The new generation Lexus LX luxury four wheel drive is now on sale in Australia, and prices are up considerably on the old model.
That will come as no surprise to anyone who knows the lineage of this model, because the LX is basically a Lexus version of the now considerably more expensive Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, with Lexus' pricing pitching this version as an alternative to Audi, BMW and Mercedes large SUVs.
Prices for the LC 300 went up across the board, so the more luxurious version from Lexus rightfully sees some price hikes, too.
But there’s plenty separating the LX from the LandCruiser - including the option of a petrol engine. The twin-turbo V6 petrol wears LX600 badges, while the twin-turbo diesel V6 model has the LX500d badge.
While local examples of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series it’s based upon are exclusively motivated by a 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 engine, the LX gets the same option, dubbed LX500d, but also a 305kW/650Nm 3.4-litre petrol unit called LX600.
Both engine options are mated to a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case.
There are some price differences depending on the powertrain you choose and there are several grades available, as well.
Here’s a table of the prices for the new Lexus LX 2022 range (all prices listed MSRP, before on-road costs).
As you can see, there’s a model specific to the top of the petrol range that Lexus is hoping will catch some eyeballs. More on that shortly.
2022 Lexus LX pricing before on-road costs
Variant | Cost |
LX 500d | $148,800 |
LX 500d with Enhancement Pack | $154,300 |
LX 500d Sports Luxury | $165,800 |
LX 500d F Sport | $171,800 |
LX 600 | $152,300 |
LX 600 with Enhancement Pack | $157,800 |
LX 600 Sports Luxury | $169,300 |
LX 600 F Sport | $175,300 |
LX 600 Ultra Luxury | $210,800 |
The 500d and 600 base model grades both have full LED lighting inside and out, height adjustable suspension, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, leather trim, smartphone mirroring, sat nav, and a 25 speaker Mark Levinson audio system. There are also 12.3-inch and 7.0-inch central touchscreens, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, always-on natural voice control, digital radio, an 8.0-inch multifunction display, a head-up display, first-row wireless smartphone charging, a power-adjustable third row, power-adjustable front seats (10-way driver/eight-way passenger) with heating, four-zone climate control, leather-accented upholstery and “Shimamoku” wood interior trim.The seven-seat LX500d opens the range, and you can add an enhancement pack - it’s the green one you see in our pricing video. The standard wheels are 20-inch alloys, but the Enhancement Pack gets bigger 22-inch wheels, which - confusingly - look identical to some other models in the range.
Then there’s the Sports Luxury model, which is a five seat model with a number of extra features including 22-inch forged alloy wheels, premium leather trim with heating and cooling, a heated steering wheel, a cooler box, dual 11.6-inch seat rear entertainment displays and specific “Takanoha ‘hawk feather’” wood trim inside.
The F Sport sits atop the 500d range and is also offered in LX600 guise, and comes as a five-seat model only.
It follows Lexus tradition by adopting a more aggressive exterior look with a dark mesh grille, 22 inch wheels, performance tuned suspension, a limited slip rear diff, and a more racy interior trim with red highlights. It also has a perforated-leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gear selector, front sports seats, Hadori aluminium interior trim, and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.
Both the Sports Luxury and the F Sport grade have soft-close doors, fingerprint push-button start, and a ‘digital’ rearview mirror.
Finally, if you think that paying more for less is a good idea, then you’ll be happy to learn the four-seat petrol-only Ultra Luxury model is available, with a list price of $210,800.
This grade is all about opulence, particularly for those in the second row. There are individual captain’s chairs with 48 degree recline, massage seats, a passenger-side ottoman so you can stretch out, deluxe headrests, and quilted upholstery available either in black or this new colour, which Lexus calls Sunflare.
There’s also a rear centre console with touchscreen for seat and climate controls, a wireless phone charger, two USB-C ports and added space for storage.
The LX is also well and truly stacked with safety technology, including front autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep and steering assist (with emergency functionality), adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear AEB, surround-view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring.
Stay tuned for our review coverage of the new Lexus LX soon.
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