Lexus has launched the new LX in South Africa – the flagship of its local catalogue.
The SUV is now available in five specifications with prices starting from R2,507,600.
“The LX has long been a luxury SUV icon distinguished by an indomitable duality,” said the carmaker.
“On the one hand, its comfortable ride quality and long list of luxury amenities have defined it as the ultimate long-range cruiser, while on the other hand, its tried-and-tested off-road specifications and equipment have taken it far beyond the pavement in more than 50 countries around the globe.”
Engines
The LX, now in its fourth generation, has one of two engines at its disposal, the 500d, and the 600, both of which are mated to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox.
The 500d is a 3.3-litre, V6 diesel drivetrain with an all-new two-way twin-turbo configuration capable of generating 225kW and 700Nm while consuming 8.3l/100km on a typical fuel cycle.
The two-way system switches automatically to single-turbo operation at low speeds and twin-turbo running at high engine speeds, giving powerful acceleration response and high torque at low engine rpm, said the manufacturer.
As for the 600, it makes use of a 3.5-litre, V6 twin-turbo petrol plant, which is able to produce 305kW and 650Nm while averaging 11.3l/100km.
The SUV is built upon the brand’s GA-F platform, providing a reduced centre of gravity and better weight distribution, while the body has been made 200kg lighter through the use of aluminium for the roof, bonnet, doors and wing panels.
It retains the four-link, axle-type suspension with rear lateral control arms from its predecessors, which is paired with the new four-wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) systems that use hydraulic pressure in the shock absorbers to correct the vehicle’s height and damping force in response to road conditions.
This also provides better handling by reducing the lean in corners by 25% compared to previous models.
There are 4H and 4L gear ratios, too, and five driving modes for Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+ and Comfort.
Off-road performance is then improved through the addition of a new front lockable differential that joins the pre-existing rear and centre locks.
Features
Like the recently-launched NX, Lexus’ new flagship is equipped with its “Tazuma” cockpit – named after the Japanese word describing how a rider uses the reins to control a horse.
This translates to a dashboard that is moulded around the driver, including the instrument cluster, infotainment, and colour heads-up display, so as to minimize eye movements.
The multimedia is made up of two screens – one measuring 12.3 inches while the other clocks in at 7.0 inches – which can be used to operate most functions like the four-zone climate control.
Other notable features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support and memory functions, paddle shifters, a wireless charger, satellite navigation, a fingerprint ID for the keyless start, leather upholstery with Shimamoku wood trim, a 25-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, a panoramic camera, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, emergency braking and steering assist, 22-inch alloy wheels, and adaptive LED headlights.
For the seating arrangement, the 500d and 500d F Sport come with five, the 600 comes with seven, and the 600 F Sport and 600 VIP come with four.
Items unique to the F Sport trim comprise a jet-black grille with a mesh pattern, satin-plated moulding, a unique alloy wheel design, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, a perforated leather steering wheel and gearstick, sports seats with a Black/Flare Red scheme, and two exclusive paint jobs – White Nova and Raven Black.
The LX 600 VIP is the flagship of the entire Lexus stable, and as such is differentiated by having all four of its seats with heating and ventilation. The second row also has a seven-stage massage function, can recline by 48 degrees, and come with an independently-adjustable ottoman with its own memory function.
There are additional wireless chargers for the rear bench, as well as two 11.6-inch displays with HDMI and WiFi compatibility.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the new Lexus Lx is as follows:
- Lexus LX 500d – R2,507,600
- Lexus LX 500d F Sport – R2,517,500
- Lexus LX 600 – R2,553,600
- Lexus LX 600 F Sport – R2,568,700
- Lexus LX 600 VIP – R2,986,000
Each purchase comes with a 7-year/100,000km warranty and maintenance plan.
Lexus LX
Keyword: New Lexus LX flagship on sale in South Africa – Pricing