Lexus LBX review

Prices start from £29,995 in base-spec Urban trim and go all the way up to £40,555 for the exceptionally fancy range-topping Takumi Design trim. £40k for a car this small!

That’s a sizeable jump from the Toyota Yaris Cross, but not too much more than the Audi Q2 and similar to the Mini Countryman. Lexus claims these are its biggest rivals.

What's the difference between the trim levels?

You’ve four ‘core’ grades to choose from, plus two additional ‘design’ grades. It gets a little complicated, so stick with us.

Base-spec Urban highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and front and rear parking sensors.

Premium trim adds Tahara upholstery, heated front seats, single colour ambient lighting, a wireless charger, and rear privacy glass. One-up Premium Plus models receive 18s, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, powered bootlid, and air purification system. Premium Plus Design adds a bi-tone exterior finish, machined alloy wheels, and red stitching to the upholstery.

Then there's Takumi, which introduces adaptive LED headlights, semi-aniline leather upholstery, multi-colour ambient lighting, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and Lexus’ advanced safety pack. Takumi Design models getting a bi-tone exterior finish, machined alloy wheels, and leather and Ultrasuede upholstery. And breathe.

Your final option at launch is the limited Original Edition, which gets a unique sonic copper bi-tone paintjob and matte black 18-inch alloy wheels. Hurry while stocks last, etcetera.

What's the best spec?

The Urban model has undoubted appeal with its sub-£30k starting price, and it comes with plenty of kit.

But if you can stretch your budget further, the Premium Plus Design trim looks a solid bet, with its added tech and extra glamour. Prices for that start at £34,505. A serious sum indeed.

What are the monthlies like?

Currently, the LBX is being offered with 5.9 per cent APR and a £500 deposit contribution. The mid-range LBX Premium, which starts from £32,505, commands monthly payments of £381 on a four-year contract with a 10k mileage limit, for which you'll need to stick £5k down.