Lexus LX

The LX is essentially Lexus’ version of the full-sized Toyota Land Cruiser. While Lexus’ version is richer on the inside and a bit more polished too, it remains a tough, body-on-frame, four-wheel drive SUV at its core. There are two versions on sale in India – a five-seat, V8 diesel and a seven-seat, V8 petrol.

The LX is essentially Lexus’ version of the full-sized Toyota Land Cruiser. While Lexus’ version is richer on the ins...

The LX is essentially Lexus’ version of the full-sized Toyota Land Cruiser. While Lexus’ version is richer on the inside and a bit more polished too, it remains a tough, body-on-frame, four-wheel drive SUV at its core. There are two versions on sale in India – a five-seat, V8 diesel and a seven-seat, V8 petrol.

The Lexus LX is massive. Think 'mini-bus' size and you’ll get the idea. There’s acres of room in the LX cabin, no matter which row you may be seated at. It's a pity that the all-important middle row isn’t as comfortable as it ought to be. The Lexus LX does feel more plush than the Land Cruiser but there are still a few too many bits that look out of place in such an expensive SUV.
Both the LX’s – that is, the ones fitted with the petrol V8 diesel V8, offer lots of pulling power and are silken smooth. But given the Lexus LX weighs nearly three tonnes, don’t expect sportscar-like performance. The Lexus LX also drives like you’d expect a hulking body-on-frame SUV to. The ride is a bit lumpy in all suspension modes and it feels unwieldy on a twisty road. Then again, the Lexus LX is not exclusively built for the road. Armed with serious off-road gadgetry, the LX can take you where few other luxury SUVs can.

The Lexus LX is massive. Think 'mini-bus' size and you’ll get the idea. There’s acres of room in the LX cabin, no mat...

The Lexus LX is massive. Think 'mini-bus' size and you’ll get the idea. There’s acres of room in the LX cabin, no matter which row you may be seated at. It's a pity that the all-important middle row isn’t as comfortable as it ought to be. The Lexus LX does feel more plush than the Land Cruiser but there are still a few too many bits that look out of place in such an expensive SUV.
Both the LX’s – that is, the ones fitted with the petrol V8 diesel V8, offer lots of pulling power and are silken smooth. But given the Lexus LX weighs nearly three tonnes, don’t expect sportscar-like performance. The Lexus LX also drives like you’d expect a hulking body-on-frame SUV to. The ride is a bit lumpy in all suspension modes and it feels unwieldy on a twisty road. Then again, the Lexus LX is not exclusively built for the road. Armed with serious off-road gadgetry, the LX can take you where few other luxury SUVs can.

The Lexus LX is a bit of an acquired taste. It appeals more for its all-conquering persona than its traits as a luxury SUV. Of the two versions on sale, we’d pick the LX 450d diesel. Sure, the LX 570 offers the flexibility of a third row of seats but fuel economy is shockingly poor. For the few who can afford buy an LX, the last bit is more of an inconvenience than a financial constraint.

The Lexus LX is a bit of an acquired taste. It appeals more for its all-conquering persona than its traits as a luxur...

The Lexus LX is a bit of an acquired taste. It appeals more for its all-conquering persona than its traits as a luxury SUV. Of the two versions on sale, we’d pick the LX 450d diesel. Sure, the LX 570 offers the flexibility of a third row of seats but fuel economy is shockingly poor. For the few who can afford buy an LX, the last bit is more of an inconvenience than a financial constraint.