Lexus confirms LBX urban SUV for Oz

LEXUS will introduce a new city-sized hybrid SUV to its Australian portfolio from next year, the LBX set to appeal to youthful customers with an active urban lifestyle, says the Japanese luxury brand.

Showcasing the vehicle at the Melbourne Cup in November, Lexus will begin selling the LBX in the first half of 2024.

Lexus says the model is immediately identifiable as a Lexus with the latest interpretation of the trademark Lexus spindle body, designers drawing inspiration from the resolute and sleek front of the Lexus LS-F concept from 2003.

According to Lexus designers, the LBX was engineered with a lightweight body that is highly rigid and boasts a low centre of gravity to improve safety and dynamics. The model is powered by a highly efficient 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and electric motor combination coupled with a lightweight transaxle and nickel-metal hydride battery.

Total system power is rated at 100kW and 185Nm to provide a claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds. Fuel consumption details are still to be advised.

The combination is used in both front- and all-wheel drive variants. Both ride on strut front suspension with FWD models featuring a torsion beam rear setup and AWD models a double wishbone arrangement. The turning circle is listed at 10.4m.

While Lexus Australia has yet to confirm local specification and pricing, GoAuto understands the LBX – which shares its GA-B underpinnings with the Toyota Yaris Cross – will be priced beneath the current entry point to the Lexus range, the UX priced from $46,085 plus on-road costs.

It is likely the model will compete against high-grade versions of Light SUV segment competitors, including Ford’s Puma ST-Line V (at $36,390 plus on-road costs) and Volkswagen’s T-Cross 85TSI Style (at $33,490 +ORC).

The 2024 Lexus LBX measures 4190mm in length, 1825mm in width and 1545mm in height and rides on a 2580mm wheelbase. Cargo space is listed at 332 litres.

Lexus is expected to offer the LBX with a choice of 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on variant, LED head- and tail-lights, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.8-inch infotainment array, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and an available 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Additionally, the model will feature an air purification system, electric tailgate, head-up display and remote parking system, likely as optional extras.

The model is also expected to arrive with an extensive list of standard safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, lane departure and keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and traffic sign recognition.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup showcases all that is stylish, sophisticated and refined, which also speaks to our range of Lexus vehicles,” said Lexus Australia chief executive, John Pappas.

“The LBX, in particular, shows that luxury is not defined by vehicle size. It looks, feels, and drives like a Lexus should. It introduces levels of sophistication and refined quality rarely seen in a car this size, but nevertheless expected by premium buyers.

“LBX will appeal to youthful customers with an active urban lifestyle wanting luxury integrated into their everyday driving experience, whatever that may be on any given day.”

Lexus Australia said it will confirm the local LBX line-up and pricing early next year.