The Lexus LX, a distinguished member of the luxury SUV market, has evolved significantly since its debut in 1995. The 2024 model marks the fourth generation of the Lexus LX, presenting a blend of sophistication, off-road capability, and advanced technology. With the J300 codename, this generation continues to build on the robust foundation provided by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-F) platform. This shared foundation with vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser, GX, Prado, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra underscores its off-road prowess and engineering integrity.
Available exclusively with a diesel engine in the 500d variant, priced at an ex-showroom cost of 2.83 crore INR, it stands as Lexus’s largest and most expensive SUV offering. It’s noteworthy that the LX is built on the same platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser, highlighting its ruggedness and reliability, complemented by luxury that’s synonymous with the Lexus brand.
The design ethos of the LX blends luxury with functionality. Its commanding presence is accentuated by a 3D-shaped spindle grille, three-eye projector Bi-beam LED headlamps, and an array of LED lighting that ensures visibility and sophistication. The vehicle’s dimensions and off-road capabilities are matched with a luxurious interior, featuring brown leather upholstery, ambient lighting in 50 colors, and a state-of-the-art Mark Levinson 3D Surround Sound system with 25 speakers.
The Lexus LX boasts a rear entertainment system featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen that supports HDMI, headphone jacks, and comes with a wireless remote control for easy access. Comfort is paramount, with both front and rear seats offering heated and ventilated options. The design incorporates a minimal Tazuna cockpit concept, focusing the driver’s attention on the road ahead. Passenger comfort is enhanced with a 12-way power-adjustable passenger seat, while the driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat for optimal driving positions.
Under the hood, the Lexus LX is equipped with Aisin’s AWR10L65 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. The vehicle’s climate is managed by a 4-zone automatic temperature control AC system, featuring nanoeX technology for air purification, a clean air filter, and a pollen removal function to ensure a comfortable and healthy interior environment.
The driving experience is further enhanced with a 7-inch Electro Multi-Vision Drive dynamics control touchscreen, allowing for intuitive adjustments to the vehicle’s performance settings. Entertainment and connectivity are provided by a 12.3-inch Electro Multi-Vision touchscreen infotainment system that supports FM radio, Lexus Navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, USB, Bluetooth, and more.
Additionally, the Lexus LX includes a sunroof equipped with remote control and jam protection, adding to the luxurious and comfortable driving experience.
The Lexus LX boasts a robust body structure, incorporating 5 mm thick steel plates, lightweight aluminum alloy, and high tensile steel plates, ensuring durability and strength. It offers an array of six driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+, and a customizable option, catering to various driving preferences and conditions.
With dimensions of 5.1 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.9 meters in height, along with a 6-meter turning radius and a 205 mm ground clearance, the Lexus LX presents a commanding presence on the road. It weighs approximately 2700 kg (kerb weight), has a gross weight of 3300 kg, and is capable of towing up to 3500 kg, highlighting its robust performance capabilities.
The vehicle’s design features front pillars strategically repositioned towards the rear, embracing a cab backward design that enhances its sleek and modern aesthetic. It rides on 22-inch machined finish black coated alloy wheels, complemented by disc brakes on both the front and rear. The wheels are equipped with 265/50 R22 112V Yokohama Geolander X-CV G057 extra load, made in Japan, radial tubeless tyres, ensuring optimal performance and safety on various terrains.
Under the hood, the LX boasts a 3346 cc, V6, two-way twin-turbo diesel engine producing 304 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, demonstrating significant power and efficiency. This engine ensures a blend of performance and sustainability, capable of reaching 0-100 kmph in just 8 seconds, with a top speed of 210 kmph and an average fuel consumption of 11 kmpl from 80 litre fuel tank.
The Lexus LX is equipped with a versatile two-way turbo system designed to optimize performance across different speeds. At low speeds, the system can switch to a single turbo mode, ensuring powerful acceleration when needed. As the vehicle reaches higher speeds, it automatically transitions to a twin-turbo mode, maintaining continuous acceleration for seamless and efficient driving dynamics. This adaptive turbo system balances power and efficiency, catering to a wide range of driving conditions and preferences.
The Lexus LX we reviewed is in Sonic Titanium, alongside options in white, black, and grey, catering to various preferences. It features a sophisticated suspension system with a double wishbone setup at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, ensuring both stability and smooth handling. The Adaptive Variable Suspension system adjusts to different road surfaces and driving conditions, providing a seamless and controlled driving experience. Its structure benefits from the use of a curved Tailor Welded Blank (TWB) process that combines laser welding with press-forming, enhancing the vehicle’s strength and rigidity. Additionally, the Lexus LX includes a 4-Wheel Active Height Control (AHC) system that offers multiple height positions – Normal, High 1, High 2, and Low – to maintain stability during various driving dynamics such as turning, acceleration, and deceleration.
For visibility and safety, the vehicle is equipped with a panoramic view monitor, a multi-terrain monitor with four cameras that come with washers, clearance, and rear cross-traffic alerts, enhancing the driver’s awareness of their surroundings. Security is bolstered through an Anti-Theft System that includes an immobilizer, siren, intrusion sensor, and fingerprint recognition, providing peace of mind. The LX also features a Multi-Terrain Monitor for the front and rear wheels, offering a selectable underfloor view for improved visibility of the ground beneath the wheels. To support powerful driving while being environmentally conscious, it utilizes low flow combustion technology. Furthermore, the inclusion of Crawl Control allows for effortless low-speed driving by automatically managing acceleration and braking, effectively reducing wheel spin and lock, making it ideal for navigating challenging terrains.
The Lexus LX is equipped with an extensive safety package that includes 10 SRS airbags, ensuring comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. It also features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) for better control under braking. Vehicle Stability Control and traction control are incorporated to maintain stability and grip under various driving conditions. Hill Assist Control aids in preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards on an incline, while Downhill Assist Control helps manage descent on steep declines. Turn Assist and Trailer Sway Control are designed to improve safety during turning maneuvers and when towing, respectively. The Electronically Controlled Brake system enhances braking performance and reliability. For added convenience and safety, the LX includes a speed-sensing power door lock, engine oil level warning, seat belt warning, and a Tire Inflation Pressure Warning to alert the driver of any tire pressure discrepancies. Additionally, it comes with 3-point ELR seatbelts for all seating positions, with the front seatbelts featuring pretensioners and force limiters for extra protection and comfort.
In summary, the 2024 Lexus LX is a masterpiece of luxury SUV design, offering an exquisite blend of performance, comfort, and off-road capability. Its robust platform, sophisticated design, and advanced technology make it a standout vehicle in its class, continuing the legacy of the LX series with elegance and power.
