2024 Lexus LBX priced ahead of imminent release

Pricing for the 2024 Lexus LBX will start at $47,550 plus on-road costs when the all-new premium light SUV arrives in showrooms on March 18.

That makes the Japanese luxury brand’s new range-opener more expensive than the discontinued CT 200h hatch it belatedly replaces and significantly pricier than the Toyota Yaris Cross on which it’s based ($28,000-$39,000), but the LBX will be the only light SUV available from a premium brand in Australia.

The sub-$48K starting price applies to the entry-level Lexus LBX Luxury 2WD, while the mid-range Sports Luxury 2WD will cost $52,990 plus ORCs and the flagship Sports Luxury AWD will top the range at $56,990 plus ORCs.

All LBXs will be powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain outputting a combined 100kW, matched as standard with continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Standard equipment highlights for the Luxury grade include heated and perforated ‘NuLuxe’ leather-clad sport seats, memory function for the driver, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 9.8-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring, powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, climate control and a panoramic view monitor.

The Sports Luxury grade adds Ultrasuede leather-accented seat trim, automatic parking, active noise control, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system and the option of all-wheel drive, for an extra $4000.

Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas said the LBX would be a gamechanger in Australia, where the pint-size luxury SUV pushes Toyota premium brand into a new segment with a particular focus on younger buyers.

“It has all the luxury, craftsmanship, high quality and signature driving experience you will find in any car wearing the Lexus badge – at a remarkably tempting price,” he said.

“The LBX will attract affluent younger customers to the brand as well as provide another option for existing Lexus customers wanting to either downsize or have a second Lexus vehicle for casual weekend fun.”

There’s been no update on the hyperactive LBX Morizo RR Concept since its reveal at the Tokyo auto show, but our discovery of its local trademark last month suggests the high-riding GR Yaris could be set for Australian release – along with a raft of other new angry Toyota and Lexus products.

How much does the 2024 Lexus LBX cost?
Luxury 2WD – $47,550
Sports Luxury 2WD – $52,990
Sports Luxury AWD – $56,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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