LANDCRUISER GETS DRESSED FOR EXCESS

LEXUS LX600

- TONY O'KANE

Model Lexus LX600 Ultra Luxury

Engine 3445cc V6 (900), dohc, 24v, twin turbo

Max power 305kW @ 5200rpm

Max torque 650Nm @ 2000-3600rpm

Transmission 10-speed automatic

Weight 2660kg

0-100km/h 7.0sec (claimed)

Economy 12.1L/100km

Price $210,800

On sale Now

REMEMBER the old LX? Of course you do. It was around for 14 years, after all, quietly occupying a corner of the Lexus showroom as a slightly more polished counterpart to Toyota's 200-series Land Cruiser - albeit one that was slightly hobbled by being petrol-only for much of its lifespan.

A comprehensive facelift in 2017 modernised its interior and exterior, while a diesel option cribbed from the 'Cruiser was added in 2018, but the old LX was a fairly limited proposition, with few flavours on the menu. That ends with the arrival of the newgeneration Lexus LX family.

And when we say 'family', we mean one that's Brady-Bunch big. There are no fewer than nine members of the 2022 Lexus LX gang, with two powertrains, five specification grades, three seating configurations and two suspension tunes among them. This is a level of diversity that the LX has never had before, because the customer profile has also diversified markedly over the past decade and a half.

Witness the $210,800 LX 600 Ultra Luxury. The name should say it all, but in case it doesn't, just peek in the back and scope the two power-reclining armchairs and the screen-toting centre console that divides them. It's a fullsize fourbie four-seater that's perfect for captains of industry and other individuals who have a) a chauffeur, and b) no children.