After 14 years, Lexus has replaced their LX luxury SUV. Based on the capable Toyota Land Cruiser, the new model draws on the epic LC 300's capabilities, comfort and luxury.
To differentiate it from its Toyota twin, the Lexus receives distinctive styling and a reworked interior, which offers even more luxury and refinement than its already plush stablemate. Scheduled to go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2022, Lexus notes that the latest iteration of the LX still retains its body-on-frame structure which, they say, ensures "reliability, durability, and driving performance." A new platform (GA-F) has seen a weight reduction of around 200 kg. This undoubtedly aids economy and performance.
Like the Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX will be offered with either a 3.5-litre V6 turbopetrol or a 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel. Both are twin-turbocharged. The brand's first dual-screen interior setup debuts in the interior, with a 12.3-inch upper screen supplemented by a seven-inch screen housed lower down. A world first is Back Underfloor View. This, rather cleverly, displays the area beneath the rear of the vehicle.
In terms of vehicle trims, Lexus will be offering a new line called 'VIP', which offers just four independent seats for "elegant and safe travel on all kinds of roads." An F Sport derivative will be made available too, with more sporting touches. Lexus SA has said that local specifcation will be confirmed closer to launch. Large 22-inch alloy wheels are the largest the brand has ever fitted to a car, and will be offered on the LX.
While the architecture is the same, the Lexus has more dramatic styling than the Toyota land Cruiser. An imposing grille dominates the front end, flanked by sleek headlamps.
Also worth a look: the 2026 Lexus RZ Launched in South Africa | Price & Specs and the Lexus RZ Becomes a Moving Canvas in Collaboration with Artis.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Lexus LX cost in South Africa?
Lexus SA hasn't released official pricing yet, but expect the new LX to start around R1,800,000 for the base model when it launches in Q1 2022, with the VIP trim likely pushing over R2,200,000.
Q: Is the new Lexus LX worth buying over the Toyota Land Cruiser?
If you've got the extra R400,000 to R500,000 lying around and want the premium badge plus that dual-screen setup and VIP treatment, then yes, but the Land Cruiser gives you 90% of the capability for significantly less cash.
Q: What engine options are available in the Lexus LX in South Africa?
The LX comes with two twin-turbocharged V6 options: a 3.5-litre turbopetrol and a 3.3-litre turbodiesel, both borrowed from the Land Cruiser but likely tuned for more refinement.
Q: How much lighter is the new Lexus LX compared to the old model?
The new GA-F platform has shed about 200kg compared to the previous generation, which should improve both fuel economy and performance without compromising the body-on-frame toughness.
Q: What makes the Lexus LX VIP trim special?
The VIP trim ditches the third row for just four ultra-luxurious independent seats, basically turning your LX into a mobile boardroom that can still tackle the Sani Pass.
Should You Buy It?
The new Lexus LX is a brilliant piece of kit, but at an expected starting price of R1,800,000, it's a tough sell when the mechanically identical Land Cruiser does 95% of the job for R400,000 less. If you absolutely must have the Lexus badge, that gorgeous interior with dual screens, and don't mind paying premium prices for premium comfort, then go for it. However, for most South Africans who want serious off-road capability with luxury touches, the Land Cruiser remains the smarter buy. The LX makes sense if you're cross-shopping against a BMW X7 or Mercedes GLS and want something that won't get stuck in a puddle.
