We found out that Toyota is looking to secure the LBX and Lexus LBX monikers in Europe and Israel, suggesting perhaps that the luxury car brand is working on a small SUV. According to a report from May, if Lexus is indeed planning a high-rider smaller than the UX, then it could be based on the Yaris Cross, and these illustrations are a take on how it might look if the Japanese company resorted to the low-cost practice of simply re-working the front and rear ends.
Imagined by KDesignAG, the digital
pictured portray the LBX with Lexus’ signature spindle grille up front flanked
by slim and angular headlights, with L-shaped DRLs positioned under them. The
lower side air intakes are bigger compared to the Yaris Cross and the fog lamps
are placed right under them, while the bumper ends with a thin apron.
The profile carries over unchanged from
the Yaris Cross, but the tailgate sports a new styling and so does the bumper,
which features a different diffuser, with aluminum trim between the two
integrated exhaust pipes. The taillights have been redesigned as well, with an
angular styling, different graphics and blacked out looks.
If Lexus is indeed planning a new baby SUV
based on the Yaris Cross, then it could pack the same powertrain, meaning a
1.5-liter electrified unit that develops 114 HP. A more
powerful version with all-wheel drive might be in the pipeline as well, but
until official confirmation, we’ll take everything with the proverbial grain of
salt.
