New Lexus LX Shows Opulent Craftsmanship, Broad Customer Choice

Bennett  Oghifo

The all-new Lexus LX, arriving next month, introduces qualities that represent the next chapter of Lexus, from its powerful design to new powertrains, advanced technologies and superb performance, whether driving in the city or on the harshest rough-road routes.

A statement by the automaker said “Exacting customers will be able to select the grade that best suits their lifestyles with Lexus offering the broadest choice of variants ever with its flagship luxury SUV.

Two new Lexus engines – twin-turbocharged petrol LX 600 and diesel LX 500d V6 units – are smaller in capacity than the model’s previous naturally aspirated V8s, yet deliver significantly more power, higher torque and improved fuel economy.

As the first full model change in 14 years, the all-new LX debuts F Sport and range-topping Ultra Luxury grade as well as seating for four, five or seven, depending on the grade.

The all-new flagship SUV range opens from $148,8001 for the 3.3-litre twin-turbo LX 500d, while the 3.5-litre twin-turbo LX 600 sibling is priced from $152,300.1

The seven-seat LX 500d and LX 600 are generously equipped, including the new Tazuna Cockpit where the design and layout of the controls and information displays are precisely calculated for quick and easy operation with least movement of the eyes or body.

A 12.3-inch main display, 7.0-inch lower display, 8.0-inch multi-information display and a colour head-up display communicate a vast array of information through the latest-generation Lexus multimedia operating system.

Lexus Safety Sense+2 – now with improved and additional functions – is provided as standard on the new LX, adding to the vehicle’s comprehensive safety and security.

New driver-assist technologies include intersection turn assist2, which can detect a high collision risk with oncoming vehicles or crossing pedestrians. The pre-collision safety system also gains emergency steering assist2 that provides extra steering support during an emergency manoeuvre.

A wealth of off-road features include Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor2 for precise vehicle control and positioning on challenging terrain.

Crawl control2 – activated at the press of a button at speeds below 10 km/h – automatically controls engine output and braking in very rough or slippery conditions, so the driver can focus on accurately steering the vehicle. A new turn assist function2 uses brake pressure to increase response to the driver’s steering inputs and give the vehicle a tighter turning radius.

A comprehensive range of Lexus Connected Services3 adds further assurance for owners with valuable safety, security and vehicle information features.

Other specification highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, newly developed four-wheel active height control suspension, heated and powered front seats with leather-accented upholstery, Shimamoku Black ornamentation, wireless smartphone charging4 and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson®5 premium audio system offering impeccable audio quality.

An Enhancement Pack – adding striking 22-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof and a hands-free tailgate with kick sensor – is available for an extra $5,500.

Moving up to the five-seat Sports Luxury grade brings a wealth of highly desirable features including 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 precisely shaved down to create a pattern resembling hawk feathers.

Additional security comes from a new Lexus-first fingerprint sensor to authorise operation of the push-button starter.

The lavishly appointed five-seat Sports Luxury grade is available with both diesel and petrol powertrains starting from $165,800.1

The introduction of the first LX F Sport gives a dynamically and stylistically enhanced take on the LX from $171,800.1 It gains a rear torque-sensing Torsen®5 limited-slip differential, front and rear performance dampers and multiple unique exterior touches including darkened 22-inch alloy wheels and a black mesh grille.

Interior features include F Sport seats with extra bolstering, F Sport steering wheel, aluminium ornamentation and the option of the F Sport-exclusive Flare Red interior trim.

The all-new flagship Ultra Luxury – with four independent seats and supreme comfort – is available exclusively in twin-turbocharged petrol guise from $210,800.1

Rear-seat comfort is assured with a pair of individual captain’s chairs with 48-degree reclining, massage function, deluxe headrests, a passenger-side ottoman, and exclusive quilted upholstery offered in Black and new Sunflare colours.

A unique rear centre console incorporates a touchscreen display for seat and air-conditioning controls, wireless smartphone charger4, two USB-C ports and additional storage space for a luxurious chauffeur-driven experience.

All variants bar the Ultra Luxury are available with a newly developed 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged diesel V6 engine, producing 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque from 1600-2600rpm, improvements of 27kW and 50Nm over the outgoing LX 450d.

Alternatively, customers can select the smooth and powerful 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 with 305kW at 5200rpm and 650Nm from 2000-3600rpm, significant increases of 35kW and 120Nm compared with the previous 5.7-litre V8.

An unsurpassed ownership experience continues with a three-year membership to the leading Lexus Encore Platinum owner benefits program6 – including the pioneering Lexus on Demand, where members can borrow another Lexus to suit their needs or when travelling interstate or to New Zealand on four occasions, for up to eight days7. Members are also provided with eight valet parking passes to use at select Westfield shopping centres and Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne8.

All-new LX comes with three years of capped-price servicing, costing just $595 for each of the first six scheduled services with service intervals of six months/10,000km.9

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the all-new LX range will appeal to a broad set of customers.

“As a leading luxury lifestyle brand, Lexus aims to give its customers the luxury of choice, and the all-new LX range does just that,” Mr Pappas said.

“With two powertrains, four model grades and three seating layouts to choose from, exacting LX customers can choose the perfect variant to suit their lifestyle.”

Six exterior colours are available on the all-new LX, consisting of Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Liquid Metal, Onyx, Graphite Black and Khaki Metal.