2024 Lexus LBX confirmed for Australia

This glamorous and trusted premium car brand is adding a new fuel-efficient vehicle to its local line-up that makes it more accessible to mainstream buyers.

2024 Lexus LBX.

Lexus is adding a new pint-size luxury SUV to its Australian line-up.

Dubbed the LBX, the small SUV shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Lexus Australia boss John Pappas says the LBX breaks new ground for the brand.

“It is proof that luxury is not dictated by vehicle size,” he says.

All versions come with hybrid power, using a 1.5-litre three cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and small battery to deliver 100kW. Toyota doesn’t quote maximum torque figures for its hybrid cars.

The Lexus LBX will land in Australia next year.

Buyers will have the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Lexus hasn’t revealed fuel use figures but the mechanically identical Yaris Cross uses 3.8L/100km in two-wheel drive versions and 4.0L/100km when paired with all-paw grip. This makes it the most fuel-efficient SUV on sale.

The base two-wheel drive LBX Luxury has plenty of standard equipment to crow about.

There are faux-leather sports seats that are power adjustable and heated up front and a large digital instrument display for the driver.

It is based on the Toyota Yaris Cross.

There are other desirable items such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate and two-tone paint work.

The Sports Luxury variant is available with either two- or all-wheel drive and adds faux suede and leather accented seats, noise cancelling tech to boost cabin ambience and a stellar 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

All versions use hybrid power.

Lexus will reveal full specifications and prices closer to the vehicle’s launch date in the first half of next year.

After years of tight supply that have hampered Lexus’ sales the company appears to be on the rise, recording its best ever year of sales in Australia in its 33-year history.

The majority of the Japanese luxury brand’s sales have come from its range of SUVs and the addition of a new little high-rider is likely to expand its appeal to a new wave of buyers who were previously priced out of the brand.

Originally published as 2024 Lexus LBX confirmed for Australia