After 14 years, Lexus has undertaken a full model refresh for its LX range, in what it claims will deliver a variant to suit the needs of a broad scope of customers. Two new engines will be available, including twin turbo petrol and diesel offerings.
Depending on the variant (Ultra is petrol only), buyers will have the option of either a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre petrol V6 making 305kW of power at 5200rpm and 650Nm of torque or a 3.3-litre diesel V6 producing 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
Both engines are mated to a 10-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. The range opens with the LX 500d and 600 (7-seat, diesel and petrol respectively), riding on 20-inch alloy wheels, paired with newly developed four-wheel active height control suspension.
Prices start at $148,800 for the 500d and $152,300 for the 600 – plus on-roads. An optional Enhancement Pack adds 22-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof and a hands-free tailgate with kick sensor.
Inside, a new Tazuna Cockpit has been designed for quick and easy operation with the least movement of the eyes or body. There are four displays, a 12.3-inch main display, 7.0-inch lower display, 8.0-inch multi-information display and a colour head-up display.
The interior also receives heated and powered front seats with leather-accented upholstery, wireless smartphone charging and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. Lexus’ Safety Sense suite is on hand too.
Improved over the previous incarnation, it now offers intersection turn assist, and pre-collision safety with emergency steering assist. On top of on-road safety features, Lexus have also included a plethora of off-road features.
These include multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor for precise vehicle control and positioning on challenging terrain. Crawl control, which can automatically control engine output and braking in very rough or slippery conditions when under 10km/h is included too.
A 5-seat Sports Luxury grade brings premium leather-accented seats with heating and ventilation, heated steering wheel, cool box, dual rear-seat entertainment system and the new ‘Takanoha’ ornamentation – a wood veneer resembling hawk feathers.
Additional security comes from a new Lexus-first fingerprint sensor to authorise operation of the push-button starter. It’s priced from $165,800 plus on-roads. From there, it’s a step up to the F Sport, which sits on darkened 22-inch alloys for $171,800 plus on-roads.
It gains a rear torque-sensing Torsen limited-slip differential, front and rear performance dampers and multiple unique exterior touches, including a black mesh grille. Interior features include seats with extra bolstering, and an F Sport steering wheel.
Aluminium ornamentation and the option of F Sport-exclusive Flare Red interior trim is also included. Splash for the Ultra Luxury 4-seater and you will have pair of individual captain’s chairs in the rear with 48-degree reclining, massage function, and deluxe headrests.
A passenger-side ottoman, and exclusive quilted upholstery offered in Black and new Sunflare colours, are joined by a unique rear centre console incorporates a touchscreen display for seat and air-conditioning controls.
It also sports a wireless smartphone charger, two USB-C ports and additional storage space for a luxurious chauffeur-driven experience. It’s priced from $210,800 plus on-roads. The car maker’s Encore Platinum program is also available across the range.
Six exterior colours are on offer, including Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Liquid Metal, Onyx, Graphite Black and Khaki Metal. F Sport grades use the exclusive White Nova hue in place of Sonic Quartz.
The next-generation Lexus LX comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 3-years capped-price servicing. Further information is available from your local Lexus dealer.
