If the future of urban SUVs seems to be all-electric, Toyota and Lexus still prefer to play it safe by offering products with controlled technology.
This applies to the Toyota Yaris Cross, available as a hybrid, but also to the premium version of the Lexus LBX, a model based on the same technical basis, but who wants to be more upscale.
The smallest Lexus
The Japanese manufacturer has just opened the order book for its pocket SUV (4.20 meters in length) with prices that are not too prohibitive for a premium hybrid SUV. The LBX is offered with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with a single motor, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder hybrid inherited from the Yaris and Yaris Cross.
Unlike the two Toyota models, which develop 116 hp. Lexus LBX offers 136 horses, in particular, to better match competitors in terms of capacity. The differences don’t end there, as the LBX also has a nickel-hydride battery, while the Yaris Cross uses a less powerful lithium battery.
From 34,300 euros
The entry level, discreetly named LBX, is displayed with 34,300 euros. The standard equipment includes a fairly correct LED projector, a 9.8-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, a rearview camera, 17-inch light-alloy wheels and the LSS+3 system (collision warning, cruise). control, reading signs and keeping in the lane). This version is only available in traction.
The range presented above consists of two trims, Business and Business Plus, aimed at professionals, priced at €35,200 and €37,000 respectively. The rest of the range is divided into four finishes called Elegant, Emotion, Relax and Cool. The first two are offered in all-wheel drive only, from €37,800 to €40,300, while the Relax and Cool models leave the choice between 4×2 and 4×4. You will have to count from 42,600 euros and 44,800 euros, respectively.
As noted above, the Lexus LBX is more affordable than its electric rivals, starting with the electric Jeep Avenger (from €39,000 without bonus) or the DS 3 E-Tense (€40,770), but compared to more traditional thermal models such as the 110 petrol Audi Q2 (from 32,080 euros), LBX loses ground.
Read also:
• Lexus: Yaris Cross premium cousin coming soon?
• Lexus has released pricing for the RZ, its first electric model
• Lexus delays release of its innovative Yoke steering wheel
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.