The smallest should become the biggest: Lexus is involved in the Golf class

Toyota’s luxury offshoot Lexus delights a small, select group of buyers who don’t surf the mainstream wave. The Japanese now want to break out of this niche – at least a little. With the LBX. The compact is only 4.19 meters long and is therefore in the Golf class. The competition from Wolfsburg and Co. is by no means afraid of the luxury sedan, emphasized a brand spokesman at the presentation this week. The many elegant details would set the LBX apart from the rest of the car world.

“The breakthrough”

By the way, LBX stands for “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover” (the “X” is pronounced “Cross” in English, note). Loosely translated: The Lexus crossover that makes the breakthrough. In terms of sales figures, technology, comfort? The Japanese did not put their cards on the table in this regard. There will probably be a little bit of everything.

Externally, the Japanese emphasizes the masculine touch. Lexus calls the design “Resolute Look”. Strong shoulders at the front and back, the usual powerful radiator grille (name “Diabolo”), dynamic lines: the design looks young and sporty without being intrusive. Just as in the interior, no run-of-the-mill creation became reality, but rather a pleasantly different line that caters to European preferences – such as a straightforward overview of the information displays and clear structures. The cockpit is driver-oriented – the Japanese call this “Tazuna”.

The optional 12.3-inch central screen (base: 9.8 inches) used the Apple CarPlay menu on the first OÖN exit, which navigated reliably and played media as usual. LBX’s own menu requires some attention when using it for the first time. The head-up display projected the reduced driving information razor-sharp and bright onto the windshield.

The trunk holds a good 402 liters (all-wheel drive 317 liters), the doors open at the push of a button (“E-Latch”). The latter takes some getting used to, but is practical. The seats are comfortable and soft and absorb the vibrations that the fine suspension still allows through.

Always horizontal

When it comes to little helpers, the Vehicle Braking Posture Control stands out: the LBX is always kept horizontal when braking, which worked brilliantly on the OÖN exit.

The 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with the electric motor generates 100 kW (136 hp) of system power. The acceleration is strong, but the drive struggles in the upper speed ranges. The CVT automatic is standard. What’s more important, of course, is that the hybrid is really economical. According to WLTP, the LBX makes do with 4.5 to 4.8 liters of super.

Lexus offers five equipment lines for the small one, which Lexus predicts will be the largest. In other words: the brand’s best-selling model. Starting price: 33,190 euros. The first LBXs will be delivered in spring 2024.

info By clicking on the icon you can add the keyword to your topics.

info
By clicking on the icon you open your “my topics” page. They have of 15 keywords saved and would have to remove keywords.

info By clicking on the icon you can remove the keyword from your topics.

Add the topic to your topics.