If we add up the results of European (EU and UK) sales of the Yaris platform (41,755 units) and Yaris Cross (53,050 units) for the first quarter of 2023, it turns out that the car with the word “Yaris” on the trunk lid is the most popular a new “passenger car” in the local market: localization in France and the Czech Republic is bearing fruit. Now, another compact SUV based on the GA-K platform will appear in the range – but under the Lexus brand – which will compete for European buyers with the Audi Q2 / Q3 and Volvo XC40: LBX.
Representatives of the brand disown attempts to make a “cheap Lexus”. Instead, the LBX is referred to as an “everyday luxury” that’s convenient for shopping trips. Therefore, it is not surprising that Milan was chosen as the venue for the official premiere.
Of course, none of the Yaris Cross body panels will fit here. The Japanese call the new style Resolute Look (“resolute image”): the “spindle” of the radiator grille has become narrower, and there is now a jumper between the headlight blocks, like a Crown or Prius. The glazing of the LBX is also not “Yarisian”: with “triangles” at the bases of the A-pillars and “solid” rear door windows.
But the main thing is that the LBX is much wider than the original: 1825 mm versus 1765. The distance between the axles of the Lexus is 20 mm (2580 mm) longer, and the overall length is 10 mm (4190 mm). At the same time, the LBX is 35 mm lower than the Yaris Cross (1560 mm). In other words, we have the smallest car in the 34-year history of the brand. The LBX is immediately 30 cm shorter than the Lexus UX (4495 x 1840 x 1520 mm; wheelbase – 2640 mm), although the wheelbase differs only by six; Lexus indicates that they tried to make the SUV as driver-like as possible. This is indirectly indicated by wider wheels than the Yaris Cross (225 mm instead of 215; wheels with a diameter of 17 or 18 inches are available to choose from), as well as a lower landing.
At the same time, there are not so many technical differences from the Yaris. The LBX will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the peak output of the power plant – even with the additional electric motor on the rear axle of the E-Four version – is the same. A 1.5-liter three-cylinder “aspirated” works in conjunction with a variator, which has a built-in traction motor. Peak 136 liters. With. and 185 Nm allow you to accelerate to 100 km / h in 9.2 s.
The front-wheel drive LBX has a torsion beam on the rear axle: the “multi-link” is only available with the E-Four system. Trunk volume – 332 liters for the front-wheel drive version and 300 liters for the all-wheel drive. The only advantage over the Toyota is the larger lithium-metal hydride battery. Alas, the Japanese have not yet reported fuel consumption and power reserve indicators.
The rear suspension scheme differs depending on the type of drive
But in the cabin, nothing reminds of the Yaris. The interior is standardly upholstered in leatherette, but semi-aniline genuine leather trim will be available for an extra charge. At the same time, if Toyota has a central display sticking out of the front panel, then Lexus has a 9.8-inch touchscreen located below and manages, among other things, climate control. The steering wheel and dashboard (12.3-inch) are unified with the “senior” NX and RX crossovers, and the doors open from the inside with a simple push of a button.
Of the attributes of the suite – a Mark Levinson audio system with 13 speakers, a regular electric trunk lid and a Panasonic nanoe-X cabin air purifier, as well as additional noise insulation: including because of it, the curb weight has grown to 1280 kg. No need to pay extra for a full set of electronic assistants Lexus Safety System + (aka Toyota T-Mate).
In addition to the basic configuration, LBX will be available in four special versions – Elegant, Relax, Emotion and Cool – which differ in decor and interior trim materials.
Lexus LBX will enter the European market in early 2024. The Japanese have not yet announced where they will produce a new model. We wouldn’t be surprised if the LBX is localized in Valenciennes, on the same assembly line as the Yaris Cross.
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