Lexus LBX confirmed for Australia

The 2024 Lexus LBX has been confirmed for Australian release in the first half of next year, when the all-new luxury city-SUV is expected to become the smallest and cheapest model in the Japanese premium brand’s local range.

Revealed in June, the pint-size Lexus LBX is based on the Toyota Yaris Cross and effectively replaces the discontinued CT 200h hybrid hatch as Lexus’ new entry-level model, positioned below the Lexus UX small SUV (currently priced from $46,085).

Therefore you can expect the new LBX to be priced from as low as $40,000, also undercutting other larger compact premium SUVs like the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Audi Q2 and Q3, BMW X1 and X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA, MINI Countryman and Volvo XC40.

The LBX will make its Australian debut at the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup in November, and will be one of three all-new Lexus models to arrive Down Under by the end of 2024, including the LM people-mover (late 2023) and Lexus GX (mid-2024), bringing the number of Lexus Australia models to 11.

Although it’s based on the same TNGA-B platform as the Yaris Cross, Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas said the LBX would feel and drive like a Lexus despite being smaller than any other Lexus.

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

Australian pricing and specs won’t be announced until early next year, but the Lexus LBX will be hybrid-only, available exclusively with a 100kW/185Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain comprising “a compact and lightweight transaxle with enhanced motor output and a high-output nickel-metal hydride battery” and driving the front or all four wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission.

Distinguished from the Lexus UX by a flashy exterior design punctuated by its double-bladed headlight and spindle-grille styling, the diminutive five-door SUV is aimed primarily at the European market with its compact 4190mm length, 332-litre maximum boot space and featherlight 1280kg kerb weight, although its 0-100km/h acceleration claim remains a long 9.2 seconds.

Indeed the LBX’s fully digital interior will be far racier, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.8-inch central touch-screen infotainment system with wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity.

Premium available cabin features should include a 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo sub-woofer, semi-aniline leather or vegan synthetic leather seat trim, ambient interior lighting with 50 different colours is part of the package and Tsuyusami charcoal highlights.

But it’s not yet clear whether Lexus Australia will offer the car-maker’s new ‘Bespoke Build’ service, allowing customers to personalise their vehicle with individualised seat belts, upholstery embroidery patterns, stitching colours, trim ornamentation and more.

Safety equipment will be top-notch as standard, however, comprising adaptive cruise control, lane tracing and keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross traffic alert including reversing AEB, blind spot monitoring and road sign assist, as part of the latest Lexus Safety System +.

Also fitted will be the new e-latch electric door release system first seen on the brand’s top-selling NX mid-size SUV, plus a driver attention monitor, intelligent parking sensors and the option of an extra-cost safety pack bringing a front cross traffic alert system, 360-degree panoramic view parking monitor and remote parking assistant that will park the vehicle remotely without the driver in the vehicle (where legal).

In Europe, the Lexus LBX is available with a range of bright and youthful exterior paint colours, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and four model grades comprising Elegant, Relax, Emotion and Cool.