New Lexus LX: more screens, off-road cameras and a luxurious VIP version

Four months after the debut of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, its luxury relative, the fourth-generation Lexus LX SUV, premiered. In terms of technology, Lexus has some differences from Toyota.

The first generation Lexus LX saw the light in the mid-90s, since then the luxury SUV has sold over 500 thousand copies around the world, of which 51 thousand, that is, approximately 10%, fell on the market. The Lexus LX is sold a little worse than the related Land Cruiser (2875 and 4907 units were sold last year, respectively), but in big cities it can be found even more often than the Kruzak, because the Lexus looks more representative, and it drives, according to many owners, more comfortable, while retaining all the off-road potential of the original Toyota model.

If the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 has already managed to receive a portion of criticism from potential buyers for its too good-natured appearance, then the new Lexus LX has retained the aggression of its predecessor, although in general the forms have become slightly more rounded with practically unchanged external dimensions and the same wheelbase (2850 mm). The gigantic grille is more voluminous (three-dimensional) and looks more massive than the previous LX. The taillights are more intricate than those of the Toyota and are connected by a luminous bridge, while the “pointy” luggage windows and a sloping rear make the Lexus profile more dynamic than the LC 300.

There are no surprises in terms of hardware: the key technical solutions and the GA-F frame platform of the new Lexus LX are the same as those of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, to which we devoted a separate long review, and even the power units of the two SUVs are identical. There are no V8 engines now – only V6: a 3.4-liter gasoline engine with two turbochargers produces a maximum of 415 hp. and 650 Nm, diesel 3.3-liter – 300 hp and 700 Nm. Both motors are paired with a 10-speed hydromechanical “automatic”. The Offroad version has locks on both cross-axle differentials.

The Lexus LX, like the Land Cruiser 300, lost 200 kg with the change of generations (including due to aluminum outer body panels) and received a more rigid frame, and the tailgate is now a monolithic instead of a double-leaf. The main technical difference between Lexus and Toyota is the AHC suspension with hydraulic struts, which now has more settings and options. The LC 300, we recall, is now offered only with a spring suspension, although the most off-road version of the VX has active anti-roll bars on hydraulic cylinders.

Another functional difference between Lexus and Toyota is four “off-road” cameras that provide a picture around the wheels and under the bottom. It is clear that when driving through mud, they will not be of any use, but when driving on large stones, they can be a good help to the driver. Life on paved roads will be facilitated by the Lexus Safety System + electronic assistants with adaptive cruise control and emergency steering assistance.

And, of course, Lexus has its own, richer interior design. There are two screens on the center console, not one: the upper 12.3-inch multimedia screen and the lower 7-inch one, which is responsible for the microclimate and driving settings. A fingerprint scanner is built into the engine start button to identify the driver and activate his individual car settings (seat, mirrors, climate, music, etc.).

The top VIP package provides two individual seats in the second row with many settings and the ability to tilt the backrest by 48 degrees. The front passenger seat can be folded down to provide up to 1,100 mm of legroom in the “boss seat” and extend a foot and calf support in addition. In addition, the VIP equipment includes additional air ducts in the second row (ceiling and central) and a touch control with all kinds of settings in the central armrest. The top-end Mark Levinson audio system provides 25 loudspeakers.

As for the third row, judging by the pictures, it has become more cramped than that of the previous generation SUV: before, three people could fit there, there was enough width, and the profile was more voluminous, and now there are strictly two flat “high chairs”.

The new Lexus LX will go on sale in early 2022 and, most likely, will be noticeably more expensive than its predecessor, which recently costs from 7.9 million conventional units. Prices for the fourth-generation SUV have not yet been announced, but dealers are already offering pre-orders.