- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He Ar
Lexus LX. Elegant and off-road
The Lexus LX is a full-size four-wheel drive SUV, which has been manufactured by Lexus (Japan) since 1995. In 2021, the manufacturer released the fourth generation SUV. The model is not officially presented in Israel. The modern E-segment SUV is incredibly comfortable and functional. It is convenient to drive this vehicle on any route.
The ‘LX’ name stands for ‘Luxury Crossover’. Introduced in December 1995 in the United States as a rival to the Range Rover, which was the top luxury SUV in those years. In fact, the Lexus LX was a hastily embellished J80 Land Cruiser. And just a couple of months later, the newcomer had already overtaken the British in sales. Throughout its long life, the LX has served impeccably, which has allowed it to win an impressive collection of awards. SUVs of the first three generations have repeatedly taken first places in the ratings by JD Power, Edmunds and Kelly Blue book, the most authoritative competitions in North America. The popularity is evidenced by the fact that some American parents named their daughters after Lexus cars in the 1990s.
The first generation
It was produced from 1995 to 1997. The model differed from the Land Cruiser by a slightly modified design (radiator grille, side body moldings and wheels), a more luxurious interior and softer suspension settings. The LX 450 was powered by a 4.5-liter 4-valve in-line 6-cylinder engine with two camshafts, (215 hp and 373 Nm). Both the front and rear suspensions were dependent. The vehicle had additional soundproofing.
The interior was finished with leather and could accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows. The third row could fold to the sides, and the second row could fold flat, creating the floor, providing enough space for luggage. The vehicle could connect to a remote Lexus telephone system and was equipped with a 6-disc CD changer, which was fashionable at that time, and an electric sunroof. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by electronic differential locks on the front and rear axles.
The second generation
It was produced from December 1997 to spring 2007. The second generation LX 470 debuted in Los Angeles, differing from the Land Cruiser by a different front face with twin headlights and a more luxurious interior. The SUV was equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 engine (230 hp) and an independent front suspension. At the same time, the electronic locking of the front and rear differentials disappeared. But the vehicle acquired a height-adjustable hydraulic suspension (AHC) and adaptive adjustable suspension (AVS). AVS adjusted the stiffness of each shock absorber based on road conditions and driver actions such as steering activity, braking and acceleration. There were three driving modes: ‘Normal’, ‘Comfortable’ and ‘Sport’.
The Lexus LX popularity is evidenced by the fact that some American parents named their daughters after Lexus cars in the 1990s…
The vehicle was subject to constant improvements. Since 2001, the vehicle started featuring a navigation system with a new premium sound system Mark Levinson. In 2002, an infrared night vision camera was added to the list of options. Moreover, the vehicle acquired new wheels and gearbox. The engine output grew from 234 hp to 238 hp. The upgraded engine now meets the CARB ULEV- II emission standards. In 2004, the Bluetooth system appeared.
The second restyling took place in 2005. The restyled SUV started featuring another chrome grille and new LED taillights. The engine received the VVT-i system, which allowed increasing the output from 238 hp to 275 hp. In 2007, the manufacturer released a version, called Limited Edition (Black Onyx color, 18-inch Liquid Graphite wheels, chrome trims).
The third generation
It was produced from April 4, 2007 to 2021. The new Lexus LX 570 was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. The SUV became larger and brighter, received a new 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V8 engine with 383 hp and a torque of 546 Nm. The engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a completely new all-wheel drive system, which used a Torsen center differential. The new Lexus LX was equipped with an electro-hydraulic suspension with an upgraded 6-speed AHC system, which raised the vehicle 76 mm or lowered it by 51 mm from the standard position.
The manufacturer introduced a Crawl Control system (a modern version of Downhill Assist Control), which helped to handle off-road at low speeds, an upgraded fifth-generation navigation system with a hard drive and an 8-inch display, keyless access with an ultra-thin ‘smart card’, 10 airbags. Options include Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
In 2010, the Lexus LX underwent a minor restyling with a new ‘spindled’ radiator grille and a heated steering wheel option. In 2012, the vehicle was subjected to a more substantial restyling, acquiring a new grille, bumpers, headlights, taillight lenses and various trim changes. An even more serious improvement was presented in August 2015. The interior and exterior were completely changed, with only the doors and roof being kept from the previous vehicle.
The fourth generation
On October 13, 2021, the manufacturer introduced the newest fourth generation Lexus LX based on the Land Cruiser 300. The model appeared simultaneously on three most important markets for the model, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Russia. The vehicle has not lost the title of an SUV, sharing a frame, transmission and even a wheelbase of 2,850 mm (like the previous generation) with the original Toyota model.
The exterior of the new Lexus LX combines dynamism, strength, power and solidity. The interior is incredibly luxurious.
The exterior of the new Lexus LX combines dynamism, strength, power and solidity. Following a well-established tradition, Lexus gave its flagship a different front and rear design, different C-pillars, and a more sloped fifth door. The LED headlights are equipped with BladeScan AHS Adaptive Control System, which improves the accuracy and speed of light adaptation. There are two engines, which are no longer 8-cylinder. There are 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engines and 3.3-liter diesel engines. They are combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is a VIP/Executive/Ultra Luxury version with 4 seats, and there are two separate seats with individual adjustments. The Japanese market offers the Offroad version with three differential locks.
The 2021/2022 Lexus LX is equipped with a ‘two-story’ panel that comprises the upper 12.3-inch screen responsible for the media system, car settings and the navigator and the lower 7-inch screen responsible for the climate and electronics driving modes. The engine is started by fingerprint, the Mark Levinson audio system has 25 speakers, and there are all-round cameras and a Multi-Terrain Monitor system, which allows you to see what is in front of the front or rear bumper. The vehicle has a hydraulic suspension, which can change the body height, with adaptive shock absorbers (in the entry-level version). The interior is incredibly luxurious. Every element has a superior quality, starting from the impeccable leather seat upholstery to the new wood inserts on the steering wheel.
