Land Cruiser 300’s private school cousin is large and in charge

Nothing quite says “I’ve arrived” like an imposing grille prancing on a monstrous car. The Lexus LX 500 ticks both of those boxes.

The signature Lexus spindle grille, which is frameless on the latest iteration of the LX, does a good job of announcing that this luxury SUV is large and in charge. While the rear is more in line with its Toyota Land Cruiser 300 production sibling, the distinctive front end and 22-inch alloy wheels leave no doubt over which of the two went to private school.

Toyota’s premium brand recently rolled out the latest version of the Lexus LX. The Citizen Motoring got to spend a weekend in the 500d, which replaced the 450d. At R2.5 million, this model offers the entry point to the range. (Though perhaps we should not refer to something this posh as entry level.)

Superb new mill

The 4.5-litre V8 diesel engine that served on the Lexus LX 450d has been replaced by the 3.3-litre V6 mill introduced on the LC 300. This superb twin-turbo V6 powerplant sends 225 kW and 700 Nm to all four wheels via a new 10-speed automatic transmission, a box it shares with the Land Cruiser.

The new mill produces 30 kW more power and 50 Nm more torque and is 18.6% more fuel-efficient. And its carbon emissions are 20% lower than its predecessors.

Lexus says the LX 500 has a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution due to the new engine being mounted 28 millimetres lower and 70 mm further back.

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Lexus LX 500d a smooth operator

It goes on to claim that the new placement results in better engine sound, which can be amplified with engine sound enhancement. But should you prefer the renowned tranquilly of a Lexus, active noise-cancelling over the speakers does a superb job.

Pretty much like the LC300, the Lexus LX 500d’s powertrain is excellent at moving the car’s 2 680 kg around. It’s not as explosive as the 3.5-litre V6 petrol version. But with 700 Nm of torque on tap, its performance will keep most happy.

Even with the added weight of five adults, the diesel mill hardly breaks a sweat in accelerating with buttery smooth gear shifts at an acceptable pace. And once on the move, revs stay as low as 1 700 rpm at the national limit on the open road.

Our recorded fuel consumption was 12.6 litres per 100 km, which is good for a car of this weight.

ALSO READ: Toyota Land Cruiser 300 morphs into ultra-luxurious Lexus LX

Plush ride

We did not put any of the myriad off-road functions to the test. But we can report that the suspension on tar roads is a plus, as you would expect.

Here, the active height control and adaptive variable suspension systems adjust hydraulic pressure in the shocks to control the vehicle’s height and damping force according to road conditions and drive input.

The plush cabin, finished with typical Lexus craftsmanship, is designed around the Tazuna cockpit concept.
Tazuna is a Japanese word which means a rider’s control of their horse using the reins. This means everything the driver needs is within reach in order to keep “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”.
The designers did a good job of differentiating it from the LC300’s cabin.

ALSO READ: 2.6-ton Toyota Land Cruiser 300 petrol outsprints Golf 6 GTI!

Creature comforts galore

The major differences are that the Lexus LX has an additional screen for climate control and off-road functions underneath the main 12.3-inch infotainment screen. And it swaps out the Land Cruiser 300’s twin instrument dials for a central digital speedometer.

Other highlights include a head-up display, a wireless phone charger, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a centre console fridge, and a sunroof.

Occupants are kept comfortable by virtue of four-zone climate control, rear window blinds, second-row heated/ventilated seats, a 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and 11.6-inch infotainment screens on the back of the front seats.

Safety is taken care of by the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+.

ALSO READ: Toyota Land Cruiser 300: Which is better, petrol or diesel?

Lexus LX 500d’s only flaw

While the Lexus LX 600 and LX 600 F Sport derivatives are offered in a seven-seat configuration and the LX 600 VIP in a four-seat layout, the LX 500d and LX 500 F Sport come in a five-seat configuration.

One thing that did bother us in the LX 500d was the middle seat in the second row. As the second row is fixed, the middle seat does present rather cramped legroom behind the centre console. Only smaller children will be comfortable there on longer trips.

But in saying that, it does offer ginormous boot space of 1 109 litres.

In short, the Lexus LX 500d is plush, comfortable and powerful. And very much like the well-known pay-off line of a brand of corn chips: “Beeg, very beeg.”