Lexus models that owe a lot to vehicles from parent company Toyota are not unusual; a Lexus NX has a lot in common with a Toyota RAV4 underneath for example, and that's not really a problem when the luxury brand adds such a lot of its own styling and technology. Which it does.
LEXUS LBX: Engine 1.5-litre petrol 3-cylinder with hybrid system Power 100kW (combined)/120Nm Gearbox Continuously variable transmission, FWD or AWD 0-100km/h 9.2-9.6sec Consumption 3.6-3.8l/100km (3P-WLTP) Price $58,990-$68,900.
But "luxury brand" being the operative phrase, what about when the model in question is intended to be its "most attainable" (Lexus's words) ever and based on the humble Toyota Yaris Cross baby SUV?
That's the cue for the new Lexus LBX to enter. It's an urban crossover that borrows the platform and three-cylinder hybrid powertrain of the Yaris Cross to create a new entry point for Lexus, with prices starting at $58,900 - but stretching all the way up to $68,900.
The big question is whether such humble stock can create a convincing luxury product, especially considering the most expensive Yaris Cross you can buy is $46,390.
Let's just cut to the chase and say... yes. The LBX is indeed tiny (just 4.2m long) and powered by a thrummy three-cylinder engine, but it absolutely looks and feels the Lexus-part. There's nothing shared with the Yaris on top: the exterior styling is unique and very classy in the metal. Same inside: it's all pure Lexus and boasts a few technical details that anchor it to the luxury brand quite well.
LBX is an urban crossover that borrows the platform and three-cylinder hybrid powertrain of the Toyota Yaris Cross to create a new entry point for Lexus.
And in fact, you get a bit more go with the LBX, although it's no road racer. The LBX's hybrid system makes 100kW combined, compared to 85kW for the Yaris Cross. We drove a FWD model, but the provision of an E-Four AWD option for two of the three LBX specifications (albeit with the same combined output as the FWD) is also an intriuging addition.
That sub-$60k model is the Active, which is still pretty well kitted-up with the full active safety package, wireless phone projection, automatic high-beam lights and font/rear parking sensors with reversing camera. It's FWD only.
Both the LBX Cool and Relax are $65,900 with FWD or $68,900 with E-Four AWD.
From there things get a teeny weird. Lexus New Zealand vice president Andrew Davis says the LBX range is not about model grades but rather "moods", so the differences between the Cool and Relax (as driven here) are more down to design and styling detail than equipment... so maybe you need to see them side-by-side as specific differences are not really identified.
Both Cool and Relax are $65,900 with FWD or $68,900 with E-Four AWD. They have slightly different alloy wheel designs (but all three variants are 18in) but are available in much the same colour range with Ebony roof. A blacked-out Ink exterior finish is unique to Relax, although ours is Sonic Quartz (some might say white).
Inside, the LBX genuinely feels like a little luxury car. It's as plush (or plusher, is that a word?) than baby cars from Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
The specification of Cool/Relax is the same: active noise control with engine sound enhancement, automatic parking with an upgraded sensor package, panoramic view monitor, multi-colour mood lighting (simple white for the Active) and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
Inside, the LBX genuinely feels like a little luxury car. It's as plush (or plusher, is that a word?) than baby cars from Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, with pleasingly tactile materials and a sense of real quality. Our test car was finished in a classy black-and-brown combo.
It's nothing like the rather basic Yaris Cross and in fact nothing seems overdone. There's a generous 12.3-inch infotainment display, for example, but it's mounted flush with the centre console rather than standing proud. Restraint people, restraint.
The LBX also picks up some signature Lexus pieces of tech, like the touch controls on the steering wheel that are used to navigate the head-up display (HUD). The HUD lights up when you brush either of the two buttons and you can trace your thumb around the pad to activate certain functions. We first saw this on the larger NX and it's something that sounds complicated but works brilliantly; it's really intuitive.
The electronic pushbutton interior door releases (also familiar from NX) take a bit more to get used to but they make perfect sense: just tap with your thumb to exit. They also have an emergency mechanical release that works by pulling the latch in the opposite direction... which is what most people do at the end of the their first journey in the car. Oh well, that works too.
The LBX ha a pretty decent boot (402 litres for the FWD, 315 for the AWD) but the rear seat is ridiculously small. Almost useless in fact, making this very much a two-person urban vehicle with a lovely leather-upholstered shopping bag shelf in back. Even the front is short on space if you're much over 185cm tall; try before you buy.
While the driving dynamics probably won't be top priority for LBX buyers, it does a good job of bringing a luxurious character to a small-car package. The fizzy little three-pot engine is subdued even when working hard thanks to noise-cancelling technology, and of course being a Lexus/Toyota hybrid it's running on electric power alone a lot of the time in town. Silent, in other words.
The option of AWD potentially adds another dimension to the drive, although we haven't tried that one. But it's a solid little thing in corners regardless.
Being a Lexus/Toyota hybrid also means the potential for extreme fuel economy. Don't scoff at the official 3.6l/100km for our Relax FWD (AWD 3.8l/100km): we got an easy 4.2l/100km around town and on busy motorways without really trying, although longer runs at higher speed did push it up into the 5s. But that's still pretty good.
At $66k, our LBX Relax tester is $20k more than the most expensive Yaris Cross, which is certainly something to consider; but only if you're fixated on the Toyota connection, which we doubt many Lexus buyers will be. So here's something else to consider: the LBX really does feel like a Lexus. A little one, but a Lexus nonetheless.
