Lexus Releases Yaris Cross, LBX With Light Hybrid Technology

Lexus LBX. (Doc. Global Toyota)

JAKARTA - After rumors took a long time regarding the launch of the sub-compact SUV, Lexus finally officially released LBX. This model is a startup level SUV positioned under the UX model.

The brother of Yaris Cross has a GA-B platform that offers a different style than the Toyota car with the characteristics of Lexus.

LBX stands for Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over, a car that uses the concept opposite to the rigid idea of a luxury car.

LBX Chief Engineer Lexus, Kunihiko Endo, said the construction of LBX aims to create vehicles that allow customers to enjoy leisurely travel and be themselves.

"By maintaining an immovable dedication and continuing to struggle for improvement, we managed to create cars that emit finesse, strong performances, and emotional proportions, far beyond the general norms of compact vehicles," Endo said in an official statement from the company, Monday, June 5.

Because LBX is a compact SUV, this car has a compact dimension with a length of 4,190 mm, a width of 1,825 mm, a height of 1,545 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,580 mm.

On the inside, LBX offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a touchscreen-coupled HUD display of 9.8-inch. The infotainment system is supported by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

To keep car users from getting bored, Lexus teamed up with Mark Levinson as a sound system supplier by presenting 13 speakers with subwoofers.

Equipped with 18-inch rims, the LBX Lexus is available in front wheels and all wheels by presenting configurations exclusively Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

In the internal section, LBX carries a hybrid powertrain by presenting a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine that can produce a combined power of 134 dk and a torque of 185 Nm.

With the power generated from these engines and electric motors, this is enough to make LBX run from 0 to 100 km/hour in 9.2 seconds.

LBX is the first car from Lexus to develop in Europe. This compact SUV will enter production by the end of 2023 and go on sale in Europe in early 2024.