Look familiar? It’s the Lexus LBX, an upmarket version of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
LBX stands for Lexus Breakthrough X (cross)-over, but at this stage it is not guaranteed for Australia.
Lexus Australia says it continues to assess models that may be suitable for the needs of local customers and the LBX is no exception.
“A decision on LBX will be made at a later stage,” it says.
LBX is built on the GA-B compact vehicle platform, modified and retuned to meet the requirements of a Lexus vehicle.
Emphasis has been given to a creating a lightweight body that is highly rigid, with a low centre of gravity to enhance dynamics.
LBX is 4190mm long, 1825mm wide and stands 1560mm high, with a 2580mm wheelbase.
It’s powered by a 1.5-litre inline three-cylinder hybrid powertrain, with a combined output of 100kW of power and 185Nm of torque.
Used for both front-drive and all-wheel drive versions, it features a compact, lightweight transaxle with enhanced motor output and high-output nickle metal hydride battery.
The sprint from 0-100km/h takes a claimed 9.2 seconds.
The front suspension features a newly developed MacPherson strut arrangement with updated suspension geometry to ensure excellent straight-line stability and minimal understeer.
Rear suspension on the front-drive variants uses a lightweight and exceptionally rigid torsion beam, while the AWD variant uses a trailing arm type, two-link double-wishbone set-up housing the rear motor.
Drive Force Control automatically adjusts acceleration and deceleration to reflect the driving conditions.
Travelling uphill or downhill the system detects variations in road incline and provides assistance by adjusting the acceleration and deceleration torque, minimising the need for frequent accelerator and brake inputs.
When the system detects significant front/rear/left/right G-forces during cornering, it increases deceleration upon release of the accelerator, maintains engine revs and allows for smooth re-acceleration — thereby assisting in a pleasant driving rhythm.
The result is a seamless and responsive driving experience that takes the driver’s intentions and surroundings into account.
In addition, Braking Vehicle Posture Control is used to suppress pitch and achieve a linear braking feel and increased stability when decelerating.
The dashboard features a 12.3-inch fully digital screen to display vehicle information, with another 9.8-inch centre touchscreen offering the latest in multimedia technology and operation of further vehicle controls and features.
LBX offers 14 pre-set interior illumination themes and an additional 50 colours.
Multi-layer absorption panels are used behind the dashboard and in the roof panel, together with strategic use of high-dampening adhesives — to reduce body vibrations.
Attention is also given to the powertrain with optimal placement of the engine mounts, as well as the inclusion of a balancer shaft for the engine and addition of a resonator to for the air intake to reduce intake noise.
Larger mufflers also help to deliver lower exhaust noise.
LBX leads the way with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features and technology, including: Proactive Driving Assist, Pre-Crash Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist.
Lexus says LBX sets a new premium benchmark by introducing levels of sophistication and refined quality not previously seen in a car this size, but nevertheless expected by premium customers.
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