2024 Lexus LBX First Drive: 5 Things You Should Know About The Smallest Lexus

This may very well be the smallest and most affordable Lexus ever offered in the market for a new Lexus car.

Despite featuring characteristics typically associated with everyday cars, the 2024 Lexus LBX still offers its own identity to become part of the renowned Japanese luxury vehicle family.

Recently, we were given the opportunity to experience firsthand the first drive of the LBX crossing the Selangor-Pahang state border.

Although the distance given was quite short, the designated route included the necessary ingredients for us to evaluate the driving experience of the Lexus LBX on real roads, rather than just circling around exhibition centers.

Here are our five discoveries:

1. Toyota Platform, but with Identical Lexus Exterior Design

This is the first Lexus model to use the TNGA-B platform, making the Lexus LBX a ‘non-identical twin’ to the European market Toyota Yaris Cross crossover model.

While the dimensions of the LBX are not much different from the Yaris Cross, the LBX looks more imposing on the road with more prominent shoulder structures, followed by the aerodynamic spindle grille.

Moreover, the LBX’s appearance is more elegant and compact; the wheel arch protectors are more rounded compared to the angular design of the Yaris Cross.

For the rear design, the LBX features a sleeker tail lamp structure connected by a horizontal LED bar. The L Lexus logo has been replaced with the word L E X U S.

The shape of the LBX’s side mirrors actually reminds the writer of another more expensive Lexus model that shares the three-letter naming format, the Lexus LFA.

2. Three-Cylinder Inline Hybrid Engine

As standard, the Lexus LBX is equipped with a three-cylinder inline engine (code M15A-FXS) paired with a hybrid system.

The engine alone produces 90 hp and 120 Nm of torque, while the electric motor contributes 93 hp and 185 Nm, with a total output of around 136 hp.

Many may be skeptical about a three-cylinder engine, but the Proton X50 enthusiasts likely have long discarded that feeling. If you don’t believe it, check which model dominates the right lane of the highway apart from the low-power Perodua models.

Despite having only a three-cylinder inline engine, for us who experienced driving the LBX the other day, we can say the response provided is very satisfying.

You can enjoy a fun acceleration moment when the car moves away from a toll booth or when the traffic light turns green at intersections.

The power delivery is always there when needed at low speeds, aided by the efficiency of the eight-speed eCVT transmission that ensures the front wheels follow the driver’s direction.

Similar to any Toyota (and Lexus) hybrid model, the Lexus LBX also has an EV mode to allow the crossover to move without using any fuel at low speeds.

3. Simple Suspension Setup, but Suitable for Malaysian Roads

As standard, the Lexus LBX is fitted with MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam in the rear.

It is somehow similar to B-segment crossover models in the market.

Nevertheless, the tuning of the LBX suspension system makes it enjoyable to push through winding routes, like the ‘high-speed favorite circuit of many,’ the KL-Karak Expressway.

Throughout the drive, this small SUV feels stable and grips every corner, with body lean occurring when pushed aggressively.

For regular driving, the body roll produced is quite minimal, making it suitable and comfortable for those who do not fancy spirited driving.

Most importantly, the steering response itself is very obedient to every driver input, and it is what the writer expects from a Lexus after testing larger and more expensive models before – the Lexus ES, Lexus RX, and Lexus NX.

To delve further, we need to borrow this LBX again for a more comprehensive review. In short, the LBX is one Lexus that is enjoyable to drive!

With a chassis, engine, transmission, and suspension system that work in harmony, the writer is looking forward to testing the MORIZO RR variant, which comes with a more special recipe – the three-cylinder inline pulse of the GR Yaris and manual transmission!

Hopefully, Lexus Malaysia will consider this variant in the future.

4. Tazuna Concept for the Driver

Similar to any Lexus model in the market, the Lexus LBX prioritizes the Tazuna concept in the driver’s cockpit design.

In this section, Lexus has minimized the presence of function buttons and only focused on essential operation buttons, aiming to maximize the driver’s focus on the road.

The 12.3-inch digital cluster screen offers easily readable information, similarly to the 9.8-inch central screen that also supports connections to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When the writer holds the steering wheel, it offers an indescribable feeling, as if it’s designed for those who appreciate and enjoy driving a Lexus.

The front seats are also quite comfortable and can hold the driver firmly throughout the drive, aided by the power-adjustable function.

Unfortunately, the front passenger seat only has manual adjustments. This isn’t a big issue, as it is still comfortable when sitting next to the driver.

The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) aspect of this crossover is also very good, with minimal vibrations, reduced wind noise, and tire roar that seeps into the cabin.

Let’s not pretend that the engine noise isn’t audible; it still exists, but a more aggressive growl only occurs when the accelerator pedal is pressed firmly to the floor. Even then, it’s not as loud as one might imagine.

5. Lexus LBX, suitable for whom?

One thing that makes the LBX less suitable for family use is the fairly cramped rear seats.

This situation may be influenced by the somewhat bulky structure of the front seats, resulting in limited legroom for rear passengers.

It might be suitable for small children, or adults with the physique of teenagers.

The cargo area provides a space of 315 liters, large enough to accommodate daily necessities.

So, if the LBX isn’t suitable for family use, who is it more suitable for?

For us, it might be considered as a second car used specifically for urban purposes by those who do not prioritize space, or given to children and young wives who are just starting to learn driving.

Its small size, along with its ease of driving, makes the Lexus LBX a luxurious car worth considering.