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Luxury and Technology Compactly Packed: A Closer Look at the Lexus LBX

The Japanese brand has introduced the tiniest vehicle in its history, a full hybrid model that boasts all-wheel drive as well.

Japanese automaker introduces smallest vehicle under its brand, exclusively offered as a full...
Japanese automaker introduces smallest vehicle under its brand, exclusively offered as a full hybrid with all-wheel drive.

Luxury and Technology Compactly Packed: A Closer Look at the Lexus LBX

Vroom! Meet the Lexus LBX, the pocket-rocket of the prestige brand’s stable

The Japanese luxury automaker hit a home run with this nifty number, breaking tradition by unleashing its tiniest machine ever, the LBX. Founded in 1989 as Lexus Luxury Export United States, this powerhouse challenged the high-end of the American market and, well, conquered it. Despite initial struggles in Europe, Lexus managed to make significant ground in 2024, scoring a whopping 2.5% market share and selling a record-breaking 88,184 vehicles, with 6,095 finding their way into Italian driveways. The LBX, its adorable runt, clutched the second spot on the sales chart, trailing the NX.

Named yours truly the Lexus Breakthrough Crossover, the LBX boasts compact dimensions - a body length of 419 cm, a width of 183 cm, and a height of 155 cm. And while these figures don't scream "huge trunk," they do offer a modest 332 litres of cargo space, shrinking to 247 litres in the all-wheel-drive version, thanks to the presence of that pesky second electric motor. The LBX flaunts the brand's famous emphasis on design and tech, condensing it onto a smaller canvas.

Speaking of exteriors, the LBX proudly parades the new Resolute Look, need I say more? The endearing hourglass grille from Lexus's old school days makes a fabulous comeback, and the interior was designed with the driver in mind, guided by the Japanese philosophy of Tazuna that awesomely equates to a precise use of reins by a horse rider. In simpler terms, the LBX demands minimal adjustments from the driver to navigate the controls and infotainment system, allowing eyes to remain glued to the road.

But let's get real, this SUV is a little finicky in practice. The touchscreen infotainment system is a joy to play with, yet the graphics leave something to be desired, and some functions hide in the drink of submenus. Furthermore, only Apple CarPlay connects wirelessly, while Android Auto hesitantly plays second fiddle, requiring a good old-fashioned cable connection. And the steering wheel buttons? They can leave youbmuddled, using the head-up display to clue you in.

Nevertheless, the cabin's quality shines through, with top-notch material choices and spotless assembly work. Shockingly, the LBX's soundproofing is off the charts, a godsend to city dwellers with noisy neighbours. The only drawback? The driver's seating isn't the most accommodating for the tall and lanky, and the overall spaciousness leaves something to be desired.

Despite sharing its technical foundations with the Toyota Yaris Cross, the LBX elevates the level of on-board comfort. The diminutive Lexus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a breezy 9.2 seconds, graced by a top speed of 170 km/h. What truly stands out is its fuel economy - masterfully covering over 20 km per litre in town, and up to a magnificent 25 km when driven with a firm grasp of the throttle. The LBX continues to shine on open roads and highways, resulting in an impressive average of over 16 km per litre.

Should anyone be wondering about safety, fear not. The LBX is armed to the teeth with an extensive arsenal of active driver assistance systems, ensuring it stays out of deep trouble. Its formidable safety rating of 5 out of 5 speaks volumes about its defensive prowess. Finally, if you've got a burning desire to get your hands on this ride, be prepared to lay down at least 39,000 euros for the entry-level model, as promotions make this puppy more affordable than ever. So, buckle up, and join the Lexus LBX revolution!

  1. The average fuel economy of the Lexus LBX is impressive, covering over 20 km per liter in the city and up to 25 km on the highway.
  2. Despite some issues with the touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel buttons, the cabin quality of the Lexus LBX stands out, with top-notch material choices and exceptional soundproofing.
  3. With a starting price of at least 39,000 euros, the Lexus LBX is affordable due to promotions, making it a worthy consideration for those interested in luxury transportation.
  4. In comparison to other vehicles in the industry, the Lexus LBX continues to shine on open roads and highways, resulting in an average of over 16 kmper litre.
  5. The Lexus LBX, despite sharing some technical foundations with the Toyota Yaris Cross, significantly elevates on-board comfort levels in the automotive sector.

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