Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-Butser-Hill-Hampshire-min.jpg" alt="Lexus LBX car Muddy Stilettos review Butser Hill South Downs Lexus Hedge End Hampshire" class="wp-image-33820" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-Butser-Hill-Hampshire-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-Butser-Hill-Hampshire-min-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-Butser-Hill-Hampshire-min-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-Butser-Hill-Hampshire-min-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Lexus LBX at the top of Butser Hill in the South Downs near Petersfield.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Released in the UK with much fanfare this spring 2024 (and <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/cars/lexus-lbx-launch/">celebrated with a big party here in Hampshire</a>) the Lexus LBX is the smallest and most affordable car in the Lexus stable, coming in at just under £30k for the Urban starter model up to just over £40k for the Original Edition.</p>



<p>Based on the Toyota Yaris (Lexus is part of Toyota), but with a whole lot more tech, comfort and luxury, it’s Lexus’ smallest car yet and designed specfically to appeal to women drivers.</p>



<p>Named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-overall-winner/n25379" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Car of the Year&nbsp;</a>at the&nbsp;What Car?&nbsp;Awards 2024, it has already won quite a few of the critics over. But will it appeal to the broadly female market it’s pitched at? Hop in with me and let’s find out!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-drive">THE DRIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-Heidi-min.jpg" alt="Muddy Stilettos editor Heidi Lexus LBX car Muddy Stilettos review Lexus Hedge End Hampshire" class="wp-image-33822" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-Heidi-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-Heidi-min-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-Heidi-min-1000x800.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-Heidi-min-768x614.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>On the whole, the&nbsp;LBX is super-smooth ride with no issues putting on a bit of umpf when needed for a timely overtake or to climb up country roads. On a rainy afternoon we cruised up Butser Hill, the highest part of the South Downs National Park and enjoyed a rather lovely view from the comfort of the car.</p>



<p>Provided you don’t thrash it, there’s little engine noise and (unlike some of the other clunkier hybrids I’ve driven) it switches comfortably and quickly to the electric battery, confirmed by a little green E-car motif on the dashboard.</p>



<p>The head up display took a little getting used to but it was certainly helpful, rather than intrusive. It appears just above the wheel on the windscreen in front of the driver with information like the current speed limit. It’s part of the Lexus Safety System+ and driver assistance systems, included in all the Lexus LBX models. </p>



<p>The driver display flashes and gently beeps if you go over the speed limit or take your eyes off the road for too long. It will even bring the car to a safe stop – with the hazards on – if you don’t respond. You quickly get used to it and (trust me) it’s better than falling foul of the randomly variable speed limits on some of our Hampshire A roads and landing yourself on a driver awareness course. That said, if you find the beeping a bit much or distracting, you can switch it off, although you do have to reset it every time you drive. </p>



<p>There are other handy things too: when a car overtakes you, a light on the wing mirror flashes to let you know not pull out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-angels-in-reverse">ANGELS IN REVERSE</h2>



<p>As it’s only slightly audible in the car, if Mr. Muddy hadn’t been tasked with turning around while I got out to do the school pick up, I might not have noticed that in reverse electric mode, the Lexus LBX emits what can best described as the sound of a choir ‘aaahing’ harmoniously as an angel descends from heaven. </p>



<p>Outside of the car, it was loud enough to startle a couple of other passing pedestrian parents. However, (as is surely intended) it was also loud enough to prevent them wandering off the pavement and into the road where the car was maneuvering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-looks">THE LOOKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-min.jpg" alt="Lexus LBX car Muddy Stilettos review Lexus Hedge End Hampshire" class="wp-image-33821" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Pretty appealing – for both genders. The Lexus LBX is compact but with a chunky exterior and a don’t-mess-with-me grill. The Premium Plus package (£34.5K) includes high gloss 18-inch alloy wheels, which I’m certainly a fan of. And worth noting the LBX’ upholstery, which has a really premium, Lexus feel that’s lacking in other modern compact SUVs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-boot-open-min.jpg" alt="open boot of Lexus LBX car Muddy Stilettos review Lexus Hedge End Hampshire" class="wp-image-33819" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-boot-open-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-boot-open-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-boot-open-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-car-boot-open-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Colours vary in choice and include the option of ‘sonic’ metallic white, ruby red, grey, dark blue and yellow in most models. If you’ve got your eye on the rose-gold looking sonic copper though you’ll need to plump for the most expensive LBX.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-amp-power-consumption">FUEL &amp; POWER CONSUMPTION</h2>



<p>The Lexus LBX is a self-charging hybrid, meaning that when the petrol is being used the electric battery is powering up – even when you brake. The fact that it charges itself as you drive means you never need to plug into a power source, nor suffer potential range anxiety when you’re out in the sticks. The technology chooses the most effective way to use the energy, based on your driving. In some (especially larger) hybrids, you can still end up with a heavy fuel consumption but the LBX is impressively cost efficient, comfortably coming in at over 60mpg.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cool-stuff">COOL STUFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-interior-min.jpg" alt="Interior of the Lexus LBX car Muddy Stilettos review Lexus Hedge End Hampshire" class="wp-image-33824" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-interior-min.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-interior-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-interior-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-interior-min-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-interior-min-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>In the front, the driver and passenger are well considered space and comfort-wise. The LBX has handy storage shelf under the central console and a slot for your phone, wireless charger, two drinks holders and various easy-access compartments, including a&nbsp;sliding coffee cup holder in the central storage.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-door-handle-min.jpg" alt="door handle Lexus LBX car Muddy Stilettos review Lexus Hedge End Hampshire" class="wp-image-33823" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-door-handle-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-door-handle-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-door-handle-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Lexus-LBX-door-handle-min-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The keyless entry is a bit fiddly to get used to at first but handy – just slide your thumb across the door handle, press the power button and you’re off. Exiting is likewise effortless – place your thumb and press (nothing so energetic as having to lever the handle) and it opens – once the safety system has checked there’s no oncoming traffic.</p>



<p>Tested in the rain, the automatic windscreen wipers work beautifully. And while it’s a standard on most new cars, the Lexus Link Connect multimedia system with 9.8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, smartphone integration (wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto) operates pretty well too.</p>



<p>The Premium Plus also comes with heated seats, leather-look, keyless entry and the heads-up display on the windscreen which is only visible to the driver.</p>



<p>If you really want to push the boat out, the Takumi model also includes a Mark Levinson sound system and heated steering wheel. But when you’re starting to nudge up to and beyond £40k, those extra bells and whistles specs start to make the LBX more expensive than it needs to be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-price-tag">THE PRICE TAG</h2>



<p>The smallest and most economical Lexus on the market, coming in at just under £30k, the Lexus LBX is really good value, especially when you take into consideration the Lexus build quality, luxe interiors, safety features and styling. The top of the range £40k-ish models feel a little pricey but, depending on what you’re looking for, the mid-range extras are worth considering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/lexus-lbx-launch-event-car-balloons.jpg" alt="Lexus LBX car Muddy Stilettos review Lexus Hedge End Hampshire" class="wp-image-33691" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/lexus-lbx-launch-event-car-balloons.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/lexus-lbx-launch-event-car-balloons-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/lexus-lbx-launch-event-car-balloons-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/lexus-lbx-launch-event-car-balloons-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Good for the work commute, school run or general zip around, with an intuitive, easy-to-use display panel and a decent enough amount of room in the boot, this compact SUV ticks a lot of boxes. It’s also a good first step towards electric with the benefit of exhaust-free at low speeds in town – and without the potential range anxiety of an all-electric car. Best of all, (and I&#8217;m just going to come out with it) the Lexus LBX looks pretty cool, too.</p>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;The quality and tech of a high-grade Lexus without the price tag with better mileage and a similar price tag to some of its closest compact SUV rivals.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Big families with loads of stuff or those used to a larger SUV. &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Fancy a test drive? </strong>Drop in at <a href="https://www.snows.co.uk/lexus/contact-us/hedge-end/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lexus Hedge End showroom</a> or book one <a href="https://www.snows.co.uk/lexus/new-vehicles/book-a-test-drive/lbx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>


Review: The Lexus LBX

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