Can the Lexus LBX do well where no Lexus has stepped before?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the design at the front and we get the new Lexus design language that we will see on newer Lexus’s in the future. The overall front design of the LBX is a Lexus but it is almost like a baby Lexus with its young and youthful design. We get these sporty looking LED Day Time Running Lights and these sporty and curvy headlights. We also get this chrome strip connecting the headlights together which I like. The grill is quite big, but it then blends into the bumper which I do quite like and we also get some small side vents that house the fog lights. The bonnet also slopes quite low with some creases in it and again this gives it a small supermini look which I like.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get some plastic cladding but not a lot to make this car feel cheap. It does still feel premium and sporty looking. This is helped by having the wing mirrors from the Lexus LC. We also get some sporty creases along the side and a decent amount of glass too. We also get some very sporty 18-inch wheels which are perfect for this type of car.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and the modern design continues with a light bar connecting the taillights. All of them are LED and it looks very modern. We also get the Lexus lettering instead of the logo which does make the rear look modern and minimalistic. We get this curvy bumper with some fake side vents to mimic the front of the car. Let’s have a look at what engine options that you can have with the new Lexus LBX.
Car and engine specs and price
So, the engine range of the Lexus LBX is quite simple. There is only 1 engine option, but it can be had with either front wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. Let’s start with the front wheel drive option. This is a 1.5 litre engine with 134 bhp. it has a 0-62 time of 9.6 seconds which isn’t that bad and connected to it is a CVT gearbox which isn’t the best, but it is bearable. Now the 4-wheel drive version is the same engine with the same power output, same 0-62 time and same gearbox. The only difference is that it is slightly less efficient with the front wheel drive getting a combined 63 mpg and the 4-wheel drive getting 57 mpg, but this is only a slight difference. Now let’s get down to what is turning the reviewers away from this car, the price. The price of the new Lexus LBX starts at £29,995 which isn’t bad, but it does go all the way to £39,995. To be honest yes there are cheaper electric SUV’s available but none of those cars don’t have the same preimmunises and looks like this car and to be honest if you were to have a Lexus you would want to pay a premium over its rivals. It’s a bit like comparing a BMW X1 to the Vauxhall Grandland and saying that the BMW X1 is too expensive for it rivalling the Grandland. Of course, it will be more expensive, it’s a BMW. Now with my rant over, lets have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, getting inside the new LBX and we get a real sense of preimmunises from another Lexus’s. let’s start with the dashboard and we get this driver focuses dashboard which I like. It is also quite high making you think you are sitting lower to the ground. We get a digital instrument cluster which is easy to use and see and we also get a very premium and easy to use Lexus steering wheel that is taken from another new Lexus’s which I like. The infotainment system uses a 9.8-inch screen which may be small in today’s cars, but it is very easy to use and is very crisp and clear to see. It does house the climate control system partially on the screen which I am not sure about, but they do stay where they are supposed to be therefore making muscle memory a bit easier but the main controls are physical buttons. The centre console is also premium using an electronic gear shifter and premium materials. The door cards are also interesting as they use the new Lexus door handle system where you just press a button, and the door opens. The seats are also supportive and comfy, and e overall quality is much much better than what you would get from a car in this class.
Practicality
So, getting into the back of the LBX and there is no surprise that legroom won’t be great. The same can be said for the headroom too. You do have to remember though that it is a small SUV and you do get some premium touches as well as USB C ports in the back which I like. I do wish it had an arm rest though.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot to the Lexus LBX and we do get a decent amount of space that will rival the Mokka and Puma. We get 402 litres of boot space with the seats up for the front wheel drive model and this is quite big for its class but if you do go for the 4-wheel drive option then it does reduce to 315 litres. If you fold the seats down, you get a bit of a lip to lift things over but any other car in this segment also has that.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new Lexus LBX. Well, it is a decent car when you look at a premium car perspective then it is a great small car. When you look at it from a standard SUV perspective then it is expensive but then it is a Lexus so you will pay for the premium brand in anyway, so it is worth it.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 3/5
Total 13/15
Model | Lexus LBX Premium Plus |
Engine | 1.5 Litre, 134bhp, 0-62 = 9.6 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | CVT |
Price | £35,425 |
On Sale | Now |
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