The Lexus LX600 is the epitome of luxury, performance, and sophistication in the SUV market. With an exceptional blend of off-road capabilities, on-road refinement, and cutting-edge technology, this flagship model from Lexus continues to captivate enthusiasts and those looking for the perfect balance of performance and elegance. In this review, we’ll delve deep into the Lexus LX600‘s design, performance, features, and overall driving experience, while exploring how it holds up to competitors in the luxury SUV segment.
Introduction to the Lexus LX600
The Lexus LX600 is the latest iteration in Lexus‘ celebrated LX series, known for its off-road prowess and luxury attributes. The LX600, which succeeded the LX570, brings a fresh approach to this legendary nameplate. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, is no stranger to producing high-end SUVs that can deliver both rugged capabilities and refinement, and the LX600 is no exception.
Built on the same platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX600 is designed to offer a perfect combination of tough, off-road capabilities while also providing luxury that rivals the best in the market. In this review, we’ll explore its performance, comfort, technology, and design to see why the Lexus LX600 stands out as one of the top luxury SUVs available today.
Lexus LX600 Design: Bold and Powerful
The Lexus LX600 makes a statement the moment you lay eyes on it. With its bold, muscular stance, it is clear that this SUV is built for both performance and luxury. The front grille is larger and more imposing compared to its predecessor, with a distinctive spindle design that is a signature of Lexus. The sleek lines, angular headlights, and sharp rear tail lamps emphasize its modern and aggressive character, ensuring that the LX600 commands attention wherever it goes.
From an interior design perspective, Lexus has outdone itself. The cabin is spacious, offering luxury materials such as leather upholstery, fine wood accents, and brushed metal touches. The seats are designed for long-lasting comfort, with multiple adjustments and heating/cooling functions. The front seats also offer massaging capabilities, ensuring that drivers and passengers alike enjoy a first-class experience on long journeys.
The LX600 comes with three rows of seating, allowing it to comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. Whether you’re driving through the city or venturing off the beaten path, the LX600 ensures that every passenger enjoys a premium experience. The rear seats are also designed with luxury in mind, providing ample legroom and comfort for adults.
Performance and Engine Options
When it comes to performance, the Lexus LX600 does not disappoint. Under the hood, the LX600 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This engine is an upgrade from the previous V8 engine found in the LX570, and it offers a significant boost in both power and efficiency. The V6 engine delivers an impressive 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, allowing the LX600 to accelerate smoothly and powerfully.
The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides quick and seamless gear shifts. Lexus has also equipped the LX600 with an advanced four-wheel-drive system that ensures optimal traction on all surfaces. Whether you’re tackling rugged terrain or cruising on the highway, the LX600’s performance is always impressive.
The LX600 is built for off-road adventures, with features like the Multi-Terrain Select system, Crawl Control, and a locking center differential. These systems allow the LX600 to handle challenging terrains like sand, mud, and snow with ease. Whether you’re driving through deep snow or navigating rocky landscapes, the Lexus LX600 ensures that you can go almost anywhere without compromising comfort.
On-road performance is equally refined, thanks to Lexus’ advanced suspension systems. The adaptive variable suspension (AVS) and dynamic torque vectoring differential (DTV) ensure a smooth and controlled ride, regardless of the road conditions. The LX600 offers a composed and quiet ride that makes it ideal for both daily driving and long-distance travel.
Interior Comfort and Luxury Features
The Lexus LX600 is designed to offer the highest levels of comfort and luxury. The cabin is spacious, and the layout is meticulously designed to ensure that every detail is perfect. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with soft leather seats, elegant wood trim, and a refined dashboard that speaks to the SUV’s luxury pedigree.
The front seats are designed with multi-way adjustments and feature both heating and cooling functions. Additionally, they come with a massaging function, which is an added bonus for those long road trips. The second-row seats offer ample legroom and are adjustable for greater comfort, and the third row, while not as spacious as the first two rows, is suitable for children or smaller adults.
The Lexus LX600 features a large touchscreen infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system is user-friendly and responsive, with intuitive controls that make it easy to navigate through different menus and settings. In addition, the LX600 comes equipped with a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality that enhances the driving experience.
Luxury features in the LX600 extend beyond comfort and technology. The SUV is also equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including Lexus’ Safety System+ 2.5. This includes a pre-collision system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems work together to ensure that both the driver and passengers are well-protected on the road.
Technology and Infotainment
Lexus has always been at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into its vehicles, and the LX600 is no different. The SUV comes equipped with a range of high-tech features designed to improve both comfort and convenience.
The Lexus Interface infotainment system is the centerpiece of the LX600’s tech offerings. The system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which is paired with a 7-inch multifunction display in the center console. The user interface is sleek, intuitive, and responsive, allowing drivers to access music, navigation, and vehicle settings with ease.
In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the LX600 also offers a built-in navigation system that provides real-time traffic updates, route planning, and points of interest. The system also supports over-the-air software updates, ensuring that your vehicle’s tech remains up to date with the latest features and improvements.
For added convenience, the LX600 is equipped with a wireless charging pad for your smartphone and a suite of USB ports to ensure that all devices remain charged throughout the journey. The system also integrates with Amazon Alexa, allowing drivers to control various functions of the vehicle through voice commands.
Off-Road Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Lexus LX600 is its exceptional off-road capabilities. Despite its luxurious nature, the LX600 is built to handle the toughest terrains with ease. The advanced four-wheel-drive system ensures optimal power distribution to all four wheels, providing superior traction on rocky, muddy, or slippery surfaces.
The LX600 is equipped with a suite of off-road technology features that make it ideal for adventurous driving. The Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to select the optimal driving mode based on the terrain, whether it’s mud, sand, rock, or snow. The Crawl Control feature is another highlight, enabling the vehicle to maintain a constant low speed while navigating rough terrain. This is especially useful when driving over obstacles like large rocks or steep inclines.
The locking center differential helps ensure that power is evenly distributed to the front and rear axles, improving the LX600’s ability to tackle uneven surfaces. Additionally, the SUV’s ground clearance can be adjusted using the height-adjustable suspension system, further enhancing its off-road performance.
With its robust off-road technology and performance capabilities, the Lexus LX600 is well-suited for tackling the toughest conditions, whether it’s a remote trail or a challenging mountain pass.
Pricing and Value
The Lexus LX600 is undoubtedly a luxury SUV, and its price tag reflects that. Pricing for the LX600 typically starts in the mid-$90,000 range, with higher trims and optional packages pushing the price even higher. While the LX600 is priced on the higher end of the market, it offers exceptional value in terms of performance, luxury, and technology.
For those looking for a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the Lexus LX600 provides a level of versatility and refinement that is hard to beat. Its off-road capabilities are second to none, and the interior offers unmatched comfort and luxury, making it one of the best luxury SUVs available today.
Conclusion: Is the Lexus LX600 Worth It?
The Lexus LX600 is a luxury SUV that delivers on all fronts. It combines the rugged capabilities of a true off-roader with the luxury and refinement of a premium vehicle. Whether you’re tackling tough terrain or cruising on the highway, the LX600 ensures a smooth, comfortable ride with an impressive level of performance.
With its powerful engine, sophisticated interior, cutting-edge technology, and off-road prowess, the Lexus LX600 is undoubtedly one of the best luxury SUVs on the market. While it comes with a hefty price tag, its performance, luxury, and overall driving experience make it a worthy investment for those looking for the ultimate SUV.
If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV that offers unmatched comfort, performance, and capability, the Lexus LX600 should definitely be on your list.
