Luxury auto marque Lexus marks the world premiere of the fourth-generation LX 600 in the Middle East. Consistent with its predecessors, the latest iteration shares the same underpinnings as the more mainstream Toyota Land Cruiser while still showcasing a higher degree of refinement.
The all-new Lexus LX
This version in particular rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-F) body-on-frame platform, granting increased rigidity while shedding a claimed 200 kg in weight.
Unlike other regions such as our own ASEAN, the U.S. market misses out on the J300 Land Cruiser due to slow sales of the outgoing model, so the LX 600 assumes the role of the brand’s flagship SUV in North America alongside the Sequoia. As of August 2021, the number of LX units sold has reached an estimated 500,000 in more than 50 territories worldwide across three generations.
Exterior
Lexus describes the 2022 LX 600’s styling as ‘Dignified Sophistication,’ with the trademark spindle grille a bit more subdued here than in other executions, resulting in a look that suits a vehicle of this size.
The familiar spindle grille is understated and blends in with the rest of the fascia
The highlights are instead carried by the seven horizontal slats collectively forming a three-dimensional shape making up the gaping front, intended to be functional in providing cooling to the engine bay. For the more rugged F Sport variant, the spindle grille is outlined by a gunmetal trim, while the bars are replaced by a mesh background.
A wider D-pillar distinguishes it from the Land Cruiser J300's profile
Assisting in this purpose are the large side intakes flanking the nose, right below the L-shaped LED clearance lamps. The profile lifts practically the entire page from the Land Cruiser’s playbook, with slightly smaller rear quarter windows owing to a wider D-pillar. That also translates to a less blocky rear, framed by redesigned LED combination lamps spanning the width of the tailgate. The LX 600 rides on a selection of 18- to 22-inch alloy wheels, the latter being the largest so far offered by Lexus.
Interior
The cockpit features a longitudinal layout, with controls placed within easy reach. Interior door panels connect to the lower portion of the dashboard to create a visually unifying piece. Depending on trim level, the new LX 600 can seat anywhere from five to seven occupants, all on plush leather upholstery featuring optimized cushioning.
Seating capacity ranges from five to seven depending on trim level
Sunshades are standard on the rear door windows along with a black ceramic treatment, enhancing protection against harsh sunlight when driving on hot days. Ease of ingress and egress has been improved by specially designed side steps, as well as rounding the corners of the rear seat cushions.
The rear seats on higher-spec variants feature electric reclining for flexibility in carrying cargo. Lexus’ first Multi-Seat Auto Arrange feature moves all seats to create a cavernous interior space.
Tech & safety
Beyond the leather multi-function steering wheel lies a two-tiered instrument panel that also offers a heads-up display. The 12.3-inch floating touchscreen monitor offers a fingerprint authentication system on the engine start button, a Lexus first, while a smaller 7-inch in-dash monitor assumes climate control duties as well as Multi-Terrain Select driving modes.
Dual screens on the center console for multimedia and climate control
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, with wireless connection via Wi-Fi planned for future over-the-air (OTA) updates. A hybrid navigation system uses cloud-based map information for monitoring road conditions in real-time.
The 2022 LX 600 is equipped with the Lexus Safety System + package, utilizing a single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar for its Pre-Collision System, Emergency Steering Assist, Low-speed Acceleration Control, and Lane Tracing Assist. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and an Adaptive High Beam System are also included.
Engine & drivetrain
Another major carryover from the Land Cruiser J300 is the 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline power plant, with a maximum output of 409 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. This takes the place of the bigger yet less powerful V8 engine on the outgoing model. A 10-speed automatic transmission channels the power to the drive wheels.
Multi-Terrain Select gives drivers up to six different driving modes for tackling terrain
Active Height Control (AHC) and adaptive variable suspension make their appearance on the latest Lexus, allowing drivers to adjust the ride height depending on outside conditions. The Multi-Terrain Select feature offers six drive modes that can be engaged whether in low- or high-range four-wheel-drive mode, while a Multi-Terrain Monitor provides an all-around view of the driver’s surroundings for safer maneuvers.
Pricing
No pricing information has been released for the 2022 Lexus LX 600 as of this writing, but estimates peg the starting price at around $90,000 (Php 4.55 million) for the base trim. The model is expected to be launched in the U.S. by the first quarter of 2022.
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