New generation Lexus LX SUV unveiled
Following the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, the generation was replaced by its premium counterpart. Moreover, the new Lexus LX is presented live simultaneously in three major markets for the model – in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and recently (at a separate event in Moscow). After all, over 25 years of production of the LX model, more than 10% of the circulation (51,000 out of 500,000) was sold in the current market. We will add photos from the event later, but for now – the first information about the car.
As before, the Lexus LX is widely unified with Kruzak, which we have already talked about in detail. They share a common frame, transmission, and even a 2850mm wheelbase that hasn't changed from the previous generation. Saved and off-road geometry — ground clearance (225 mm), angles of entry and exit. The new bodywork is predominantly made of aluminium, including the roof panel. The frame with the body became lighter by the same 200 kg as the Land Cruiser. The maximum diameter of the wheels is now not 21, but 22 inches.
As before, Lexus has its own front and rear design, as well as a different shape of the rear windows. However, now the body shape has also been changed: if the Land Cruiser has an almost vertical fifth door, then the Lexus has rear pillars and glass installed at an angle. The LED headlights are now equipped with the BladeScan AHS adaptive control system, which is already known from the brand's passenger models: two rotating mirrors made it possible to increase the accuracy and speed of adaptation of the light beam.
The interior of the Lexus is original and differs from the interior of the donor Toyota. But the concept with two screens in the center of the front panel is very reminiscent of Infiniti. The top screen with a diagonal of 12.3 inches is responsible for the media system, car settings and navigator. And the lower seven-inch display controls climate control and driving modes (including “off-road”).
Of course, the Lexus LX has all-round cameras. And the electronic Multi-Terrain Monitor system can display on the screen a pre-recorded picture of what is now under the nose and stern of the machine. The fingerprint engine start system, which is among the Land Cruiser options, is included in the basic equipment here. The Mark Levinson audio system has 25 speakers.
At the top of the range is now the VIP version with four seats. In the back row there are two separate seats with individual adjustments, the backs of which can be folded back at an angle of up to 48 degrees. If you fold the right front seat, then the distance between the rows will reach 1100 mm, and the right passenger also has a retractable footrest. Also in the VIP cabin there is a touch screen in the center armrest, media system screens and additional air ducts on the ceiling.
Like the Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX lost its V8 engines and gained a new generation of V6 biturbo engines. The Lexus LX 500d is equipped with a 3.3-liter diesel engine that produces 300 hp. and 700 Nm against 272 hp and 650 Nm for the previous unit 4.5. And the petrol Lexus LX 600 has a V6 3.4 engine with a return of 415 hp. and 650 Nm instead of 367 hp and 530 Nm for the old aspirated. The gearbox is a ten-speed automatic.
As before, the Lexus LX has a hydraulic suspension that can change the height of the body, although the ground clearance is fixed, because the concept of a chassis with a continuous rear axle on four rods has not changed. The speed of lifting and lowering the body has been increased, adaptive dampers are now installed not only at the rear, but also at the front. Suspension rebound travel increased by 20mm to 145mm. Version F Sport – with a stiffer suspension and a rear self-locking Torsen differential.
F Sport version
The new Lexus LX will be on sale in a few months and will be much more expensive than the previous model, which now costs at least 7.9 million conditional units on the price list.