Flagship Lexus LX SUV to launch next month in 500d guise

Lexus India will launch its flagship SUV, the latest-gen LX, in June as per our dealer sources. While the LX SUV is available with petrol and diesel engines overseas, at launch, it will only be offered in LX500d guise in India. 

• Lexus LX SUV price announcement next month
• LX500d diesel to be sold initially
• Deliveries to start by end-2022 or early 2023

Lexus LX500d SUV: India booking, pricing and delivery details 

Dealers tell us that Lexus will most likely offer the LX500d SUV in two seating options for India, and a handful of unofficial bookings have already been made. Deliveries for the LX500d will only commence by end of this year or early next year. 

The new Lexus LX SUV gets the same TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture as the revamped Toyota Land Cruiser LC300. Additionally, the India-bound LX500d shares the same 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine as the latest Land Cruiser SUV. This engine churns out a healthy 305hp and 700Nm of torque, which is higher than the outgoing LX450d SUV. Paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the LX500d gets all-wheel drive as standard, along with multi-terrain modes for off-roading.       

As far as design goes, the new Lexus LX SUV continues with its upright and boxy stance, along with prominent, squared-out wheel arches. It also gets the massive Lexus trademark grille and unique styling bits. 

On the inside, the LX500d gets a twin-screen set-up on the dashboard. This includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the top and a 7.0-inch screen right below, which showcases various off-road data and climate control functions. The SUV sold in India will most likely get two seating layouts.

Lexus LX500d SUV: expected pricing, rivals in India  

Dealer sources tell us that the LX500d SUV will start at around Rs 2.90 crore (ex-showroom). Upon its arrival, the LX will rival the likes of the new Range Rover, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and the BMW X7 (facelift inbound) in terms of pricing, due to being a completely built-up unit (CBU) like its predecessor. Currently, Lexus’ India portfolio consists of the ES and LS sedans, LC coupe, along with the NX and RX petrol-hybrid SUVs. Expect more details on the all-new Lexus LX500d line-up in India in the coming weeks.