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I know it feels odd to say so, but is this not the cutest Lexus you’ve ever seen? The typical styling for the luxury Japanese marque ranges from Merc-doppelganger to bullish business class or stern elegance. The LBX is almost cuddly by comparison.
Recently I had the chance to get behind the wheel of the all-new 2024 Lexus LBX Original Edition (not ‘First Edition’ as most car companies would call it). Particular fetching in its Sonic Copper and black finish, it’s certainly an eye-catching compact crossover.
The front grille, a signature spindle design, is half-there and half-transformed into sleek, sloping headlights, giving it a smiley, almost cute appearance. It may not look like a typical Lexus, but pricing remains at the luxury end at £39,995.
Under the bonnet, the LBX houses a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine, mustering 134bhp. It’s not a powerhouse, but for a city car, it’s more than adequate. The 0-62mph sprint is achieved in 9.2 seconds, with a top speed of 106mph. Fuel efficiency is impressive at 61.4mpg, and CO2 emissions are low at 104g/km.
Stepping inside, the LBX doesn’t disappoint. The cabin is a mix of leather and Alcantara, giving it a premium feel. The 12.3-inch display is a central feature, providing all the necessary information at a glance. Heated front seats and steering wheel, smart entry, and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system ensure comfort and convenience.
However, the rear space is a bit tight. With my knees right up against the front seat, it’s clear that taller passengers might find it a squeeze. The boot, on the other hand, offers a decent depth, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats add to the practicality.
On the safety front, Lexus has packed the LBX with features. Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Pre-collision System, and Intelligent Park Assist are just a few of the highlights.
Get going and there’s one thing that simply will not come as a surprise, how quiet it is. After all, Lexus is known for refinement and serenity. The hybrid system allows for smooth progress, however, the ride isn’t as plush as you might expect. There’s a bit of jitteriness over rough patches, which is somewhat uncharacteristic for a Lexus. The steering is light but precise, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight city spaces.
The brakes are particularly sharp, offering confident stopping power. The engine and CVT gearbox work well together, though the typical CVT drone is present during hard acceleration, although it’s accompanied by a pleasingly gruff engine note. The LBX feels nimble, more so than you would expect from a small SUV. It handles corners with ease, and the grip is reassuring, even if the steering could use a bit more weight.
The 2024 Lexus LBX is a charming little luxury city runabout that offers a lot in a compact package. It’s perfect for city driving, providing a blend of style, efficiency, and practicality. While it has a few quirks, like the tight rear space and slightly jittery ride, the overall experience is thoroughly Lexus – quiet, refined, and packed with features. It’s a fantastic entry point into the Lexus brand, especially for those looking for a small, efficient hybrid.
Lexus enthusiasts and new buyers alike will find plenty to love about the LBX. It may not have the roaring V8s of Lexus’s past, but it embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality.