Lexus is reportedly working on a mini SUV based on Toyota Yaris Cross

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota’s luxury arm Lexus is working hard to keep up its targets of unveiling 10 new hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and BEV models by 2025. Although the information on these upcoming Lexus cars is scarce at the moment, a Japanese magazine Mag-X reported that the luxury carmaker is working on an ultra-compact luxury SUV based on the Toyota Yaris Cross that will be launched in the European, Japanese, and Australian markets. 

As per the report, the small crossover will slot below the UX in the company’s lineup that measures 4500 mm in length and 1840 mm. Looking at the Yaris Cross dimensions, the SUV is just 4180 mm long and 1765 mm wide, which puts a smaller footprint than the Mazda CX-3. However, in the luxury segment, cars like the MINI Countryman and Audi Q2 have such compact dimensions.

Last year, Lexus filed an LBX trademark in Europe, which fueled the speculation of an upcoming crossover smaller than the UX. The recent report seems to be in line with that.

Further, the report states that Lexus's upcoming small SUV will underpin the GA-B platform and it will equip the same 1.5-litre VVT-i three-cylinder hybrid engine that powers the Yaris Cross. The said engine along with three electric motors (AWD-i), produces a maximum power output of 116 PS and a peak torque of 120 Nm. These numbers enable the compact SUV to hit the century sprint in 10 seconds.

Well, it is just a rumour for now as Lexus has yet to make any comment on this. On the contrary, the automaker has confirmed the launch of the production-spec LF-Z Electrified concept as its first EV. It will feature the same e-TNGA platform as the recently revealed Toyota bZ4X Concept. Lexus clarified that its road-ready version may not look exactly like the prototype but will have similarities for sure.

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