2022 Lexus LX (4th Gen)

Lexus LX (2023) Review

FAST FACTS

Model: Lexus LX 600 F Sport
Price: R2 553 600 (November 2023)
Engine: 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 petrol
Power/Torque: 305 kW and 650 Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
0-100 kph: 6.58 seconds (tested)
Fuel consumption: 11.3 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage/Utility space: 1 109 litres

Lexus LX Price and After-Sales Support

Lexus LX 600 F Sport R2 553 600

Every Lexus LX derivative is sold with a standard 7-year/100 000 km warranty and -maintenance plan.

Verdict

LX models have such long lifecycles that the leap from the 3rd- to the current-gen SUV seems massive; in reality, it’s more a case of evolution than revolution (it’s still a ladder-frame-based vehicle), but thanks to technological advancements (inside and mechanically) and well documented structural gains, the 4th-gen model incorporates enhancements in virtually every facet that you can touch, feel and experience.

The switch from a naturally aspirated V8 to a twin-turbo V6 has not made the LX that much more fuel-efficient, but considering what kind of vehicle it is and its clientele, that’s not a cardinal sin. The cabin is luxurious, modern and hushed – it creates the impression of being made to last, which is still important.

Should you buy one? That’s a difficult question to answer. Look, if you desire a large family SUV with considerable off-road capability, you may as well purchase the Toyota-badged version of this model (stock availability permitting, of course) and have change left to keep its gargantuan fuel tank filled up.

However, if you opt for the Lexus, you’ll bask in the knowledge that your effortlessly luxurious juggernaut offers the same capability and performance as the Toyota, but with much more exclusivity and, therefore, prestige. We think the turbodiesel-powered non-F-Sport derivative is probably the pick of the range.

Will most buyers be willing to live with the drawbacks of the LX’s ladder-frame underpinnings (such as compromised ride quality, an uninvolving driving experience and less-than-ideal interior packaging), considering that its continental rivals, with their monocoque bodies, offer better on-road refinement? Probably, but those who are disinclined to ever drive on gravel roads, let alone go 4x4ing, might not…

Ah, but there is another way of benefitting from a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and maintenance plan (backed by the Japanese premium marque’s excellent after-sales service) from behind the ‘wheel of a luxurious Lexus SUV. Although it’s not nearly as bold or glamorous as the LX, we rate the RX as one of the SA new-vehicle market’s biggest surprises of 2023.


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New Lexus LX 700h for SA: what to expect

The new Lexus LX 700h will soon launch in South Africa, headlining a raft of changes to the Japanese firm’s luxury SUV range. Here’s what we know so far…

The new Lexus LX 700h is scheduled to launch in South Africa in February 2025, bringing hybrid power to the LX line-up – which will furthermore benefit from a raft of updates, including the debut of an Overtrail grade – for the very first time.

Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed the imminent arrival of the new LX 700h as well as a broader update for the overall LX range (which, you’ll remember, is closely related to the Land Cruiser 300) at the recent 2025 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address in Gauteng.

As a reminder, the current LX portfolio – orders for which opened locally back in May 2022 – comprises 5 derivatives, presently running from R2 517 500 to R2 997 400. Pricing for the LX 700h has yet to be announced but this new hybrid version will likely arrive as the most expensive Lexus SUV yet.

From what we understand, the new LX 700h will effectively replace the petrol-powered LX 600, with the diesel-driven LX 500d (225 kW and 700 Nm) expected to remain. While the outgoing LX 600’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 petrol motor generates 305 kW and 650 Nm, the hybrid derivative predictably offers more oomph.

According to Toyota SA Motors, the LX 700h’s newly developed “1MT-HEV” powertrain – which integrates a motor generator with a clutch positioned between the twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 petrol unit and the 10-speed automatic transmission – offers peak system power of 341 Nm. While the petrol engine alone generates 650 Nm, it’s our understanding that total system torque comes in at around 790 Nm.

Claimed fuel consumption figures have yet to be announced. The hybrid battery is located in the rear floor within a “waterproof tray” divided into upper and lower sections. This design, says the automaker, “effectively prevents water ingress during deep water crossings, ensuring a fording capability of 700 mm”.

 
Lexus LX (2025) Price & Specs

The updated Lexus LX range has officially launched in South Africa, complete with a new LX 700h hybrid powertrain and a fresh “Overtrail” grade. Here’s local pricing…

The Lexus LX range has been updated in South Africa, gaining hybrid power thanks to a new LX 700h powertrain and a revised look courtesy of a fresh “Overtrail” grade (as applied to the incoming Lexus GX).

While the local portfolio – which is closely related to the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – again comprises 5 derivatives, the new LX 700h interestingly replaces the purely petrol-powered LX 600. The diesel-driven LX 500d (225 kW and 700 Nm), however, carries over as the 4×4 range’s entry point.

As a reminder, the outgoing LX 600’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 petrol motor generated maximum outputs of 305 kW and 650 Nm. In contrast, the box-fresh hybrid derivative predictably offers more oomph.

Indeed, its newly developed “1MT-HEV” powertrain – which integrates a motor generator with a clutch positioned between the twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 petrol unit and the 10-speed automatic transmission – delivers peak system power of 341 Nm. While the petrol engine alone generates 650 Nm, total system torque comes in at 790 Nm.

How much does the updated Lexus LX cost in SA?

Lexus LX 500d F Sport – R2 557 500

Lexus LX 500d Overtrail – R2 577 400

Lexus LX 700h F Sport – R2 666 500

Lexus LX 700h Overtrail – R2 703 600

Lexus LX 700h VIP – R3 092 100

The prices above include a vehicle warranty and maintenance plan each spanning 7 years or 105 000 km, along with an 8-year/195 000 km battery-specific warranty.

 
Larniest Lexus on the block breaches R3 million barrier as LX 700h ushers in powerful hybrid

Being extra large, as well as capable off the beaten track and more luxurious than an oil mogul’s yacht, the Lexus LX occupies an interesting space in the premium SUV market.

For the first time ever, it is now available as a hybrid in South Africa, with the new LX 700h variants ushering in a powerful petrol-electric drivetrain.

Joining the existing 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel models, which are priced from R2,557,500, the 700h hybrid is available in three variants:

LX 700h F Sport - R2,666,500
LX 700h Overtrail - R2,703,600
LX 700h VIP - R3,092,100

The hybrid system pairs a 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine to an electric motor and 10-speed automatic transmission to offer full-time four-wheel drive and system outputs of 341kW and 790Nm. True to its 4x4 heritage, it also has a low-range transfer case.

Being based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, the Lexus LX is undoubtedly capable off-road, but how many buyers are really going to take this R3-million SUV to the bush?

 
Lexus introduces the LX 700h Hybrid SUV and adventure-ready Overtrail model

Lexus has dropped the 3.5 V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine from their LX SUV line-up and in line with their carbon-neutral policy, introduced the LX 700h fitted with a new hybrid system.

Also new to the range is the Overtrail.

It’s aimed at the outdoor and adventure market with unique equipment, design and colour options.

Fear not though, with South Africa’s propensity towards diesel, the diesel drivetrain with 225kW and 700Nm is still available.

The range now consists of the LX 500d Urban F-sport (5 seater), the LX 500d Overtrail (5 seater), the 700h F Sport (5 seater), the 700h Overtrail (7 seater) and the 700h VIP (4 seater).

Pricing range from R2 557 500 for the Diesel F Sport and R3 092 100 for the top-spec 700h VIP.

New hybrid system

As the world moves ever closer to New Energy Vehicles (NEV), it’s interesting to note how Lexus customers have adopted the change from 15% in 2019 to 55% currently.

The new hybrid system features a parallel hybrid configuration, integrating a motor generator with a clutch positioned between the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

It delivers peak system power of 341kW, with the engine alone providing 650Nm and total system torque of 790Nm and it is said to improve consumption by 1.3l/100km over the outgoing model.

The Lexus LX comes with a seven-year/100 000km Warranty and maintenance plan. 700h models come with an additional eight-year/195 000km hybrid battery warranty.

Pricing (March 2025)

500 Diesel F Sport – R2 557 500

500 Diesel Overtrail – R2 577 400

700h F Sport – R2 666 500

700h Overtrail – R2 703 600

700h VIP - R3 092 100

 
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