The 300 Series LX is said to be both a more refined and capable vehicle than its predecessor with a broader selection of grades and seating layouts
Lexus has released the final list of inclusions and pricing details for the LX large SUV that will start from $148,800 before on-roads in Australia when it goes on sale next month.
Sharing the same underlying chassis as the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, the ‘J300’ Lexus LX will be available with a choice of twin-turbo V6 powertrains, either in LX 500d diesel form or in petrol LX 600 guise for an additional $3500.
Buyers can choose between four LX grades and three seating configurations, with the usual five and seven-seat layout available alongside a new ultra-luxurious four-seat option dubbed the LX VIP in some markets, and the Ultra Luxury locally.
When it arrives, the LX will do battle with luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Audi Q7 and Q8, Bentley Bentayga and the new-generation Range Rover.
The new-generation LX has ushered in two new twin-turbo V6 engines with the petrol option a 3.5-litre developing 305kW of power at 5200rpm and 650Nm of torque from 2000-3600rpm, while the 3.3-litre diesel puts out 227kW/700Nm from 1600-2600rpm.
Both are paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission that feeds power to a full-time four-wheel-drive system.
The LX range kicks off with the seven-seat model which is priced at $148,800 (before on-roads) for the diesel or $152,300 for the petrol option, sitting well above the $138,790 asking price of the range-topping Toyota Land Cruiser Sahara ZX.
As a result, the LX is equipped with a unique interior design that features a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen for multimedia which is now compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Sitting further down is a 7.0-inch lower display for other vehicle control functions such as air conditioning, with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display sitting in front of the driver.
Lexus has lined the interior with black leather upholstery and added heated and powered front seats as standard as well as other niceties such as the 25-speaker Mark Levison premium stereo and a wireless phone charger.
The safety suite has also been expanded with more driver-assist technology such as emergency steering assistance and a more advanced AEB system that can detect a potential collision with another car or a pedestrian at an intersection.
The exterior is dressed with 20-inch wheels as standard – though buyers can purchase the $5500 Enhancement Pack which add larger 22-inch wheels along with a panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate with a kick sensor.
Stepping up to the Sports Luxury grade increases the price to $165,800 (before on-roads) for the LX 500d and $169,300 for the LX 600 and drops the seat count to five.
For the extra cash, Lexus adds high-quality leather seat material with both heating and cooling along with other premium materials such as wood veneer.
Lexus also includes additional features such as a heating function for the steering wheel, a cool box in the centre armrest, a fingerprint ID system and dual 11.6-inch screens in the backseats.
Adding some more on-road flare to the Lexus 4WD is the F Sport grade which is priced from $171,800 (before on-roads) in the LX 500d and $175,300 in the LX 600.
Lexus has fitted exterior touches including a black mesh grille batched with darkened 22-inch alloy wheels to suit the performance-oriented F Sport ethos.
Inside the cabin, designers have matched the dark exterior with (optional) Flare Red interior trim and a unique steering wheel and seats with deeper bolstering.
Under the skin, engineers have fitted performance dampers and a rear Torsen limited-slip differential to sharpen the on-road driving dynamics.
Sitting at the top of the range is the LX 600 Ultra Luxury which is available only with the petrol engine and four-seat layout. Prices start at $210,800 (before on-roads).
Lexus has designed the Ultra Luxury with a focus on rear-seat passenger comfort, with the second row lined with two captain’s chairs with quilted upholstery.
The seats themselves can recline at up to 48-degrees and feature a massage function along with an ottoman on the passenger side.
Rear passengers are also treated to other features like their own wireless charging pad and USB C ports along with a touchscreen control panel to modify settings such as airconditioning and the dual 11.6-inch touchscreens in front of them.
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
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