Lexus dropped another surprise teaser of an all-new model, this time in Europe. The long-rumored LBX showed part of its face and its rear lighting signature prior to its premiere on June 5. While details are scarce, the name does provide some clues as the ‘X’ suggests its connection to the brand’s crossover lineup that includes the GX, RX, NX, UX and the upcoming TX, with the ‘B’ indicates at its position in the B-segment (or sub-compact) market.
The official teaser reveals a chunky face with a short bonnet and aggressive LED headlights connected via a chrome strip. Lexus‘ signature spindle grille is absent, replaced by a honeycomb pattern central intake on the bumper. At the back, the full-width LED taillights are styled to look like sunglasses, but the shot is too dark for us to see the rest of the design. Interestingly, when we tried increasing brightness the lettering “G6Q” appeared as a pattern.
More: All-New 2024 Lexus GX Teased Sending Some Range Rover Vibes
The LBX may share its platform with the Toyota Yaris Cross , already available in Europe, Australia, and Japan. If so, it would be the smallest SUV in the Lexus lineup, positioned below the UX. Competing in the sub-compact (B-SUV) segment, it will face rivals like the DS 3.
As such, it would ride on the GA-B platform and have a similar footprint to its Toyota sibling which measures 4,180 mm (164.6 inches) long, 1,765 mm (69.5 inches) wide, and 1,560 mm (61.4 inches) tall. The hybrid powertrain of the latter combines a three-cylinder 1.5 VVT-i engine with two (FWD) or three (AWD-i) electric motors, producing 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 120 Nm (88.5 lb-ft).
The conversation for a baby SUV by Lexus was initiated in 2015 with the unveiling of the LF-SA design study. Rumors sparked in 2020 after the premiere of the Toyota Yaris Cross, and got stronger a few months later when Lexus trademarked the LBX name. We will learn everything about the new SUV in two weeks’ time when it will premiere. We don’t expect Lexus to bring it stateside, as it would probably be deemed too small for the American market.
