The 2024 Lexus LBX Is A Mini Premium Crossover That America Probably Won't Like (2024)

Lexus, a brand synonymous with luxury SUVs and crossovers, is venturing into new territory with the 2024 LBX. This compact offering positions Lexus within the burgeoning compact luxury crossover segment, targeting drivers who prioritize a blend of premium features, agility, and efficiency in a smaller package. The LBX moniker itself deviates from Lexus' usual two-letter naming convention for its models.

Also, the LBX boasts a distinctive design that departs from Lexus' usual bold styling. It features a more subdued take on the brand's signature spindle grille, with a focus on clean lines and a sophisticated aesthetic. Lexus is aiming to attract younger buyers with the LBX, offering a variety of customization options including paint colors, wheels, and interior trim levels.

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The LBX is a subcompact crossover developed specifically for the European market, where smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles are highly sought after. This is based on the continent's preference for smaller vehicles as a reason for this regional offering. While the LBX won't be available in the United States, it will compete with rivals like the Audi Q2 in Europe.

However, its arrival undeniably adds a fresh and intriguing option to the Lexus lineup. The LBX comes equipped with an updated hybrid powertrain centered around a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine. Offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the LBX prioritizes fuel efficiency while delivering adequate power for city driving.

A Compact Crossover For International Markets But Not The States

See Also

Best Lexus Hybrids - iSeeCars.comLexus LBX Models & SpecificationsNew Lexus LBX 2024 review: a small SUV with premium appeal | Auto ExpressLexus LBX Review 2024, Price & Specs

• A compact crossover SUV available in Europe & Asia but not the U.S.
• The US market prefers larger vehicles and the LBX is a compact crossover.
• Lexus prioritizes larger models like TX for the US market.

​​​​​​The Lexus LBX was introduced in late 2023. Lexus currently offers the LBX in Europe, Japan, and a select few other markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Singapore. There is currently no official word on whether the LBX will be available in the United States. The LBX's absence from the U.S. market is due to American consumer preferences. The U.S. market traditionally favors larger vehicles, and the LBX falls into the compact crossover segment.

Lexus is prioritizing larger models like the TX, a three-row crossover based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, to better cater to American consumer tastes. Further evidence supporting the LBX's exclusion from the US market comes from the lack of any official teasers from Lexus U.S. While Lexus has teased upcoming vehicles like the TX and the new GX, there haven't been any teasers for the LBX on their North American press channels or social media platforms. This clearly suggests that Lexus doesn't currently have plans to offer the LBX in the US.

The LBX Boasts A European-Inspired Design Which Prioritizes Efficiency

• It has a unique design that departs from Lexus' usual bold style.
• The LBX focuses on efficiency with a streamlined form for better aerodynamics.
• It retains some Lexus design cues like L-shaped taillights.
• The overall design prioritizes efficiency and caters to European urban drivers.

Despite not being available in the United States, the Lexus LBX boasts a unique exterior design that departs from the brand's usual bold and ostentatious approach. Measuring in at a compact 165 inches long, the LBX positions itself within the subcompact crossover segment, competing directly with European rivals. This focus on a smaller frame reflects Lexus' strategy to capture a wider customer base in Europe, a market where premium German brands hold significant sway. The LBX's exterior design showcases a significant departure from Lexus' signature design language.

The brand's iconic Spindle Grille takes a backseat, evolving into a "Spindle Body" that functions as the lower air intake. The main grille is now a horizontal element connecting the sleek LED headlights. This streamlined approach contributes to the LBX's aerodynamic efficiency, a factor Lexus emphasizes for both performance and environmental benefits. The frameless grille and low hood create a smooth shape that minimizes drag, optimizing fuel efficiency and potentially enhancing handling characteristics.

2024 Lexus LBX Exterior Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Lexus)

While the LBX adopts a more understated look, it doesn't entirely abandon Lexus design cues. The L-shaped taillights, a signature Lexus aesthetic element, remain prominent at the rear. Additionally, the LBX incorporates black cladding strategically around the wheel wells and lower body, a common design feature in the crossover segment. This cladding not only adds a touch of ruggedness but also helps visually balance the proportions of the compact LBX.

Overall, the Lexus LBX's exterior design prioritizes efficiency and European sensibilities. The streamlined form, subtle brand elements, and practical cladding suggest a vehicle geared toward urban environments and style-conscious drivers. The LBX's design language hints at a potential future direction for Lexus, one that embraces a more practical and aerodynamic aesthetic.

Extensive Customization Options Are Available

The all-new Lexus LBX prioritizes extensive customization to attract young, style-conscious buyers. Lexus offers a wide range of exterior and interior design options. Customers can select from five distinct design themes, each catering to a specific aesthetic taste. The "Bespoke Build" ordering system amplifies personalization possibilities, boasting a staggering 330,000 potential combinations.

This vast selection encompasses a variety of exterior colors, wheel designs, and interior finishes. The exterior color palette itself is noteworthy, featuring nine unique shades, including unconventional options like Sonic Chrome and Sonic Copper. Two-tone paint finishes are also available, providing an additional layer of customization. When it comes to wheels, buyers can choose between 17-inch and 18-inch sizes in various styles.

Luxury And Tech In A Compact Package

The interior of the 2024 Lexus LBX prioritizes a luxurious and comfortable environment for occupants. Lexus achieves this through a focus on high-quality materials, a driver-centric design, and a variety of technological features. The LBX employs a design philosophy called "Tazuna concept," which translates to "rein." This approach aims to create a harmonious connection between the driver and the car.

Soft-touch plastics, Lexus-signature materials like Ultrasuede, and different leather options including semi-aniline leather, are used throughout the cabin, offering a premium and inviting feel. The LBX packs a surprising amount of technology for its size. A prominent feature is the portrait-style touchscreen dominating the center console. This 9.8-inch display complements the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.

2024 Lexus LBX Interior Dimensions

(Specs sourced from Lexus)

The clean and simple lines of the interior avoid being overly minimalist, with tasteful details and stitching accents adding visual interest. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for seamless smartphone integration. Audiophiles will appreciate the optional 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.

Lexus also offers the "Bespoke Build" program that allows for extensive customization of the interior. Buyers can choose from various color themes, including "Cool" with its modern leather and Ultrasuede combination, "Relax" with its sophisticated semi-aniline leather, and "Active" for a sportier look with red accents. Beyond color themes, options include selecting the color of seatbelts, leather upholstery, and stitch thread. Vegan-friendly upholstery options are also available.

Tiny Car, Tiny Hybrid Drivetrain

The Lexus LBX takes a unique approach to its powertrain, prioritizing efficiency and refinement over outright power. Unlike many competitors in the compact luxury SUV segment, the LBX eschews larger engines in favor of a hybrid system built around a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, while not a powerhouse, is known for its remarkable fuel economy, achieving decent MPGs based on WLTP estimates. This translates to lower running costs and a reduced environmental impact.

Drivetrain Configurations

The LBX's hybrid system comes in two configurations, both featuring the 1.5-liter engine.

• Front-wheel Drive (FWD): This configuration utilizes two electric motors and a torsion beam rear suspension for a simpler and potentially more fuel-efficient setup.
• All-wheel Drive (AWD): This option adds an additional electric motor for improved traction in all weather conditions. Additionally, it benefits from a more sophisticated independent double-wishbone rear suspension for enhanced handling and ride quality.

Lexus' engineers have extensively reworked the GA-B platform to provide a quieter and more luxurious experience. This includes additional sound insulation to minimize engine and road noise typically associated with smaller vehicles.

While official figures are not yet available, the LBX's hybrid powertrain is expected to deliver excellent fuel economy. Considering the Yaris Cross with a similar engine achieves over 60 mpg based on WLTP estimates, the LBX with its upgraded system has the ability to offer an even better fuel efficiency.