The latest LX majors in comfort and luxury and, no surprise here, solid build quality. We take Lexus’ flagship SUV for a quick drive…
Fourteen years. That’s how long we had to wait for a new generation of Lexus’ flagship SUV, the LX. However, the fourth iteration has finally dropped anchor at the southernmost tip of the African continent. And recently, we were handed the key fob to sample the Land Cruiser 300’s equally solidly constructed and capable yet more luxurious cousin.
Over the past few months, when taking some leisure time, I found myself browsing streaming services for (fictional) series and movies about how the world might end. Why? I’m not sure. Of course, in most of these series and films, a meteorite heading towards earth is primarily the subject matter. Fortunately, in these fictional dramas, humankind arguably always finds a way to stop the meteorite from hitting the pale blue dot we call home. However, Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up is a different story. Spoiler alert: In this film, the meteorite isn’t stopped and thus causes the extinction of humankind. Jonah Hill’s character remarkably survives, however.
So, why start a car review by mentioning this genre of series and films (especially the latter)? Like Jonah Hill at the end of Don’t Look Up, the LX (and, of course, the LC300) will still traverse around the globe after an extinction event. And you’ll be doing so in luxury. Yes, that’s how solid the new LX is. Of course, this is only figuratively speaking. The new LX is solidly constructed outside and in.
Starting with the former, apart from its exceptional build quality, the latest LX oozes on-road presence, with the Japanese automaker’s front spindle grille taking centre stage. It’s huge! The derivative driven was the F Sport. It’s the first time Lexus has offered its flagship SUV with this sportier-looking grade (available with the diesel-powered 500d and 600 petrol model driven here). This model’s grille is finished in jet black, while satin-plated moulding can be found fore and aft. Tapered LED headlamp clusters, replete with striking LED daytime-running lights, flank the signature grille. The wheels measure 22 inches.
Inside, the F Sport features model-specific front seats with ventilation and heating functionality. The pews are comfortable and, when (electrically) dialled into the preferred seating position, give the driver a commanding view of the road over the sculpted bonnet. Curiously, though, although being as large as it is, with the wide centre console, the driver and front passenger space wasn’t as much as we expected. It felt relatively compact. The dual-stacked touchscreen arrangement comprises 12.3- and 7.0-inch displays, the former used for infotainment. Screen mirroring relays tunes via a Mark Levinson surround sound system. The 360-degree surround-view monitor was welcomed as it makes parking the LX a cinch. (The LX measures 5 090 mm bow to stern and 1 990 mm in width.) A neat feature, the engine start/stop button features fingerprint recognition.
Under the bonnet of the LX 600 is a 3.5-litre V6. The twin-turbocharged petrol engine produces 305 kW and 650 Nm of torque; the latter is sent to all four corners via a 10-speed automatic transmission from a lowly 2 000 r/min. There’s a naturally-aspirated feel to the engine. The self-shifter feels slick. It swapped cogs in a fuss-free fashion. The V6 was thirsty, however, more so than what the firm claims (11.3 L/100 km). However, if you match this figure, you can get 973 km of range from the 110-litre fuel tank.
Although looking seemingly sporty, the LX 600 didn’t feel particularly dynamic regarding its driving characteristics. But that’s not what it was built to be. It was made for luxury and on-road comfort, and were you willing to take it off-road, its 4×4 capability (unfortunately, it’s arguably unlikely that most will take it off the beaten track). And this is where it excelled. The LX 600 wafted along stretches of tarmac, its electronically adjustable suspension soaked up road scars with aplomb. The steering felt light. Considering its boxy dimensions (the LX is 1 895 mm in height), the body lean was expected.
At a glance:
Lexus LX 600 F Sport
Yes, the F Sport model’s driving dynamics might not be what its sportier exterior styling suggests, but, as mentioned, that is not what it was made for. Overall the LX majors comfort, traversing along stretches of tarmac or dirt road. The striking exterior wraps around a solidly constructed cabin, which, in true Lexus fashion, should withstand the test of time and (figuratively, of course) an extinction event. We’d argue the diesel model is the one to go for.
- Price: R2 314 400
- Engine: 3.5 L, V6, turbopetrol
- Transmission: 10-spd AT
- Driven wheels: 4
- Power: 305 kW @ 5 200 r/min
- Torque: 650 Nm @ 2 000-3 600 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- Top speed: 210 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 11.3 L/100 km
- CO2: 272 g/km
