2023 Lexus BX: Compact SUV imagined

The anticipated Lexus BX, a compact SUV reportedly sharing much of its packaging with the popular Toyota Yaris Cross, is still expected to make its global debut sometime in 2023.

Lexus has yet to confirm the new model beyond a teaser image released earlier this year, and indeed the name 'BX' remains unconfirmed – but the company is known to have trademarked 'LBX' in 2020.

As the earlier teaser image revealed, we can expect the new model to take on much of Lexus's existing styling language, evolved to fit alongside models like the new-gen NX, the large RX and the new electric RZ.

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Based on that preview, we've tasked our man Theo Throttle with imagining the 'BX' in its final production form.

Most details of Theo's renderings are accurate to the teaser image, although we've had to speculate at details like the lower section of the front bumper and the overall rear-end styling – using current Lexus models as a guide, of course.

It's clear we can expect a continuation of Lexus experimenting with and evolving its famous 'spindle' grille, with the teaser revealing what looks to be a more restrained and less prominent take on the idea – barely a spindle at all, in fact, with the upper trim now separated from main grille in the lower section of the front bumper.

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For the rear, Theo has looked to current Lexus models, featuring the same hooked tail lamps, long lightbar and slender brake cooling ducts at the corners of the rear bumper. Although an educated guess, it seems likely the BX will stick to these cues.

What do you think of the upcoming Lexus BX? Tell us in the comments below, or jump over to our Wheels facebook and WhichCar facebook pages.

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Ben Zachariah

May 4, 2022: Launch schedule looking good

The 2023 Lexus BX is reportedly on schedule to be released next year, despite industry-wide supply-chain issues and new model delays.

Lexus is said to be preparing the BX for a launch in 2023 as a successor to the CT200h, which will discontinue its production run in October, according to Japanese publication Magazine X.

The report suggests the baby BX could also be the first Lexus to debut a new front-end look for the brand, dropping the oversized grille, which has been a trademark of the brand in recent years, and adopting a cleaner ‘bowtie’ look with a full-width LED light.

Given the CT200h is set to be ending its production soon, it’s possible we could see the 2023 Lexus BX make its debut in the third or fourth quarter of 2022 before its launch next year.

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November 19, 2021: Lexus BX looks to be going ahead

The 2023 Lexus BX could be edging closer to reality, despite whispers swirling as far back as 2012.

Recent reports of a baby SUV from Lexus suggested the brand was looking to create a premium version of the Toyota Yaris Cross, but a new rumour out of Japan suggests it will be more closely related to another smaller model.

Best Car is reporting the new vehicle – designed to sit under the UX small SUV in the Lexus range – will actually be based on the recently-unveiled Toyota Aygo X.

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While both the Aygo X and the Yaris Cross share the same TNGA-B platform, the Aygo X was developed specifically for Europe – allowing Lexus to borrow much of the car’s interior and exterior design, without having to heavily revise the car for markets outside of Europe.

The smaller number of changes would help keep development costs low, while still positioning it as a premium alternative to the Yaris Cross.

But rather than using the Aygo’s 1.0-litre non-turbo three-cylinder petrol engine offered in Europe, Best Car says the Lexus will instead adopt the hybrid 1.5-litre non-turbo three-cylinder powertrain from the Yaris Cross Hybrid, which uses the assistance of a 59kW electric motor.

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It’s expected the little SUV could take its design influence from the 2015 Lexus LF-SA concept, which interestingly shares the same basic silhouette with the Aygo X Prologue – a concept vehicle which preceded the production version.

However, given the very small size of the Aygo X, measuring 240mm less than a Yaris hatch, it’s possible the Lexus could be limited to the Japanese market. The country has a long history of micro city cars, and promoting a premium vehicle will be an easier task than in other countries where luxury is more closely associated with size.

Whether or not Lexus chooses to launch a luxurious mini SUV in Europe or Australia won’t be known until the model is unveiled, rumoured for the second half of 2022.