Lexus LBX review

Inside, our test car, which matched the mid-tier Premium trim that is expected to be the UK best-seller, largely feels like a Lexus – up front, at least.

It has an elegant, restrained dashboard, and the quality of the materials used for the key touchpoints feel the part. There’s synthetic leather upholstery, rear privacy glass, a wireless smartphone charger and more. Still, the main impression is an interior that’s nice and comfortable, rather than really feeling premium.

All models feature a 9.8in touchscreen with the latest Lexus Link Connect system. It's a huge improvement from the firm's recent efforts

James Attwood

Acting magazine editor

The 9.8in touchscreen looks small compared with some, but it is well sized for this car, and Lexus’s infotainment software has taken great leaps forward in recent years. Besides, unlike in some rivals, the dashboard isn’t all about the screen: there are physical buttons for the key controls. Too hot? There’s a little temperature toggle below the screen. Need to adjust the mirrors? There are buttons on the driver’s door. Driving in low visibility? The foglight switch is on the indicator stalk, thanks very much. Add in its distinctly non-EV powertrain and the LBX feels more like an anti-Volvo EX30 than a compact premium rival.

That’s not to suggest this car is Luddite in design, though: modern touches include the e-latch door system seen on the RZ, which prevents the door from opening if it detects an object approaching, while pricier models let you use your smartphone as a digital key.

The LBX’s small size does show in some aspects: the door bins, central storage compartment and glovebox are what an estate agent would describe as ‘compact’. While some compromise on space is inevitable with a small car, some clever design tricks could have made them more usable.

It’s very tight in the back: even with the rear seats subtly raised and a fairly upright position, space is in short supply. And if someone in the front is of even slightly above-average size, the limited rear leg room will disappear. For intended buyers with young families – or elderly buyers whose kids have left home – that might not be an issue, of course.

The boot has a capacity of 402 litres, which is fairly decent, but it’s a basic design with no false floor, dividers or other clever tricks used by rivals to optimise that space. You can see this being the sort of car where many people will use the boot and back seats for storage.