This luxury SUV is one of the rarest and you won't find this in large numbers with the waiting period said to be in years! The LX is the big boss Lexus SUV and one that is hard to get along with being a much more exclusive car than its rivals. It is also sold out in different markets and we had to see what the hype is all about and what makes this a different car.
The LX happens to be the biggest SUV from Lexus and like its sibling, the Land Cruiser LC300, the LX is simply massive along with overshadowing every other SUV. At 5100mm in length, the LX is about double the size of the average car while the equally huge spindle grille can swallow a hatchback even. In terms of sheer presence, the LX towers above all but it is a distinct old-school boxy look while even those 22-inch wheels look tiny. Open the huge doors and the LX is quite a climb to get in. We were expecting an electric side step but the sombre interior is quite functional with none of the glitz/glamour of its rivals.
Sure, the materials, and finishes are all top notch but there are no champagne flutes at the back or even individual massage seats. Instead, it is old-school luxury with loads of leather and wood along with a massive centre console divided into two screens. Everything feels tough though and it uses proper buttons instead of touch controls. At the centre, you get a huge cooler box as well. Rather surprisingly the LX gets a standard sunroof like its predecessor and that's a surprise on a near 3cr SUV! However, we'd guess that its owners do not care! The seats are massively comfortable, again huge in size and spacious while the rear seats are also the same but we were expecting more given the size! There are rear entertainment screens though and you sit high up.
Unlike the previous LX, there is no petrol here as it is a 3.3l twin turbo V6 diesel with 308bhp and 700 Nm. Standard is a 10-speed automatic and this one is a proper off-roader, unlike its rivals. It drives like a tank and feels as big to drive in narrow streets with the size being something you need to get used to. We liked the head-up display though and the towering driving position. Once you do get used to it, the LX is actually easier to drive than some other luxury SUVs due to the steering along with the ample torque.
There is not much diesel noise seeping inside and it is very easy to do those quick overtakes with a simple tap of the accelerator being enough. It does not feel like a car to drive but feels like a tough SUV. We also loved the metal paddles plus their urgency in terms of the gearbox or the performance. A clear highlight is the suspension and its toughness though. This is what sets it apart its excellent ride quality and its ability to just about go anywhere. You can also raise the suspension for off-roading which makes it different from its city-bred rivals.
Priced at near Rs 3cr, the LX is not your average luxury SUV since it does not come with the usual features one expects but instead has a huge personality, exclusivity and toughness while its tough underpinnings also mean that it is more reliable than rivals. It is a different kind of luxury SUV along with standing out from the crowd. What we like- Looks, quality, toughness, off-road ability. What we do not like- misses out on some luxury features, expensive.
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