Review | Compact crossover with luxury edge appeared first on Changing Lanes.