Opinion and test Lexus LBX, a truly premium city car

Good work speaks for itself. I can’t think of a better way to start this test of the Lexus LBX than praising the brand’s excellent job in terms of quality.

Nowadays it is common for many vehicles to be sold as premium, but when we look past their huge screens and interior lights, we see hard plastics, piano black trim and finishes more typical of a mainstream car than a premium one.

Well, this Lexus LBX delivers on its promises, offering all the quality of the brand in an urban package, with an ECO label and an economical 136 CV self-charging (full) hybrid engine.

Elegant exterior design with an outstanding interior finish

On the outside, the Lexus LBX blends the design lines of its larger SUV siblings with a front end of fluid, elegant lines that enhance its SUV look. Its size is compact, at 4.19 metres long, yet sufficient for towns and nearby areas.

At the rear we can clearly see the identity of its larger siblings in the range, highlighted by the lights running across the entire tailgate (electrically operated tailgate on our test unit). The optional two-tone roof completes the exterior design, compact yet elegant.

The interior of the LBX stands out for its quality of finishes and materials, undoubtedly one of the best in its segment in this respect. Wherever we look, the plastics are soft and of good quality; even in the most hidden areas where harder plastics may appear, the quality is outstanding.

The digital instrumentation is integrated (technology is used without resorting to a huge glossy black screen that ends up collecting dust or scratches, as happens in many models), and a touchscreen in a central position controls the entire multimedia system.

The centre tunnel is raised and the space is in keeping with an urban segment; it does not particularly stand out in this respect, especially in the rear seats, where legroom is tight. The front seats, however, are comfortable and have managed to combine as much space as possible for the passenger with the dashboard design, allowing more room in the back.

At the wheel, even over many kilometres, it is a comfortable car (perhaps the leather finish would be dispensable), with good sound insulation and a slightly high, typically SUV driving position.

Finally, it has a 332-litre boot, with straight lines, which lets us make the most of it.

Engine and performance: 136 CV, very economical yet calm

The powertrain of this Lexus LBX is a hybrid system of Toyota origin made up of a 1.5 three-cylinder petrol engine producing 91 CV, combined with an electric motor that delivers a total combined output of 136 CV.

It is not an engine that stands out for performance; in fact the sensation is closer to 100 CV than the 136 CV listed on the spec sheet as total output. That said, it is more than enough power to move the LBX, which does not reach 1,300 kg. We will have no trouble cruising on motorways at legal speeds, although for overtaking we must be aware of what car we are driving.

This engine is paired with the ever-present CVT automatic gearbox, known for its reliability, but in day-to-day use it still has not been fully refined. The feeling of running very high in the rev range that occurs when we demand power and the engine climbs to its maximum speed to extract the horses is a classic of the Japanese brand’s hybrids. To be fair, over the years they have greatly improved the smoothness of the whole system.

The gearbox features a coasting/retention mode, which surprised me, because instead of prioritising battery charging, it uses the engine itself as a brake (something new that earlier hybrids I have tested did not do), revving it enough to reduce speed.

Handling and consumption: light, comfortable and very economical

The LBX’s powertrain is discreet, geared towards urban settings and the outskirts of cities, where it shows its full potential and smoothness. In these environments we drive much of the route in electric mode and consumption drops to very low figures (specifically around 4.5 litres per 100 km in urban driving).

On the open road, consumption can drop to 4 litres per 100 km, and the smoothness is maintained; it is comfortable and relatively agile, given its dimensions and weight.

Perhaps the scenario where it struggles most is the motorway: at 120 km/h average consumption is 6.2 litres per 100 km, and on prolonged climbs or during acceleration we hear the engine typically revving high to deliver more power.

Equipment and price of the Lexus LBX

The Lexus LBX is available from 33,900 euros, with the LBX trim, which includes everything essential in terms of equipment: dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, electric tailgate, pre-collision system, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, multiple airbags, rear camera and a multimedia system with mobile phone interface, as well as a 6-speaker system developed by PIONEER (which has outstanding quality compared to other similar models in the segment).

If that seems like too little, you can go up to the trim level of our test unit, “Emotion“, which adds more driver assistance systems, 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone body colour, among other features.

Overall we liked the comprehensive standard equipment, as well as the car’s finish quality, which is rarely seen in this segment. The good value extends to its sound system: standard with six speakers, it has better quality than some “optional” systems from German brands.

Are you looking for a different city car, with compact dimensions for the city, economical and of quality? Then this Lexus LBX may be an option worth considering.

Photos | Test team