Pros
Superbly smooth power delivery and lightning-fast acceleration
The audio setup by Mark Levinson sounds fantastic.
Rear passengers may enjoy first-class accommodations with the Ultra Luxury option.
Cons
Large and unbalanced when cornering
The ride is very pliable, like a Toyota Crown from the 1970s.
Certain driver assistance systems are overly invasive.
Limited storage capacity compared to competing SUVs
When it comes to reliability and longevity, few SUVs can compare to the Lexus LX. Among the cars predicted to clock 400k miles, they are included. They easily clock 400,000 km without much stress.
Lexus is renowned for producing high-end automobiles that have classic good looks, impressive performance, and a reputation for reliability and longevity. Both the outside and interior of a Lexus are eye-catching.
With its "Luxury Crossover" moniker, the Lexus LX is the brand's crown jewel SUV. It's up to any challenge, whether it's traversing isolated, harsh terrains in style or wowing contemporary adventurers with its built-in entertainment and sophisticated touches.
When it comes to high-end off-road vehicles, the newest Lexus LX500d strikes a balance between classic good looks and cutting-edge technology. I test-drove one recently!
Long recognised as a more luxurious take on the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser off-road SUV, the Lexus LX is now distantly related to no one at Toyota. While the new 2024 Land Cruiser and its Toyota sibling seem quite similar, the Land Cruiser looks smaller.
Design
With its current Lexus emblem on the back, big 22-inch alloy wheels, blocky dimensions typical of huge luxury off-roaders, and a big spindle grille up front with a 3D form and seven pairs of floating bars, the LX is clearly a Lexus. Notwithstanding this, the LX has an air of commanding sophistication that its Land Cruiser 300 sibling fails to fully achieve.
Interior
With leather, wood, and soft-touch materials in all the right places, the LX's interior is as luxurious as one could hope for at this price range. While testing the NVH on the LX series, the project engineers really wanted you to feel like you are in an isolation tank for cars, and that's exactly what you get when you go on board! With its long 2,680 mm wheelbase, even though there are only five seats, all five passengers will have plenty of space to move about.
From an ergonomic standpoint, the LX is a really pleasant machine to use, so I won't grumble about the button-festooned cockpit with its variety of displays. After all, we cannot have it both ways. A digital instrument cluster and a 7.0-inch screen for rear passengers round out Lexus' respectable infotainment show, while the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the 8.0-inch screen for climate control and off-road setup offer a pleasantly high-resolution experience for a product from the Toyota group. You may choose between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
With a braking towing capacity of 3,500 kg, 210 mm of ground clearance, 21 degrees of approach and 21.7 degrees of departure, 1,109 litres of cargo space, and a huge 110-litre fuel capacity, the LX gets good marks for practicality.
Performance, driving style
A 10-speed automatic transmission sends the 3.3-liter turbodiesel engine's 225 kW and 700 Nm of torque to all four wheels of the LX500d. All things considered, the car's acceleration powers are adequate, and its weight is 2,680 kg. Its handling is a little wallowy due to the LX's size and weight. The suspension and cabinet intrusion are in harmony with the muted power delivery of the torquey diesel engine, making it all incredibly smooth, soft, and polished.
Safety
A crash test has not been conducted on the LX model range since it is new and sells in modest quantities. However, given its many active and passive safety measures, it is reasonable to conclude that the product is quite safe!
Fuel consumption
Despite Lexus' estimates that the LX 500d would have an 8.3 L/100 km diesel consumption rate, I measured 11.7 L/100 km during my short time behind the wheel.
My decision
The LX is a magnificent luxury off-road SUV with superb construction, excellent off-road credentials, and every imaginable amenity for families. However, people in the market for a similar vehicle might think about the less expensive Toyota Land Cruiser 300, which is very similar to the LX, and people looking at the price of the Lexus will likely be enticed by the other premium badges in the local market.
Lexus is a more reliable brand than BMW, and it also has cheaper average yearly maintenance expenditures. Lexus owners typically spend about half as much on maintenance each year as competitors in the same segment.
For drivers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, nothing beats a Lexus due to its legendary quality, dependability, and cutting-edge technology. Include it in your luxury fleet; you won't regret it.
Specifications:
Body Type: SUV
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Auto
Drive Type: 4XD
Doors: 5
Seats: 5
Engine Size: 3.3L
Fuel Efficiency: 8.9L / 100km
Power: 227kW
Torque: 700Nm
