Tuned for Singapore, the Lexus LBX joins the Cat A party with this crossover and gives the German brands a run for their money.
So at last, Lexus makes a fashionably late entrance to the Cat A COE party of premium SUVs. BMW and Mercedes-Benz got here some time ago. The question is, has the Japanese luxury brand timed its arrival to perfection, or are the guests starting to make their excuses and head somewhere else?
The cooling of COE premiums might suggest this, but it might be too early to tell. In any case, the barrier to entry is an engine output of less than 1,600cc and 130hp.
Like some of its German friends, Lexus has had to trim the output from its 3-cylinder 1.5-litre hybrid unit by around 5hp so it can be sold with a Cat A COE, which allows the brand to access a customer base that Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, have been selling to in droves last year.
LBX hybrid theory
Nonetheless, the Lexus LBX’s party trick is that it eschews the turbocharging route of its German competitors in favour of a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. This adds an interesting dimension to the driving experience. The proverbial zig, when the others zag.
Adopting a hybrid drivetrain may well find buyers who are flirting with the idea of electrified driving but aren’t ready to fully commit yet. At least from a dollars and cents perspective, the savings in fuel costs of running a petrol-electric hybrid work out to be roughly the same as an Electric Vehicle if it is solely charged from public charging points.
The additional benefit of a hybrid is that you can refuel anywhere there are petrol stations and do it in a fraction of the time it takes for an EV to fully charge its depleted battery.
Driving impressions
It is no secret that the Lexus LBX shares its drivetrain and much of its underpinnings with the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid. However, you would be sorely mistaken in assuming that the LBX is merely a rebadged version of the compact crossover.
Having driven both cars, this writer can confidently report that the difference is worlds apart. None of the noise and vibrations of the Yaris Cross are apparent in the LBX. It feels like Lexus put all their know-how into the LBX’s suspension tuning, as well as noise and vibration suppression to make it feel altogether more grown up.
As a result, the Baby Lexus manages to impart the iconic smoothness and quietness that its bigger siblings are known for. Up to a point.
In moments where full-throttle applications were required, the LBX betrays its calm demeanour with enough gruffness to remind its driver that it’s not in its element. Happily, such occasions are extremely rare in the context of Singapore roads. It is in the city where this car shines.
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the LBX fits into even the tightest of parking spaces. The model tested the brand’s Advanced Park system which uses an array of cameras and ultrasonic sensors to provide a virtual overhead view whenever Reverse is engaged. Additionally, the driver could also leave it to the automatic park function for parallel, or reverse parking.
Pleasure craft
While entry models typically feel like cut-price versions of their flagships, the LBX comes across as a concentration of the larger and more, luxe Lexus models such as the full-electric RZ 450e and hybrid-powered RX 350h.
Pretty much every highlight of the larger models can be found in the LBX, down to the sumptuous leather and microfibre seats, interior panels, and the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The placement of the singular cupholder however could be a challenge for those who use Plus or Pro Max-sized smartphones larger than 6.1-inches. As it is, my iPhone 15 Pro on the wireless charger butts right up against a cup when placed in the said holder.
Just as well then, that the LBX features no less than five USB-C sockets throughout its cabin.
LBX vs The Competition
The LBX has its work cut out in finding its place in the market. On one hand, there are mainstream hybrid models from Hyundai and Kia that are more accessible but they can’t quite match the level of refinement, quality, and snob appeal of the Lexus.
EV offerings from BYD and ORA give much pause for thought with their combination of value and sophistication. However, switching to electric, cold turkey and the question of depreciation presents too many unknowns at this point.
Then you have the MINI Clubman. It may not have the frugality of the LBX hybrid system, but its design and brand identity mean that none of it matters. Its customers want one simply because it’s a MINI and nothing else will do.
This leaves us with the Big Three from Germany (G3); Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. As Lexus has done with the LBX, the G3 have adapted their models to qualify for a Cat A COE and the gamble has paid off.
The record-high COE prices last year made for the perfect storm of buyers from both ends of the market. One group sees value in upgrading to an entry-level luxury car, while those priced out of Cat B also look to the Cat A premium segment as the next best alternative.
The sheer numbers of BMW X1 sDrive16i that can be seen on the road, for example, attest to this. It is also complete enough to be judged 2024 AutoApp Car Of The Year by my colleagues and I.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 isn’t too far off either. Technically, the Audi Q3 doesn’t play in the same Cat A ballpark, but the A3 hatchback and forthcoming Q2 will.
Looking at the chart below, the Lexus LBX offers an appreciable amount of savings both up-front as well as throughout ownership when you’re paying at the pumps. It’s only the comparative lack of rear legroom and luggage space that means BMW and Mercedes-Benz won’t be losing any sleep over the LBX as a family car.
However, the LBX offers an entirely different experience thanks to its hybrid drivetrain and cosy interior.
Like a business-class pod on wheels, it offers a more intimate sense of luxury. Like it’s made exclusively for you.
| Premium Crossovers By The Numbers | ||||||||
| Make & Model | Price w/COE | VES Band | WLTP fuel consumption | Engine | Power | Torque | 0 to 100km/h | Top Speed |
| Audi Q3 35 TFSI S tronic | $225,847 | B | 6.4-l/100km | 1,498cc, 4-cylinder turbo | 150hp | 250Nm | 8.6 sec | 218km/h |
| BMW X1 sDrive16i | $234,888 | B | 7.2-l/100km | 1,499cc 3-cylinder turbo | 122hp | 230Nm | 10.5 sec | 200km/h |
| Lexus LBX | $214,888 | A2 | 5.1-l/100km | 1,490cc 3-cylinder with electric hybrid motor | 129hp | 185Nm | 9.6 sec | 170km/h |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 | $242,888 | B | 6.4-l/100km | 1,332cc 4-cyl turbo | 130hp | 200Nm | 9.6 sec | 200km/h |
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