Inovev forecasts 50,000 units per year of the new Lexus LBX
- While most car carmakers prefer to embark on the manufacture of increasingly larger and more expensive models, with a view to higher profits, Lexus is exploring the B-segment SUV market with the launch of a new model, the LBX, placed in the carmaker's range under the UX (C-segment), NX (D-segment) and RX (E-segment) SUVs. The LBX model is launched in a context of a difficult previous year (-18% global sales in 2022).
- The LBX platform is shared with the Toyota Yaris Cross but modified, according to the carmaker, to bring more comfort, a specificity of the Lexus brand (Premium brand of the Toyota group). The model targets Premium B-segment SUVs, such as the DS3 Crossback, Audi Q2 or Mini Countryman.
- The LBX is equipped with a hybrid internal combustion engine (three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine) producing 134 hp, 18 hp more than the Yaris Cross. It therefore does not compete directly the new Smart 01 (or Volvo EX30), a battery electric SUV. The front-wheel-drive version will be completed next year by a four-wheel-drive version.
- This is the first time that a Japanese Premium brand enters the SUV B-segment market, as in Europe for instance this market is quite limited. This strategy remains risky, especially if we take into account the fact that the LBX is not offered in a battery electric version, like the new Smart 01 or Volvo EX30. Inovev forecasts 50,000 units per year of this new Lexus model produced exclusively in Japan and which will be priced among the highest B-segment SUVs on the market.