Lexus LX flagship SUV on sale in April

LEXUS Australia has announced that it will launch its new-gen upper large SUV in the second quarter, bringing to market a high-end cousin for the 300-series Toyota Landcruiser that launched here last year. 

The LX family will be made up of LX 500d turbo-diesel and LX 600 turbo-petrol guises, plus F-Sport and Ultra Luxury grades, and there will be no fewer than three seating configurations to choose from.

Base LX 500d and LX 600 models will come in a three-row seven-seat configuration, with the mid-spec F Sport and Sports Luxury grades offering five seats across two rows for both powertrains. The top-shelf (and aptly named) Ultra Luxury variant will eschew both of those layouts in favour of a more exclusive – and opulent – four-seat config.

Lexus says highlights of the LX will include the human-centred ‘Tazuna’ cockpit concept with dual centre screens, "Hey Lexus!" natural speech recognition, the ‘BladeScan’ adaptive high-beam system and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system. Also available on selected grades is fingerprint identification for engine start – a first for Lexus.

The LX 600 Ultra Luxury, which is powered by the Lexus LS-derived 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine (305kW/650Nm) will pamper its occupants. Independent, electrically-adjustable and heated/ventilated second-row seats deliver up to 860mm of legroom, Lexus claims, while the seatbacks can recline up to 48 degrees. Each seat has an adjustable ottoman with two-position memory, and a five-stage massage function.

The range-topper features Walnut Brown ornamentation and sumptuous leather upholstery (new Sunflare trim is also available), while all seat functions, rear wireless smartphone charging, as well as the controls for the four-zone climate control and twin 11.6-inch rear displays (with HDMI, Miracast or Wi-Fi compatibility) are accessible via the Ultra Luxury’s centrally located rear control panel.

The LX F Sport and LX Sports Luxury grades are available on the LX 600 as well as its LX 500d sibling, the latter of which is powered by a 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine.

Although the F Sport and Sports Luxury versions have five- instead of four-seat configurations, they  share many features with the Ultra Luxury, including front and rear-outboard seat heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, centre console-mounted cool box, a digital rear-view mirror, soft-close doors and the aforementioned fingerprint identification system on the engine start button, which can store up to ten fingerprints and link them to individual seat position and mirror memory settings.

The F Sport is distinguishable by its jet-black grille, satin-plated moulding (across the front- and rear-end of the vehicle), as well as 22-inch forged alloy wheels – the largest-ever standard rims on an LX, and size fast becoming the standard in the upper-large luxury SUV segment.

Inside, the F Sport features ‘Hadori’ aluminium ornamentation, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, a perforated leather-accented ‘wheel and transmission lever, and sports seats with exclusive upholstery.

The F Sport additionally comes equipped with a rear Torsen limited-slip differential, front and rear performance dampers, adaptive variable suspension and a bespoke electric power-steering tune.

The Sports Luxury versions, by contrast, are adorned with a 3D-effect spindle grille with floating lateral bars and 22-inch forged alloy wheels, while inside they feature ‘Takanoha’ ornamentation (made using a three-layer wooden mosaic technique), as well as the Ultra Luxury’s twin 11.6-inch rear screens.

The ”entry-level” LX 500d and LX 600 feature 20-inch alloy wheels, seven seats with power adjustable third-row, and tri-beam LED headlamps with the BladeScan adaptive high-beam system (AHS).

Also standard is four-zone climate control, leather-accented seats with Shimamoku wood ornamentation, 10-way driver- and 8-way front passenger seat power adjustment, heated front seats and the 25-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system.

At the front of the cabin, there are two central screens – a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 7.0-inch display, which are complemented by an 8.0-inch driver display and a colour head-up display (HUD). The infotainment system incorporates voice control, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and wireless charging.

The advanced Lexus Safety System+ technology suite includes: a pre-collision system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, front and rear parking support brake (PKSB) with obstacle and vehicle detection, blind-spot monitor (BSM), dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), lane tracing assist (LTA), road sign assist (RSA) and a tyre pressure warning monitor.

Across-the-range safety technologies include intersection turn- and emergency steering assist, Lexus Connected Services and a four-camera multi-terrain monitor. 

The LX also “advances the flagship SUV's reputation for significant off-road capability” with Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock modes, as well as active height control (AHC) suspension with Normal, High 1 and High 2 settings for “maximum ease over a broad range of surfaces,” Lexus says.

Both LX 500d and LX 600 powertrains utilise a full-time all-wheel-drive system, with power channelled through a 10-speed automatic transmission with a low-range transfer case. A trailer wiring harness with towing hitch is fitted to all grades and the LX has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the new-generation LX “set new standards in craftsmanship, refinement and capability among flagship SUVs”.

"With the strength of twin-turbocharged powertrains, new F Sport and Ultra Luxury grades, multiple seating configurations and the exclusive Encore Platinum owner benefits program, the new-generation LX offers breathtaking luxury and capability," Mr Pappas said

Included in LX ownership is a three-year membership to the Lexus Encore Platinum owner benefits program, which includes Lexus on Demand, through which members can borrow another Lexus on four occasions, for up to eight days. Members are also provided with eight valet parking passes to use at select Westfield shopping centres and the Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne.

Pricing details will be revealed closer to the arrival of the Lexus LX in Australia in April.