LEXUS LX Captain, my captain

CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

The latest LX majors in luxury, comfort, technology and driving poise. With its arrival, it has again established itself as the captain at the helm of Lexus’ SUV line-up. BY MARIUS BOONZAIER

Lexus has steered its opulent o -roader to newfound levels. And, when the new-generation LX dropped anchor at the southernmost tip of the African continent, it was already set to take over the helm from its forebear after its 14-year duty, with elevated levels of luxury, technology and driving poise. The local LX line-up comprises fi ve derivatives, with three specifi cation levels available. These include the standard variants and – for the fi rst time on the

LX – F Sport and VIP grades. As standard, the range features top-level technologies such as a stacked dual-display arrangement (sited atop the dashboard and incorporated into the centre console, respectively) boasting a 12.3-inch infotainment display incorporating Apple

CarPlay and Android Auto and a 7.0-inch screen used for operating several of the vehicle functionalities. However, not all functions are operated via touch. The LX retains analogue controls for adjusting the volume of the crisp 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system and engaging low range, among others. An 8.0-inch digital instrument binnacle is also present. Park distance control is included. The box-fresh LX debuted Lexus’ fi ngerprint identifi cation system for engine start. The 500d and 600 models’ 1 109- and 767-litre luggage compartments are accessed via a (standard-fi tment) electrically controlled tailgate. The suite of safety items includes eight airbags and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages. Lexus’ Safety System+ set-up also features dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-trace assist and tyrepressure monitoring. Available with the LX 500d and 600, the F Sport models are distinguished by their jet-black front grilles, satin-plated moulding on the front and rear and 22-inch forged alloy wheels, the largest ever fi tted to an LX. The Lexus-solid interior features heated and ventilated F Sport seats, with the outboard rear pews o ering heating functionality, as does the multifunction steering wheel. A cool box is located in the centre console. ‘F Sport’ badging can be found throughout the human-centric cabin. However, the LX F Sport variants are not only sporty in terms of aesthetics. Lexus says these derivatives provide a unique driving experience. “The F Sport delivers the sharpest focus on the Lexus Driving Signature,” according to the fi rm. To ensure this, the F Sport is equipped with fore and aft performance dampers, adaptive variable suspension, and a rear Torsen limited-slip di erential. The electric power steering has also been tuned to suit this model’s sportier characteristics. The VIP grade is available on only the LX 600. The fl agship model in the line-up, the VIP variant, is characterised by its chrome-adorned spindle grille and 22-inch metallic alloy wheels. The interior features a four-seat layout; the rear captain’s chairs gain heating and ventilation functionality. The most

opulent variant features rear-passenger massaging options, which, among other comfort items, is operated via an 11.6-inch touch-enabled multi-information panel. Two engine options are available, a 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel employed by the 500d and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol sited under the sculpted bonnet of the 600. The diesel unit produces 225 kW and 700 Nm of torque, an increase of 30 kW and 50 Nm over the previous generation. The petrol powertrain is endowed with a healthy 305 kW and 650 Nm. On average, the oil burner sips 8.3 L/100 km, while the petrol unit consumes 11.3 L/100 km. All engines are coupled with a newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission. The new Lexus LX range is priced from R2 281 700. Each model is sold with Lexus’ comprehensive sevenyear/100 000 km warranty and a maintenance plan of seven years or 100 000 km.