Lexus LBX review finds adept SUV with high luxe levels
Going compact with the LBX has opened a new youthful door for Lexus – a brand typically associated with the older generation.
Going small could be the biggest thing Lexus has done in its past 35 years Down Under.
The hybrid LBX compact SUV entered the showroom last year with a drive-away price just over $50,000.
Targeting a younger audience with a penchant for luxury, the new addition has miserly fuel consumption which will also appeal to savvy empty-nesters.
Sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Yaris Cross, the LBX has this year become the second most popular Lexus behind the mid-size NX – which was Australia’s biggest-selling luxury car last year.
The price undercuts BMW’s slightly larger X1 ($67,500 drive-away), the Audi Q2 ($55,140) and the Mercedes-Benz GLA ($67,890).
Lexus offers the LBX in all-wheel and two-wheel drive, and our family sampled the latter in its base form.
What do you get?
It’s difficult to fault the standard equipment line-up in a Lexus. The entry-level LBX comes in ‘Luxury’ specification and it lives up to its name courtesy of man-made leather trim (it feels real) across the seats, steering wheel and doors, along with electric door handles, a central 9.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
Other nice gear includes heated front seats, dual-zone aircon, wireless phone charger, power tailgate, satnav, smartphone mirroring apps and a six-speaker Panasonic stereo.
Surprisingly there are some funky external colour choices, with yellow, red, blue and copper joining the typical white, grey and black hues.
Two-tone options add $1750 and come with a black roof, and can be combined with white, yellow, copper, grey, red or blue. Internally, black is the only colour available.
Capped price servicing is available for the first five maintenance trips to the dealer, each one is $595 – that’s at the lower end of the scale for a luxury car.
Buying new also comes with a three-year subscription to Lexus Encore which provides discounts at Ampol petrol stations, special deals to luxury hotels and events, along with access to loan cars during servicing. Pay more for Encore elevate and owners can borrow other Lexus vehicles when travelling twice a year for up to five days.
How was the drive?
From takeoff the LBX feels like a typical Lexus – quiet, consistent and predictable. But sling the little SUV into a bend and its personality shines.
It changes direction nicely, with the 18-inch rubber offering reasonable grip, and the well-weighted steering providing great feedback to the driver.
Although, the three-cylinder engine working in tandem with an electric motor is no firecracker – the 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds is testament to its efficiency focus.
During our test we managed average fuel consumption of 4.5L/100km, not quite the 3.8 claimed by Lexus, but still super thrifty nonetheless.
Those looking for performance firepower can look toward the hard-edge Morizo RR version.
But most Lexus buyers wouldn’t bother, they’ll appreciate the extra sound deadening material and double-glazed windows provided over the Toyota version which helps make the LBX a true prestige machine.
It travels on the highway without fuss, corners without throwing the occupants around and navigates rural travels with ease. It’s only at start-up and when pushed up inclines or during hard acceleration does the three-potter engine become a little rowdy.
Lexus has done a good job of offering various storage options through the console, albeit with some awkward positioning of the cup holders, while the back seat does have limited legroom for adults and is reliant on those upfront sliding the chairs forward.
Would you buy one?
Kel: Apart from the performance models, this was the first Lexus I’ve driven which felt like it would appeal to a younger audience. I haven’t seen many in yellow or copper, they would really stand out from the crowd. With a surprisingly large boot which handled our family weekly grocery shop and low fuel consumption, I’d happily have an LBX in the driveway full-time if I didn’t have kids.
Grant: European marques have been adept at whetting owner appetites and keeping them loyal to the brand as their lives change. The LBX will appeal to those at both ends of the life cycle spectrum. It has more spunk than its UX brethren. Lexus hasn’t typically been seen as a youthful brand in the past, and it’s especially been popular with the older generations who are confident in the reputation for longevity and reliability. If in doubt, buy a Lexus. The long features list is better than what you’d get in a Euro, and those with long pockets but short arms will appreciate the low running costs.
