2024 Lexus LBX: Prices, specs and release date

The new Lexus LBX is a premium small SUV that will become the firm's smallest-ever new car when it arrives in the UK in March 2024. An all-new offering from the luxury Japanese brand, the new Lexus LBX is a significant model that's been design in Europe, specifically for European car buyers.

The new Lexus LBX is derived from the Toyota Yaris Cross, sharing the popular car's Toyota GA-B global architecture and full hybrid powertrain. It will be a premium alternative to a Ford Puma, Volkswagen T-Cross, MINI Countryman and Honda HR-V, along with other models such as the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.

The Lexus LBX is likely to challenge the slightly larger, premium-brand Audi Q2.

Described as a breakthrough car for the brand, the new Lexus LBX is set to become one of the firm's best-selling cars in Europe, and is a very significant addition to the line-up.

The new Lexus LBX will open for UK reservations in July 2023. Pricing will be confirmed in October 2023, which is when ordering will open. First UK deliveries of the new Lexus LBX will begin from March 2024.

The new Lexus LBX is likely to cost from around £30,000. This will position it above the Toyota Yaris Cross, which is priced from £25,000, and below the Lexus UX, which costs from £35,000. A MINI Countryman also costs from just under £30,000.

The new Lexus LBX is a compact SUV with styling designed to be muscular and powerful. It's less formal than larger Lexus, appearing more relaxed and characterful as a result.

The new Lexus LBX’ most distinctive design change is the ‘Resolute Look’ front end. This sees the firm's spindle grille, used for the past decade, "deconstructed" to create a new front end face. The grille now comprises a single trapezoid shape, sitting below a narrow aperture below the leading edge of the bonnet. This links slim LED headlights.

The new Lexus LBX has short overhangs, large 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, flared wheelarches and a distinct tightening of the area around the rear doors to give it a squat, more dynamic appearance.

At the rear, the licence plate has been repositioned in the rear bumper, which makes the ‘Lexus’ lettering on the tailgate more prominent. The Lexus signature L-shaped light bar stretches the full width (and Lexus adds the direction of the L-shape running lights at the front has been changed to face out).

Lexus promises a range of vivid paint colours and deep-lustre sonic finishes. Certain models will be available with bi-tone paintwork, combining any body colour option with a contrast black roof.

The new Lexus LBX measures 4190mm long, 1825mm wide and 1545mm high. It has a 2580mm wheelbase.

Inside, the new Lexus LBX has a decluttered and high-quality cabin. Key controls are focused around the instrument display – the start/stop button is mounted high up, for example – which helps keep the rest of the interior tidy.

The new Lexus LBX offers a vivid 12.3-inch full digital instrument panel in a Lexus for the first time. This is fully customisable and can be matched with a head-up display on certain versions.

The new Lexus LBX also has a 9.8-inch Lexus Link Connect touchscreen infotainment system. It has cloud-based sat nav, over-the-air updates and the ‘Hey Lexus’ on-board assistant. This responds to voice commands from both driver and passenger. Both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay is included, plus wired Android Auto smartphone integration.

The new Lexus LBX offers an optional digital key. This is compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones. Owners don't have to take out their phone to unlock and start the car, and they can share a digital key with others who may need to use the vehicle, too.

The new Lexus LBX will offer a variety of upmarket upholsteries and trims, including a premium semi-aniline leather and a vegan-friendly interior with synthetic leather and materials for the seats, steering wheel, shift lever and door trims. Ambient lighting provides a range of 50 colour options.

A further welcome premium touch is the availability of an optional Mark Levinson premium sound system. This uses 13 speakers including a subwoofer integrated into the tailgate – which avoids any loss of boot space.

The new Lexus LBX offers boot space of up to 332 litres in front-wheel drive guise (it will, however, shrink significantly in E-Four guise). The shape has been optimised so two 75-litre suitcases can be carried beneath the folding tonneau cover. As for passengers, the rear seats will have ample knee room – and they are mounted slightly higher than those in the front to aid visibility.

The new Lexus LBX is offered with a 1.5-litre full hybrid powertrain. The three-cylinder engine is a modified version of the motor in the Toyota Yaris Cross. Lexus has added a balancer shaft so it is smoother and more refined in operation.

The new Lexus LBX produces 134ps, which should deliver 0-62mph acceleration in around 9.2 seconds. Official fuel economy and CO2 figures have not been released, but the engineers suggest CO2 emissions will be well under 120g/km. This indicates fuel economy of around 55mpg.

The hybrid system of the new Lexus LBX has an all-new bi-polar nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This is lighter, more compact, delivers a higher output and quicker response. Lexus says it helps serve up instant, powerful acceleration similar to that of an EV, as well as improved fuel economy.

Improvements to the hybrid system of the new Lexus LBX means all-electric driving is delivered at higher speed and over longer distances, aiding both efficiency and refinement.

The new Lexus LBX will come as standard with front-wheel drive, paired with a CVT automatic transmission. There will be an optional E-Four all-wheel drive version too, with an additional electric motor on the rear axle. Drive force is automatically directed to the rear wheels when low-grip surfaces are detected.

All new Lexus LBX have MacPherson strut front suspension. Front-wheel drive models have a torsion beam rear, while the LBX E-Four all-wheel drive has a double wishbone setup. Meanwhile, the braking system includes Vehicle Braking Posture Control which balances front and rear brake force distribution to reduce pitch and reduce roll when cornering.

Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars coming in the next 12 months and beyond – some are well worth the wait.

The new Lexus LBX is aimed at a younger audience, and those who may never have considered a Lexus before. It will also appeal to those looking to downsize, along with existing Lexus customers who want to purchase a second vehicle.

The new Lexus LBX is the smallest Lexus ever, measuring under 4.2 metres long. It sits below the existing Lexus UX.

The new Lexus LBX is only the second-ever Lexus to have a three-letter name; the LFA supercar was the other. Just as that car showed a different side to the brand, "so the LBX will in its own way expand its reach and profile".