Latest news with #LBX
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Lexus Trademarked 'LBX' In America. But Why?
Automakers securing trademarks and patents in regions where a vehicle may not exist is nothing new. Ram recently filed a patent for its Rampage truck in the US, but we don't necessarily expect to see that exact model Stateside. GM, meanwhile, recently renewed its Pontiac trademark , but we're not holding out hope for a comeback. Now Lexus is securing a trademark for the nameplate "LBX" in America, according to Justia Trademarks , which lists public trademark and patent filings in the US. The LBX is the automaker's tiny, Yaris-based crossover sold throughout Europe and other markets. There's even a performance variant with the GR Yaris's three-cylinder engine underhood—the LBX Morizo RR . Lexus LBX Morizo RR Photo by: Lexus As with any trademark filing, this doesn't necessarily mean that Lexus will bring its tiny LBX crossover to America. The automaker is likely securing the patent to prevent other companies from using the name. That said, the LBX would make a lot of sense for the US. Lexus is slowly phasing out its other tiny crossover, the UX, in certain markets, or has moved it to a hybrid-only configuration. The UX went on sale in 2019 and hasn't exactly been a hot commodity. Even in its best sales year in the US, Lexus never moved more than 12,000 examples. If the company hopes to continue in this segment, the LBX would make a lot of sense. Riding on Toyota's versatile TNGA architecture, the LBX has a hybrid 1.5-liter engine making 136 horsepower in the UK, paired to either a front- or all-wheel-drive setup. It starts at £29,995, which comes out to just over $40,000 in the US. The Lexus UX, meanwhile, costs $37,715 in the US for 2025. But the question remains: Will Lexus bring the LBX to the US? We'll just have to wait and see. 51 Source: Lexus The Latest From Lexus Lexus's First EV Has Fake Shifts This Lexus IS500 Special Edition Is the Rarest V-8 of All Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Justia Trademarks Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
The smallest Lexus ever made is loaded with luxury but doesn't cost a lot
LEXUS used to make large luxury saloons with big, silky-smooth V8s. But customers don't want cars anymore — they want SUVs and Lexus has ditched all but one of its saloon car range, now only selling the ES model. Advertisement It has invested heavily in SUVs and Lexus now has a comprehensive line-up available, starting with the baby of the bunch and this week's test drive, the LBX. Then the rest of the Lexus SUV range consists of the UX and UX Electric, the NX, RZ and range-topping RX that are all hybrids. 4 LEXUS BABY SUV: The LBX is the smallest SUV in the Lexus line-up but it isn't lacking in style or luxury and is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and self-charging hybrid system Credit: Lexus UK But in keeping with Japanese quirkiness it also produces the LM people carrier, which comes in a seven-seater or a super luxurious four-seater version that brings a whole new meaning to comfort and travelling in style. But back to the LBX, the smallest Lexus ever. Advertisement It's based on the Toyota Yaris Cross, so they share the same chassis, engine and hybrid system. The LBX compact SUV may be small in dimensions but it's not lacking in luxury — it's as plush and as well-built as you'd expect a Lexus to be. 4 LAP OF LUXURY: Super-soft heated seats and loads of soft leather trim throughout the cabin Credit: Lexus UK Key Facts: Lexus LBX Cost: From €39,440 (From £29,995 in the UK) Engine: 1.5-litre, three cylinder petrol hybrid Power: 120bhp Torque: 136Nm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds Top Speed: 170kph Economy: 52.3mpg Rea world economy: 44mpg Emissions: 103g/km Rivals: Audi Q2, Mercedes GLA, BMW X2, Volvo XC40 4 BOOT SIZE: LBX boot is 332 litres and that rises to 994 litres with the rear seats down Credit: Lexus UK Advertisement The seats are super-sumptuous, but quite figure-hugging, heated of course and there's loads of soft leather trim throughout the cabin. It's quite compact in the back, and although some bigger Lexus models are like a limo for rear-seat passengers, there's not many creature comforts back there in this one bar a USB-C charging port and electric rear windows. Most read in Motors The 9.8-inch central screen is a decent size but the infotainment could use more functionality as there are limited settings compared to some brands like BMW, who have too many apps. There are plenty of physical buttons and even though the heated seats are operated via the display, if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto there's a permanent menu bar at the bottom of the screen so you can always adjust the important functions, even when your phone is connected. Advertisement Power comes from a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, so no turbo, and along with the hybrid system the combined output is only 136bhp. But it makes up for it with torque as the engine produces 129Nm and the electric motor adds a further 185Nm — so its good for a 9.2-second sprint to 100kph and a top speed of 170kph. 4 HYBRID SYSTEM: The LBX uses Lexus' famed self-charging hybrid system so you never need to plug it in Credit: Lexus UK The CVT gearbox can be a bit vocal under heavy acceleration, but it performs really well. Alas, there's no sport mode. Advertisement It's a self-charging hybrid so you don't need to plug it in to charge and the official combined fuel economy figure is 52.3mpg. And I averaged 44mpg during mixed driving conditions, so that could easily be bettered on a long run. It's a brilliant little SUV, benefitting from Lexus build quality and reliability and it starts from €39,440.
