By Otsile Kadiege 
The all-new fourth-generation Lexus LX has touched down in Mzansi and the Japanese automaker’s local arm announced the local pricing and specifications. Lexus’ new LX boasts a new upmarket design with signature Lexus design cues, a host new technologies as well as new safety features and new powertrains. 

New exterior design 
Upfront, the new Lexus LX features a large frameless spindle grille with a three-dimensional shape comprised of seven sets of floating bars. The spindle grille is flanked by new headlamps equipped with three-projector unit lamps and constantly illuminated LED daytime running lights (DRLs). 

The side profile of the LX features a thick, horizontal torso running the entirety of the profile, blending through to the muscular rear wheel arches. For the first time ever on a Lexus, the LX comes fitted with a set of 22-inch wheels. 

Its rear-end features a redesigned Lexus logo that was first seen on the new NX. It also features taillights which combine an L-shape and a continuous axial flow from the front to the shoulders then to the rear silhouette.

Premium interior 
Inside, the LX features 12.3 and 7-inch touchscreens. The upper 12.3-inch display shows navigation, audio controls and the Multi-Terrain Monitor during off-road driving while the lower 7-inch touch display shows the climate control and also serves as a driving-support screen for Multi-Terrain Select.

Performance
Powering the new LX is a choice of two powertrains: a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol and a 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel. These new engines provide better output and torque with elevated levels of refinement when compared to the outgoing model.
The new V6 twin-turbo petrol engine has a total output of 305kW and 650Nm of torque (which equates to +35kW and +120Nm respectively). The new diesel engine delivers 225kW of output and 700Nm of torque, which translates to an increase of 30kW and 50Nm respectively.

The fuel consumption for the diesel engine is said to be 18.6% (-1.9) better than the previous generation. Lexus claims that this model’s fuel consumption is pegged at 8.3 litres/100km, while the petrol models are said to consume 11.3 litres/100km. Top speed is limited to 210km per hour.

Lexus improved the four-wheel drive system for outstanding capabilities in off-road conditions. The system consists of open front and rear differentials and a locking Torsen centre differential. 

Standard features across the new LX range 

All-new, across-the-range technologies include the human-centred Tazuna cockpit concept with dual centre screens, an across-the-range BladeScan adaptive high-beam system and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System – the most comprehensive in any Lexus. Also available in all grades is a Lexus-debut fingerprint identification for engine start. Other convenient niceties include an across-the-range power and hands-free rear boot function, semi-aniline leather trim, Park Distance Control with Intelligent Clearance Sonar and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and braking.

LX 600 VIP grade
The LX 600 VIP grade becomes the new range flagship, featuring the acclaimed Lexus LS-derived 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine – with an opulent, exclusive four-seat cabin layout. Independent, electrically-adjustable and heated/ventilated second-row seats deliver 860mm of legroom, a seatback with up to 48-degree recline, an independently adjustable ottoman with two-position memory.

VIP Black and VIP Flare Brown trim ornamentation with semi-aniline leather upholstery further complement the stylish and opulent luxury interior of this model.
To reiterate, the VIP Grade is the new four-seat version, a world first in this segment. The front passenger seat features an ‘extra front slide mode’ to increase the rear seat space. The VIP grade also boasts ceiling vents that deliver a fresh “air shower” in hot weather, and warm “air curtain” in cold weather.

The rear also features a multi-information panel, equipped with a 11.6-inch touch screen to control all rear-comfort features. The new VIP grade features extended massage options, including a full-body, shoulder, and lumbar seat massage options. The VIP grade will run on 22-inch premium metallic alloy wheels.

LX F Sport grades 
The F Sport grade is available for the first time for LX. For South Africa, this will be offered in both the petrol and diesel models.

F Sport highlights shared include front and rear-outboard seat heating, a heated steering wheel, centre console-mounted cool box, a digital rear-view mirror, soft-close doors and Lexus-debut fingerprint identification for the engine start button – where up to 10 fingerprints can be registered to authorise engine start, and link to seat and mirror memory settings.

The F Sport raises the presence of the all-new Lexus LX with a prominent jet-black grille featuring a mesh pattern and a black-plated grille frame. Satin-plated moulding is featured across the front and rear of the vehicle, and standard are 22-inch forged alloy wheels – the largest-ever on an LX.

More F Sport exclusive features include    F Sport exclusive emblems are used throughout the interior, dimple steering wheel and shift knob, F Sport seats, aluminum sport pedals and footrest, F Sport logo Front scuff plates, air intakes (lower grille), front spoiler, exclusive White Nova exterior colour and exclusive interior colours (Black & Flare Red). 

Safety
The new LX is equipped with advanced Lexus Safety System+ technology suite includes: a pre-collision system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, front and rear parking support brake (PKSB) with obstacle and vehicle detection, blind-spot monitor (BSM), dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), lane tracing assist (LTA) and a tyre pressure warning monitor.

New across-the-range safety technologies include turn assist, which is helpful when negotiating tight corners. The driver can also activate the Turn Assist function which essentially applies brake force to the inside rear wheel to shorten the overall turning cycle of the vehicle.

An LX-first Emergency Steering Assist also works to aid the driver when executing an evasive steering manoeuvre by helping to maintain vehicle stability and keeping the vehicle in its lane.

Pricing
The new Lexus LX retails as follows:
– LX 500d R2 206 600
– LX 500d F Sport R2 215 200
– LX 600 R2 260 400
– LX 600 F Sport R2 247 000
– LX 600 VIP Grade R2 627 500