Lexus unveils new LBX compact crossover

Lexus has added a new LBX compact crossover into its lineup.

It may be a small car, but its planned role for Lexus is anything but. Fans of the brand will note that this is the first model from Lexus to bear a three-letter name since the LFA.

Short for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, the LBX has been designed to appeal to a younger audience and thus extend Lexus' brand appeal into new market territory. The firm expects the LBX to become one of its top-selling models in Europe.

The new car is based on the firm's GA-B platform which is utilised for vehicles including the Toyota Yaris Cross. However, Lexus points out that numerous modifications have been made to the platform for the LBX.

At 2,580mm, the wheelbase of the Lexus LBX is longer than the Yaris Cross' by 20mm. Lexus also states that the LBX has benefited from the use of an aluminium bonnet, moulded resin wheel arches, rockers, and lower door sections, all to keep total weight down.

Extensive attention has additionally been placed on managing noise and vibration in the LBX. These include the use of an additional balancer shaft to the engine to reduce vibration, as well as the use of damping sheets in the doors to suppress high frequency noise.

Front-wheel drive examples of the Lexus LBX will utilise a torsion beam suspension design at the rear, while all-wheel drive examples will get a double-wishbone arrangement.

Powering these wheels is a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain, with a system output of 134bhp and 185Nm of torque, sufficient to see the car reaching 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.

Lexus states that this drivetrain has seen substantial changes to the design of its transaxle and power control unit to improve efficiency, reduce losses, save weight and reduce size. The hybrid system here utilises a nickel-metal hydride battery.

All this comes wrapped under sheet metal that has been extensively European led in its design.

Up front, the Lexus LBX gets the firm's new Spindle Body frameless grille as seen in the Lexus RX. This is flanked by strong head lights that get their distinctive L-shape changed to match the direction of each indicator light.

The car also has its license plate positioned low in the bumper at the rear, so the 'Lexus' text appears more prominently on the tailgate. A gate-style rear roof spoiler also features here.

Inside, the Lexus LBX will be offered with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display, while a 9.8-inch touchscreen sits in the centre.

The Lexus LBX is being offered internationally in four different trim options which Lexus terms as 'atmospheres'. These include 'Elegant', 'Relax', 'Emotion', and 'Cool'. The first two atmospheres are designed to deliver a more refined character, and come with a monotone exterior paint finish and glossy 18-inch alloys.

The 'Emotion' and 'Cool' atmospheres, meanwhile, will come with bi-tone paintwork and 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish. The 'Emotion' model will additionally come with perforated synthetic leather upholstery with red accents and contrast stitching on the seats, centre console and door trim, while the LBX 'Cool' gets an Ultrasuede and leather bi-tone black/dark grey interior with copper details and stitching.