Lexus LX

Model Overview

The Lexus LX serves as the flagship full-size luxury SUV for the Lexus marque and stands as the luxurious counterpart to the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser. The first-generation LX 450 debuted in North America in 1995 (based on the LC80 series), pioneering the luxury rugged off-road SUV segment. Since then, the LX lineage has evolved alongside the Land Cruiser, successively introducing the LX 470 (LC100 series, 1998) and LX 570 (LC200 series, 2007), establishing itself as a global benchmark in the luxury off-road domain. In 2021, Lexus unveiled the all-new third-generation LX (based on the LC300 series), codenamed J310, powered by a new V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and introducing the hybrid LX 700h variant for the first time. In China, the all-new LX is offered with two powertrain options: the LX 600 (priced from approximately RM1,500,000) and the LX 700h (priced from approximately RM1,700,000).

Design Language

The all-new third-generation LX adopts Lexus' signature spindle grille, now larger in scale with a three-dimensional mesh insert, available in various styling treatments depending on the variant. The headlamp clusters incorporate the signature "L"-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), seamlessly integrating with the front grille. Along the flanks, bold wheel arches and sharp character lines sculpt an imposing, muscular silhouette. At the rear, full-width LED tail lights extend downward on both sides, with prominent "LEXUS" block lettering replacing the conventional brand badge in the centre. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 5,100 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,895 mm in height (including roof rails), riding on a 2,850 mm wheelbase.

Inside, the cabin embraces the driver-centric "Tazuna Concept" design philosophy. The centre stack features a dual-screen setup: an upper 12.3-inch touchscreen for navigation and multimedia, alongside a lower 7-inch touchscreen dedicated to climate controls and vehicle settings, creating a functional two-tier layout. The interior is lavishly appointed with semi-aniline premium leather, genuine wood trim, and metallic accents, offered in a variety of colour schemes. In terms of seating configurations, both 5-seater and 7-seater layouts are available in the Chinese market.

Powertrain Performance

The all-new LX completely phases out the previous naturally aspirated V8 engine in favour of a downsized yet significantly more potent new-generation V6 twin-turbocharged unit:

• LX 600: Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine (code V35A-FTS), producing 415 hp (approx. 305 kW) at 5,200 rpm and a peak torque of 650 Nm between 2,000 and 3,600 rpm. Power is sent via a 10-speed automatic transmission (Direct Shift-10AT), completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in roughly 6.9 seconds.

• LX 700h: Driven by a parallel hybrid system combining a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined total output of approximately 457 hp (336 kW) and 790 Nm of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds. Crucially, this hybrid setup retains a full mechanical 4WD drivetrain and a low-range transfer case, ensuring no compromise to its off-road capability.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the LX 600 achieves a WLTC combined fuel consumption of approximately 12.2 L/100 km, while the hybrid LX 700h is rated at around 10.6 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

The all-new LX is built on Toyota's GA-F platform (a body-on-frame platform under the TNGA architecture). While retaining the model line's hallmark body-on-frame (ladder frame) chassis, the adoption of laser welding and high-tensile steel increases torsional rigidity by roughly 20% over the previous generation, while shedding approximately 200 kg.

The suspension setup features an independent double-wishbone front and a 4-link rigid axle rear (with stabiliser bar), complemented by Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Active Height Control (AHC) to automatically modulate vehicle ride height and damping stiffness across various drive modes. A full-time 4WD system with a Torsen limited-slip centre differential is standard across the range, alongside dedicated off-road aids such as Multi-Terrain Select (with Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock, and Deep Snow modes), Crawl Control, and Tank Turn. Minimum ground clearance stands at 230 mm, with a maximum water-wading depth of 700 mm.

Cabin and Equipment

The LX cabin strikes an exceptional balance between bespoke luxury and modern tech. The front seats feature multi-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the rear seats also benefit from seat heating and ventilation. Range-topping trims are fitted with a 25-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system supporting 3D audio. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, accompanied by standard on-board Wi-Fi and Over-The-Air (OTA) update capability.

On the convenience front, the LX is equipped with quad-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system (dual 11.6-inch displays), a powered tailgate with hands-free kick-sensor operation, a Head-Up Display (HUD), and a digital rear-view mirror. The LX 700h further adds a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power discharge feature with an output of up to 1,500 W.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

The all-new LX comes standard with the latest-generation Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) 3.0, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The active safety suite includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS) (with pedestrian, cyclist, and intersection support), all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) , and Traffic Sign Assist (TSA) . In addition, the vehicle is equipped as standard with a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which provides a real-time view beneath and around the vehicle during off-road excursions. Passive safety is reinforced by a high-rigidity GOA body shell and a comprehensive suite of airbags, including front knee airbags.

Market Performance and Evaluation

The Lexus LX commands a distinctive stature in the global luxury SUV market. As one of the few flagship luxury SUVs adhering to a rugged body-on-frame construction, the LX strikes an exemplary balance between hardcore all-terrain capability and executive on-road comfort, offering a compelling alternative to competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Range Rover. In North America, the LX has long been a top contender in full-size luxury SUV sales, while in the Middle East and Russia, it is revered for its bulletproof reliability and off-road dependability.

In the Chinese market, the LX is distributed strictly via official CBU import channels. Following its launch, the all-new LX generated robust market demand, with dealership allocations consistently remaining in short supply. As the undisputed flagship of the Lexus SUV portfolio, the LX not only elevates the brand's luxury positioning, but also maintains a loyal global following thanks to its distinct identity as an uncompromising, luxury rugged off-roader.