The Lexus LBX already has a price for Spain... and it's not exactly cheap

From 33,900 euros for the entry-level version, up to 49,000 euros for the best-equipped ones. That is the range of prices in which the new Lexus LBX moves, the SUV hybrid that serves as the entry point to the Japanese manufacturer’s lineup, and which shares its platform with the Yaris Cross. A model that, as Lexus has accustomed us to, exudes quality from every angle. Although that quality, as is logical, comes at a price.

To recall some of its main technical features, the Lexus LBX measures 4.2 metres in length, 1.83 in width and 1.55 in height. Its non-plug-in hybrid propulsion system combines a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, to deliver a maximum power of 136 CV and a maximum torque of 185 Nm. With the top trims, all-wheel-drive versions are available, which fit a second electric motor on the rear axle and carry a 2,000-euro premium over the front-wheel-drive versions with the same equipment.

Lexus offers the LBX in five trim levels: the base entry model and the Elegant, Emotion, Cool and Relax variants. The Elegant and Relax are focused on luxury and sophistication, while the Emotion and Cool are associated with dynamism and sportiness. They differ in many decorative details both outside and inside, as well as in their wheels and upholstery. There is a 1,000-euro difference between the Elegant and the Emotion, while the Cool and Relax cost the same. The prices are as follows:

• LBX: 33,900 €
• LBX Elegant: 37,800 €
• LBX Emotion: 38,700 €
• LBX Cool: 43,200 €
• LBX Cool 4×4: 49,000 €
• LBX Relax: 43,200 €
• LBX Relax 4×4: 49,000 €

Among the elements it can be fitted with, either optionally or as standard depending on the version, the standout is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the colour head-up display, the 10-inch multimedia screen, the parking system with remote control from a smartphone, or the Mark Levinson sound system with 13 speakers. The boot capacity is around 330 litres for the 4×2 versions, and 285 litres for the 4×4, in either case smaller than the segment average.

What can I buy for what the Lexus LBX costs?

Its price places the Lexus LBX among the most expensive non-plug-in hybrid SUVs of its size, above the Nissan Juke Hybrid, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, the Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid or the Toyota C-HR, if we choose the base version. But if we move up to a mid-range one such as the Cool, with far more complete equipment, you have to pay more than 43,000 euros; or almost 39,000 euros in the case of the Emotion trim.

This practically turns the Lexus LBX into a whim purchase. To give you an idea, the Toyota Yaris Cross, with which it shares its platform, starts from 25,950 euros, and the best-equipped version does not reach 30,000 euros, almost 4,000 euros less than the base LBX costs. Of course, the Yaris is far from offering the finish quality and attention to detail of the Lexus, and its hybrid propulsion system is less powerful.

For what the smallest SUV from Lexus costs, you could buy, for example:

• A MINI Countryman SE All4, which costs 2,000 euros less than the best-equipped LBX. A direct rival due to its exclusive approach, but in this case it has plug-in hybrid technology and 220 CV of power.
• A Toyota Rav-4 Hybrid starts from 40,100 euros, and is much larger and more powerful, with its 218 CV and 580 litres of boot capacity.
• A smart #1, available from 43,400 euros, an SUV of similar dimensions to the LBX’s, but with one hundred percent electric propulsion, 272 CV and a range of up to 420 km.

Lexus LBX – Photo gallery