The 2023 Lexus LX makes for an attention-grabbing flagship, and whereas it shares little or no with the remainder of the Lexus lineup, it is making waves for extra than simply that in-your-face grille. It is based mostly on the identical TNGA-F truck platform because the Toyota Land Cruiser (and the Tundra/Sequoia), which carries the identical rugged, body-on-frame functionality. However regardless of its hardy DNA, the LX presents as an opulent cruiser meant to coddle its occupants. The LX entered its fourth technology for the 2022 mannequin yr with a brand new identify – now known as the LX 600 – and it rolls over to 2023 with only a handful of adjustments.

DrivingOnRoad not too long ago spent every week driving the costliest LX 600 Extremely Luxurious, which ditches the out there third row in favor of an ultra-luxurious four-seat limousine structure. It is uncommon to see a body-on-frame truck-based SUV provide such a seating association, and we have been desirous to see if the fuss was value it.

Buying and selling Cylinders For Turbos

The LX 600 ditched the growing older 5.7-liter V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 for 2022, and regardless of the wails from lovers, we predict the V6 is superior in each method. Output is rated at 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, up from 383 hp and 403 lb-ft within the outdated V8. Energy can also be out there decrease within the rev vary, making the LX 600’s acceleration really feel extra easy. The ten-speed automated is way smoother than the eight-speed of outdated, additional bettering the ability supply.

Dropping two cylinders helped Lexus enhance gasoline economic system from 12/16/14 mpg on metropolis/freeway/mixed cycles with the V8 to 17/22/19 mpg with the brand new energy plant. Towing functionality can also be elevated from 7,000 to eight,000 kilos. Who stated there isn’t any alternative for displacement?

Go Wherever Functionality

Aside from the Land Rover Vary Rover, few different luxurious SUVs can ford a river or climb a steep mountainside to get its occupants to their vacation spot. Just like the Land Cruiser it is based mostly on, the LX incorporates a Multi-Terrain Choose with Filth, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, Rock, and Auto modes. Drivers can monitor the place of their four-wheel-drive system on the decrease touchscreen and lift or decrease the adaptive suspension.

Along with a low vary mode, the LX additionally options crawl management with 5 velocity settings and downhill help management. Even novice off-roaders will not battle within the LX because of the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which captures photos upfront utilizing the cameras to create a clear view beneath the car.

Previous-Faculty Feeling

On the paved street, the LX 600 is a large enchancment over the LX 570 from 2021. The electrical energy steering feels extra exact than the outdated hydraulic unit and the GA-F platform enormously enhances on-road dynamics. Lexus says the LX 600 is 441 kilos lighter than the outgoing mannequin, and the platform is 20% extra inflexible. We imagine it as a result of the LX not appears like it is going to fall over once you take a freeway off-ramp too rapidly.

Although it is a large enchancment, the LX nonetheless rides like an old-school luxurious truck. Bumps within the street are closely damped, however the trip is usually a bit jittery over tough surfaces. Patrons searching for a extra car-like trip will doubtless choose the Vary Rover or Mercedes-Maybach GLS, however some drivers would possibly get pleasure from how the LX feels truck-like.

The Extremely Luxurious Format

Lexus sells the LX with typical two-row five-seat, and three-row seven-seat layouts, which can doubtless make up the majority of gross sales. On the top quality, the LX Extremely Luxurious incorporates a four-seat configuration with a middle console between the rear seats. The rear lodging embrace facilities akin to massaging seats, charging ports, a wi-fi charging pad, leisure screens, entry to the cool field within the entrance armrest, airplane-style studying lights, and a entrance seat recline perform with a built-in ottoman.

Although this structure is lavish, it is from the most effective we have examined. The LX’s body-on-frame design yields solely 36 inches of rear legroom (43 inches with the entrance seat pushed up), that means the supposedly luxurious backseat truly feels fairly cramped. For perspective, the lengthy wheelbase Vary Rover provides a whopping 48 inches (40.4 with the brief wheelbase), whereas the Maybach GLS provides 43.4 inches.

We have been additionally unimpressed with the rear leisure display screen, which solely offers entry to in-car features just like the radio. There isn’t a built-in Fireplace TV just like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln Navigator and even YouTube and Netflix entry just like the Kia Carnival. You possibly can theoretically plug a Fireplace Stick into the HDMI port, however how inelegant is that?

Extremely Sacrifices

Along with lack of seating house within the Extremely Luxurious, you lose out on storage too. The trunk is obstructed by the reclining rear seats, limiting the cargo space to 41 cubic toes of house, down from 46 cubes usually. This configuration additionally prevents the rear seats from folding, that means it is inconceivable to open the trunk to its most 71 cubic foot capability. The Maybach GLS options a fair worse cargo space with solely 18.4 cubic toes, however the Vary Rover First Version manages to bundle its reclining rear seats in a way that also accommodates 40.7 cubic toes of house with the flexibility to fold down the rear seats.

Pricing & Competitors

If we have been purchasing for an LX, we would cease at both the F Sport Dealing with for $103,370 or the Luxurious for $105,110. Each provide all of the options we would need with out the Extremely Luxurious’s steep $129,250 value and accompanying loss in practicality. The LX does no less than maintain a value benefit over its two closest opponents. You may pay upwards of $166k for a Vary Rover Autobiography (SWB) or $165,100 for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. The British and German choices provide considerably extra opulence and extra energy from V8 engines, however the Japanese Lexus ought to be cheaper to keep up and extra dependable to personal.

It is a restricted marketplace for the LX 600 Extremely Luxurious, however we think about there is likely to be some folks on the market who desire a luxurious limo that may additionally do a little bit of off-road work.