2024 Lexus LBX confirmed: Bite-sized, budget-friendly hybrid could change the premium game in Australia

September 6, 2023September 6, 2023 Stephen Corby 3816 Views Lexus LBX

Lexus’ smallest and most affordable model ever has been confirmed for Australia, with the Toyota Yaris Cross-based LBX to touch down in the first half of 2024.

And we do mean affordable. The LBX will be positioned as the premium-brand’s entry-level model, sitting below the the Lexus UX, which starts at just over $46,000.

That should see the LBX kicking off at around $40k, which would be a genuine bargain in the premium SUV space, given its rivals like the BMW XI ($60,400), Alfa Romeo Tonale ($49,900) and Mercedes-Benz GLA ($63,200) all command a higher ticket price.

That said, the LBX is small, given it is based on Toyota’s tiniest offering, but Lexus promises that it will be big on premium feel, including a 9.8-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a huge 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.

“The LBX, in particular, shows that luxury is not defined by vehicle size. It looks, feels and drives like a Lexus should,” says Lexus Australia boss John Pappas.

“It introduces levels of sophistication and refined quality rarely seen in a car this size, but nevertheless expected by premium buyers.

“LBX will appeal to youthful customers with an active urban lifestyle wanting luxury integrated into their everyday driving experience, whatever that may be on any given day.”

It’s also an electrified-only proposition, with the LBX to be equipped with the Toyota group’s 1.5-litre inline three-cylinder hybrid powertrain, and to be offered in two- or all-wheel drive, with power upped to 100kW.

The LBX comes in at 4190mm long, 1825mm wide and 1545mm tall, making it slightly longer, wider and lower than the Yaris Cross.

The vehicle will make its Australian debut at the Melbourne Cup, before sales begin next year.

Stephen Corby

Stephen is a former editor of both Wheels and Top Gear Australia magazines and has been writing about cars since Henry Ford was a boy. Initially an EV sceptic, he has performed a 180-degree handbrake turn and is now a keen advocate for electrification and may even buy a Porsche Taycan one day, if he wins the lottery. Twice.