Lexus LBX driving report: Small crossover with big ambitions

No doubt, they have courage at Lexus. And patience. In the USA and of course in its home country, Toyota's luxury subsidiary in Europe is still biting its teeth out at the premium competition and its customers. They have been trying to get a wheel on the ground here for more than 30 years. But when someone wants to spend over 50,000 euros on a car, Lexus is still not the first choice. Now the Japanese are trying to go one size smaller with the LBX, the smallest model in the Lexus range. And it is set to become a really big car.

The Japanese confidently refer to the model designation, which, in contrast to the alphanumeric abbreviations of the other Lexus models, consists of three letters - previously a privilege of the LFA super sports car - and which the marketing team would like to be understood as the "Lexus Breakthrough Crossover". This "breakthrough" is intended to succeed above all with "younger, urban Europeans", as the LBX is a "Lexus in which you feel comfortable in jeans and sneakers and which at the same time conveys luxurious craftsmanship and premium quality". However, it remains to be seen whether they can afford the premium prices. Perhaps more realistic are solvent "best agers" and "empty nesters" whose children have left home and who want to see themselves in a modern automotive look. Especially as the drive is also likely to suit this clientele better. (aum)