New, big SUV takes Lexus lead
New for 2022, the Lexus LX 600 replaces its lackluster LX 570 stable mate and beams anew as the manufacturer’s latest, biggest and most luxurious sport utility vehicle.
Debuting the vehicle’s fourth generation, The LX 600 is equipped with a 3.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 with 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It’s an impressive leap. Last year’s turbocharged V8 had 382 horsepower.
The new Lexus advances on a chassis the carmakers report is 20 percent more rigid and with lower overall weight. The combination substantially changes the SUV’s dynamics. It hasn’t transitioned into a sports car, but it is sportier.
The LX 600 is available in five trims, ranging from the five-passenger, tworow LX to three mid-level offerings — Premium, Luxury and the reviewed F Sport Handling. The trio has three rows of three seats for as many as seven passengers.
Remove the third row of seating and the middle seat of the second row and Lexus calls its top-line LX 600 the Ultra Luxury trim. All trims are propelled by a 10-speed automatic transmission and have four-wheel drive.
The LX 600 has 41 cubic feet of storage space behind its second row of seats and its towing capacity is 8,000 pounds. Both numbers are average among large luxury SUVs. Estimated EPA mileages are 17 miles per gallon in city driving, 22 mpg on the highway.
Quality materials, heavy-duty construction, firm but comfortable seating and lots of extras reign. The LX 600 is no doubt luxurious and it should have keen qualities and lots of stuff. But it all comes with a hefty price. None of the LX 600s’ competitors are cheap.
The lineup-starting LX trim provides far more than might be expected: 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated front seats, a navigation system and a dual-touch screen infotainment system with a 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen.
A 10-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
compatibility, four USB ports, a wireless charging pad and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included.
Safety is a Lexus signature. Throughout the LX600 lineup, there’s plenty to help, including forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control and an automated parking system in lower-level trims.
Premium trims add adaptive suspension dampers, a hands-free lift gate, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, a power-folding third-row and six USB ports.
The sharply styled F Sport Handling trim includes 22-inch black-painted wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, sport-tuned suspension, illuminated doorsills, upgraded leather upholstery and aluminum pedals. A refrigerated cabinet is located in the center console.
For appearance-oriented buyers, the F-Sport Handling pushes the price to more than $100,000.
How about a black mesh grille and black bumper trim, aluminum interior trim and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential? Why not order the $2,660, 25-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson audio system and the $1,300 height-adjustable air suspension?
Is either option necessary? No. Will friends and neighbors be impressed if that’s what is important to them? Yes. But it’s your checkbook.
Competition is brisk in the full-size, body-on-frame, three-row luxury segment. In many ways, Lexus LX 600 and GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln Navigator are the same vehicles.
The Lexus stands alone with off-road functionality. The F Sport Handling trim features crawl control, six driverselectable terrain modes and low-range
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gearing. A bunch of cameras helps the negotiation of the off-road treks of the LX 600’s desires.
It all means a family or a group of friends can travel in style and safely while cruising along in a big and powerful luxury automobile.
Take a deep breath, count your money while it’s still in your possession and enjoy the ride. It’ll cost you $107,585.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter available on his website, www. theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@ jamesraia.com.