Shortly after Lexus launched its UX crossover in 2018, the automaker said it did not intend to offer a vehicle for less than $ 30,000. One could interpret this to mean that Lexus would offer nothing smaller than the UX, but new rumor floating around on the Internet suggests the opposite. Could an entry-level Lexus BX slot on UX be in progress?
If so, a Lexus BX would not be a completely new creation. It would be based on the recently revealed Toyota Yaris Cross, a small crossover linked to the subcompact Toyota Yaris Euro-spec. There are no photos to show what this luxury mini machine could look like, but it would almost certainly adopt the Lexus axle grille while adding a little more chrome where the Yaris Cross has a black trim or body color. It is also possible that the BX can exchange some ground clearance for a more sporty road position.
Rumors further suggest that the BX would use the hybrid powertrain taken directly from the Yaris Cross. It has a 1.5 liter engine coupled to an electric motor, generating a combination of 116 horsepower (87 kilowatts). An F Sport edition can be offered which adds all-wheel drive to the mix, but the power boost is not mentioned. To maintain the image of the F Sport, one would assume that something more than 116 hp would be under the hood.
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This is certainly a curious rumor given that Lexus has previously stated that it has no interest in offering something below the $ 30,000 mark. However, this statement was based on the automaker's North American operations. The Yaris Cross will only be offered in the Euro and Asian markets, and with the BX supposed to be based on the small crossover, it will surely stay in these areas. As for the price, Toyota has not released figures for the Yaris Cross, but it should start below this $ 30,000 mark, or around € 27,800. This means that the BX could also start below this number.
If the rumors are true, we could see the Lexus BX in 2023.