Big Lexus lobs minus the V8

  I remember driving the Lexus LX from Sydney to Byron Bay once upon a time.   A big V8, I baulked at the prospect, but a fuel card helped t...

 

I remember driving the Lexus LX from Sydney to Byron Bay once upon a time. 

A big V8, I baulked at the prospect, but a fuel card helped to seal the deal.

Surprisingly, it wasn't that thirsty out on the open road -- but I had it covered. 

An all-new Lexus LX hits town next month and thankfully this one doesn't have a V8 -- yet it delivers significantly more power, higher torque and improved fuel economy. 

LX comes with four, five or seven seats and there's two engines from which to choose: a 3.5-litre twin turbo petrol V6 or 3.3-litre twin turbo diesel. 

Prices for the diesel start from $148,800, the petrol model kicks off at $152,300. 

F-Sport gets going at $165,800, while the top of the line four-seat Ultra Luxury model tips the scales at $210,800.

The newly developed 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged diesel V6 produces 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque from 1600-2600 rpm -- 27kW and 50Nm more than the superseded LX 450d. 

Petrol fanciers will be pleased to learn the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 offers 305kW at 5200 rpm and 650Nm from 2000-3600rpm -- 35kW and sizeable 120Nm more than the previous 5.7-litre V8. 

Inside there's a 12.3-inch main display, 7.0-inch lower display, 8.0-inch multi-information display and colour head-up display. 

New driver-assist technologies include intersection turn assist, which can detect a high collision risk with oncoming vehicles or crossing pedestrians. 

The pre-collision safety system gains emergency steering assist that provides extra steering support during an emergency manoeuvre. 

A new turn assist function uses brake pressure to increase response to the driver's steering inputs and give the vehicle a tighter turning circle. 

Other highlights include 20-inch alloys, LED lights, newly developed four-wheel active height control suspension, heated and powered front seats with leather-accented upholstery, Shimamoku Black ornamentation, wireless smartphone charging and 25-speaker Mark Levinson audio. 

New F Sport sees the introduction of a torque-sensing Torsen limited-slip rear diff, front and rear performance dampers plus unique touches like 22-inch dark alloys and a black mesh grille. 

Interior features include F Sport seats with extra bolstering, F Sport steering wheel, aluminium ornamentation and the option of exclusive Flare Red interior trim. 

The all-new flagship, Ultra Luxury, comes with four standalone seats and is available only with the petrol engine. 

Rear-seat comfort is assured with a pair of individual captain's chairs that recline 48 degrees, with massage function, deluxe headrests, a passenger-side ottoman and exclusive quilted upholstery offered in Black and new Sunflare colours. 

A unique rear centre console incorporates a touchscreen display for seat and air-conditioning controls, wireless smartphone charger, two USB-C ports and additional storage space for a luxurious chauffeur-driven experience. 

An unsurpassed ownership experience continues with a three-year membership to the Lexus Encore Platinum owner benefits program. 

This includes a loaner Lexus when travelling interstate or to New Zealand, available four times -- for up to eight days a time. 

Members are also provided with eight valet parking passes to use at select Westfield shopping centres and Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne. 

All-new LX is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with with service intervals of six months/10,000km and three years of capped-price servicing, at $595 a pop for the first six scheduled services.

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