Toyota debuted a new Land Cruiser earlier this year until Lexus followed suit with an all-new LX, and the new LX is finally ready to hit the market as the 2022 LX 600.
The current model Lexus LX debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show, over a decade and a half ago. The third-generation Lexus LX has had a succession of facelifts to keep it new, but after 14 years on the market, it is now being discontinued.
It was only a matter of time when Toyota debuted a new Land Cruiser earlier this year until Lexus followed suit with an all-new LX, and the new LX is finally ready to hit the market as the 2022 LX 600.
Starting with a new platform that is 200 kilos lighter than its predecessor. If that sounds familiar, it's because the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which will not be marketed in the United States, has reduced the same amount of weight as the TNGA-F platform.
The LX shares a lot of similarities with its more mainstream Toyota counterpart in terms of design. The Lexus' quarter window and back pillar are somewhat different, but the remainder of the profile is nearly identical. The primary differences on the exterior from the LC are a huge spindle grille in the front and a broad LED light bar in the back.
There are some significant changes between the LC and LX cabins. The new Lexus LX 600 is the first Lexus to have a dual 12.3-inch touchscreen layout. When you're off the usual path, the upper panel displays navigation and audio controls, as well as off-road data from the Multi-Terrain Monitor system. The lower seven-inch screen allows rapid access to temperature settings and may serve as a support screen for the Multi-Terrain Select by displaying camera feed on the higher panel and off-road data on the smaller screen.
For the first time, the new LX gets an Ultra Luxury rating with a four-seat configuration for added comfort.
As standard equipment on the LX Ultra Luxury, you'll receive overhead ceiling vents, reading lamps, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two displays. The premium model features sunshades on the side and quarter windows, as well as comfortable chairs with curved headrests and backrests, as well as cushions. The degree of functionality seen in high-end executive sedans is provided via a central screen located between the back seats.
The F Sport grade adds custom front and rear damper tuning, as well as a rear stabilizer and various variable suspension and electric power steering settings.
The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 array of driver assistance features is standard on the 2022 LX. It comes with a new Pre-Collision System that includes Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian and Bicyclist Detection. Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control are all included. Intelligent High Beams, Emergency Steering Assist, and Road Sign Assist round out the list of features.
The 5.7-liter V8 engine has been replaced under the hood with a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 409 horsepower and 649 Nm of torque. This is a significant boost of 26 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to a new ten-speed automatic transmission, which takes the place of the former eight-speed transmission.
The front suspension has a high-mounted double-wishbone with improved coil springs, while the four-link rear suspension has been tweaked to increase stability and ride comfort. The LX has an adaptive variable suspension system, new electric power steering, and new electronically controlled brakes. In addition, the Active Height Control mechanism has been enhanced.
Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control, as well as a Multi-Terrain Monitor, are among the off-road features. The latter shows your surroundings using four cameras – front, side, and rear.
The 2022 LX appears to be a promising vehicle, and it will be available in U.S. showrooms in the first quarter of next year.
Would like to see some polished wood trim on the inside. Also would like to know when will the unit be available to order.