This latest reveal from Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota, is certainly very striking. The design will surely make it stand out on the road, thanks in part to the enormous, brand identifying, grille and the sharp modern styling creases. When it comes to making a motoring statement, this flagship Lexus model has it all.
About The Lexus LX
If the looks seem familiar it is because this car has some considerable association with the Toyota Land Cruiser on which it is based. The windscreen A-pillars have been moved back to create a more dynamic cab-rear silhouette and the LX model adds 20”- or 22” alloy wheels and tyres, complementing that solid body. The difference is the level of added luxury which, combined with that legendary off-road ability, will make this prestige SUV a true rival to the very best that the German marques can turn out. For that added touch of personalised sophistication Lexus has added two new model grades: F Sport and a four-seat VIP.
On The Inside
The new LX cockpit, enhances the relationship between vehicle and driver. Displays, gauges and switches are arranged intuitively, enabling the driver to control the vehicle with the minimum of effort.
It has all been thought through, it seems: The angle of the steering wheel, pedals and foot rest as well as the shape, seat hip-point (how easy it is to access the seat, basically) and grip characteristics of the pilot’s seat provides a driving position that allows the natural placement of the hands on the steering wheel and the feet on the pedals. Lexus luxury adds attention to detail for off-road driving. This includes assist grips with carefully designed thickness and angle as well as soft padding on the shoulder and lumbar areas of the front door trim for added protection.
Cushion pads in the front furniture add comfort and grip to avoid moving about in the seat, especially off-road. The second-row seats have been designed to ensure ease of access, while the height and cushioning of the side supports also adds improved hold. Third-row seats in seven-seat variants can be electrically reclined to adjust the luggage space according to owner requirements. If needed all seats, including the front seats, can be moved to create a vast cargo space.
This new model offers a state-of-the-art multimedia system that is designed, we learn, to provide easy-to-see information so that it can be operated as easily as a smartphone or tablet. A variety of menu selection switches are always displayed as icons on the driver's side while a new function allows front passengers to call up frequently used controls. Features include a hybrid navigation system that combines a conventional in-vehicle navigation system with a connected navigation stream that utilises cloud-based technology.
The 12.3” upper screen shows navigation and audio controls and serves as the Multi-Terrain Monitor during off-road driving. The lower 7.0” touch display shows the climate control screen and serves as a driving-support screen for Multi-Terrain Select. One benefit of the dual screens (with anti-reflective coating) is that the driver can display the camera image on the upper screen while simultaneously displaying vehicle status in real time on the lower screen. This offers the driver more off-road information without switching the screen display.
The colour and font of the navigation screen can be selected from five different themes and there’s also the latest in voice-recognition technology. By saying or exclaiming, "Hey Lexus!", the driver can activate the system without having to operate switches or stop playing music; and for the latter Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
On The Road & Off
The 3.5 litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine delivers maximum power of 403bhp (305kW) and peak torque of 650Nm while the 3.3 litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine alternative delivers 300bhp (227kW) and 700Nm, as well as excellent fuel economy. Both engines drive through a new ten-speed automatic transmission which, say Lexus, will deliver ideal and expanded gear ratios.
Lexus drivers know that comfort and handling stability is to the fore on the road and buyers will be pleased to note that this does not compromise off-road driving performance. This is thanks to sophisticated automatically adaptive and variable suspension.
Off-road driving is supported by Multi-Terrain Select, which operates in high as well as low range. It offers optimum control of brakes, driving force and suspension by offering a choice of six modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock. Auto mode, adopted for the first time, can adapt to every condition from extremely low-speed driving on rocky roads to high-speed driving on unpaved roads while lockable electronic differentials fore and aft keep everything in order. It is a very sophisticated system that rivals the best.
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