Lexus details new LX ahead of 2022 launch

LEXUS has unveiled details of its new-generation LX luxury off-roader – a close relative of the 300 Series Toyota LandCruiser – which will arrive in local showrooms next year and could feature both petrol and diesel engine options.

Unveiled in LX600 (petrol) and LX500D (diesel) form, Lexus’ new SUV flagship features twin-turbo 3.5-litre and 3.3-litre V6 engines respectively, developing 305kW/650Nm and 227kW/700Nm. Both are paired exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

In Australia, Toyota offers its 300 Series LandCruiser exclusively with a diesel engine, but reports suggest Lexus could opt to offer both petrol and diesel powerplants here in a bid to satisfy customer preference for petrol power. 

Lexus Australia has yet to confirm the finer specification or pricing details of its new LX, saying all will be revealed closer to the model’s local launch in 2022. 

For reference, the new 300 Series is priced from $89,990 and tops out at $138,790, with the outgoing Lexus LX retailing from $137,513 to $168,644 (plus on-road costs).

Sharing the same TNGA-F platform as the LC300, the Lexus LX features an identical wheelbase (2850mm) and like the Toyota, offers similar weight savings – of approximately 100kg – via the use of aluminium for its bonnet, doors, roof skin, and tailgate.

Lexus says its latest LX is up to 20 per cent more rigid than the outgoing model. Construction techniques shared with the LC300 benefit the LX with an increased percentage of high-tensile steel alongside additional spot welding and structural adhesive use. 

Lexus says the new LX offers improved weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity compared to its predecessor, in part owing to the repositioning of the engine lower (-28mm) and further rearward (-70mm) in the frame.

Approach, ramp-over, and departure angles remain unchanged at 25, 20, and 23 degrees respectively. The LX’s maximum water wading is matched to the LC300 at 700mm.

Naturally, the LX shares its suspension setup with the LandCruiser, riding on a double wishbone arrangement up front and a trailing-link rigid axle at the rear. Variable damping and Active Height Control is offered on Lexus’ posh off-roader, automatically adjusting vehicle height while on the move.

Electric steering and electronic front and rear differential locks are also standard; however, F Sport variants receive a Torsen limited-slip differential at the rear and bespoke damper and steering tune.

The LX also carries over Toyota’s updated Multi-Terrain Select system featuring new Dirt and Auto modes in addition to Sand, Snow, Mud, and Rock. Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control are also included in addition to a surround-view monitor with underfloor imagery.

The 2022 Lexus LX features the company’s signature Spindle Grille frontal treatment with horizontal (instead of vertical) slats and contoured LED headlights. 

It rides on larger 20 and 22-inch alloy wheels and sports Lexus’ L-shaped LED tail-lights flank ‘LEXUS’ lettering across the tail-gate. Otherwise, the LX is visually identical to its bread-and-butter cousin.

Inside, the LX features rich leather upholstery and faux carbon-fibres garnishes – and a VIP four-seat option – to distinguish the model over its LC300 derivative. 

Globally, four, five and seven-seat configurations are available. The Lexus off-roader also features additional air-conditioning outlets, reading lights, and sunshades not found in the Toyota.

A large 12.3-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard and sits atop a smaller 7.0-inch screen detailing climate control and Multi-Terrain Select information while, for the security conscious, a fingerprint reader is incorporated into the LX’s push-button starter. The instrumentation panel in completely digitised.

A Mark Levinson premium audio system with 25 speakers is available optionally over the standard 10-speaker Lexus stereo, as is a rear touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity are standard – alongside a Wi-Fi hotspot.

On the safety front, the Lexus LX features the Japanese luxury marque’s latest Safety System+ suite of driver assistance technologies. The autonomous emergency braking system can detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists – even in low-light conditions – and includes emergency steering assist with AI-assisted lane-tracing technology.

The expected lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, radar cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and auto high-beam technology offered in other Lexus models is also included as standard.

Lexus Australia is yet to confirm local launch timing for its new LX but suggests the first half of 2022 is likely.