The new Lexus LX has finally touched down in South Africa. Here’s a closer look at the expanded local range, including pricing…
Keen on the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 but want even more luxury and a posher badge? Well, the new Lexus LX has finally arrived in South Africa, though the Japanese firm’s local division warns it is still experiencing “acute supply constraints”.
Whereas the outgoing LX line-up comprised just two derivatives (the 450d at R1 968 600 and the 570 at R2 040 200), the box-fresh J310-generation range features as many as five variants (including, for the first time on the LX, a raft of F Sport models), with pricing starting at R2 206 600 and running through to R2 627 500.
Engine options mirror those of the Land Cruiser 300, which means oil-burning duties are taken care of by a 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6 delivering 225 kW and 700 Nm to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The petrol-fed 3.5-litre V6, meanwhile, generates 305 kW and 650 Nm. Both top out at 210 km/h, though the diesel sips at a claimed 8.3 L/100 km compared with the petrol’s listed figure of 11.3.
Riding on the latest GA-F platform (so, still a tough-as-nails ladder-frame construction), the fresh-faced LX gains all-new front and rear adaptive variable suspension. Lexus bills the newcomer as the most capable LX yet, both on-road and off. All models feature open front and rear differentials and a locking Torsen centre differential.
Interestingly, only the LX 600 comes with seven seats, with the LX 500d, LX 500d F Sport and LX 600 F Sport each featuring five. The LX 600 VIP, meanwhile, accommodates four.
Here’s what the new Lexus LX looks like without the F Sport trimmings…
The LX 500d and LX 600 ship standard with items such as fingerprint verification for the start button, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, wood interior trim, a digital rear-view mirror, four-zone climate control, heated front seats, a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, adaptive LED headlamps, a hands-free powered tailgate, a moonroof and plenty more.
F Sport models furthermore gain model-specific exterior styling, such as the black mesh grille, more aggressive bumper design and 22-inch F Sport alloy wheels, along with “race-inspired” updates inside, including the alloy pedals, special gauges and the requisite smattering of F Sport logos. The F Sport trim level furthermore adds a rear Torsen limited-slip differential, front and rear performance dampers and a unique electric power steering tune.
Finally, the flagship four-seater VIP model – which is available in petrol guise only – features second-row reclining captain’s chairs and ottomans that Lexus claims “position and hold passengers in their natural, relaxed state”. These individual pews (which are heated and ventilated, and boast a massaging function) recline to a maximum of 48 degrees at the click of a button, while the front passenger seat features an extra front slide mode to further increase space for those at the rear.
How much does the Lexus LX cost in South Africa?
Lexus LX 500d – R2 206 600
Lexus LX 500d F Sport – R2 215 200
Lexus LX 600 F Sport – R2 247 000
Lexus LX 600 – R2 260 400
Lexus LX 600 VIP – R2 627 500
The new Lexus LX ships standard with a 7-year/100 000 km warranty and a maintenance plan of the same length.
