Lexus will launch a new SUV this year, the LBX. This little brother of the UX will be the most compact of the range and already hints at some style details before its presentation on June 5th.
In March, we mentioned here the upcoming arrival of a new urban SUV in the Lexus range. Since the disappearance of the compact CT in 2020, the Japanese manufacturer no longer really has a compact model, the smallest vehicle in its range today being the UX with its 4.50 m long. But the latter will soon have a little brother, whose name we now know. It will not be called BX as rumors suggested, but LBX. A name also mentioned for a time, in particular from patent filings made by the brand. But this surname did not really fit with the typical Lexus two-letter nomenclature (UX, NX, RX, RC, LC…).
Could the prospect of a legal dispute with Citroën have slowed Lexus in its tracks? It must be said that the chevron brand did not hesitate to take action against Polestar for the use of a logo too close to its own, preventing the marketing of Polestar vehicles in France for several years. However, Citroën can also share when there is an agreement, since today it lets BMW market its XM, a large plug-in hybrid SUV borrowing the name of a former Citroën sedan.
Presentation on June 5th
While waiting for the official presentation of the model, which will take place on June 5, Lexus offers us to wait with some information. First its name, LBX, but also part of its style. Two photos are published by the brand, revealing the rear light signature of the SUV and part of its front face. As expected, the rear is in line with the recent NX and RX with a wide strip connecting the lights. The front end is a little more “pinched” than other Lexus models and doesn’t seem to have a real grille. It’s a bit reminiscent of the latest Toyota Prius.
For the moment, Lexus does not give other details, in particular on the technical part. Rumors suggest the use of the e-TNGA platform shared with the cousin Toyota Yaris Cross, but with a larger size to reach approximately 4.30 m. Lexus’ urban SUV could be 100% electric only, in order to compete with the restyled Peugeot e-2008, Smart #1 and Mini Aceman. Answer in the next few days!
Photos : DR.
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