Design and Exterior
The 2023 LX 600 presents a bold and muscular design, showcasing Lexus’ signature spindle grille, flanked by sleek, high-tech LED headlights. The SUV has a commanding road presence, with clean lines and a premium finish that emphasizes its luxury status.
The LX 600 is built on the GA-F platform, which is shared with the Land Cruiser, providing a strong yet lightweight chassis. This results in a more capable and agile SUV while maintaining off-road prowess. It’s designed to handle both city streets and rugged terrains with ease.
The LX 600 comes in several trims, including the Base, Premium, F Sport, and Ultra Luxury, with each offering unique styling elements and added features. For instance, the F Sport trim gets a sportier exterior with special badging, sport-tuned suspension, and larger wheels, while the Ultra Luxury emphasizes a more elegant and refined look.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the LX 600, luxury takes center stage. The cabin is impeccably crafted with high-quality materials, including premium leather, wood, and metal accents. The overall layout is modern, with attention paid to every detail for a sense of opulence.
- Seating: The LX 600 offers a variety of seating configurations, with room for up to 7 passengers in the Base and Premium trims. The Ultra Luxury trim, however, offers a 4-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs that recline and provide a VIP lounge-like experience. This version is designed for maximum passenger comfort, with massage functions and advanced climate controls.
- Technology: The centerpiece of the interior is the dual-screen infotainment system. The upper 12.3-inch screen handles navigation and media, while the lower 7-inch screen controls climate and vehicle settings. Lexus’ Interface system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium sound system, wireless charging, and available Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Luxury Features: Depending on the trim, available features include four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a Mark Levinson premium sound system, and more. The Ultra Luxury trim also adds rear-seat entertainment screens for passengers.
Performance and Powertrain - The 2023 Lexus LX 600 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, replacing the previous generation’s V8. This engine generates 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, which provides plenty of power for on-road performance and off-road capability.
- Transmission: Power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth shifts and improves fuel efficiency.
- Off-Road Capability: The LX 600 retains its off-road heritage with advanced 4WD, a low-range transfer case, and multiple terrain modes (like Mud, Sand, and Rock). It also features Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, which assist with difficult terrains. The adaptive suspension system helps balance comfort and ruggedness.
- Towing Capacity: The LX 600 can tow up to 8,000 pounds, making it a versatile option for those needing power for both luxury driving and utility.
Safety - Lexus equips the LX 600 with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, including:
- Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Departure Alert with steering assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- There are also optional features like a 360-degree camera system, parking assist, and an advanced head-up display (HUD) for added convenience.
Driving Dynamics - Despite its size, the LX 600 offers a surprisingly comfortable and smooth ride. The new GA-F platform reduces body weight, enhancing the SUV’s handling and agility. The F Sport trim further enhances performance with sport-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential for more dynamic driving.
Fuel Efficiency
For a full-size luxury SUV with a twin-turbo engine, the LX 600 provides respectable fuel economy:
- Estimated at around 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway.
Trim Levels - Base: Standard luxury features and full off-road capability.
- Premium: Adds more luxury and technology enhancements.
- F Sport: Sportier design and performance-focused features.
- Luxury: Focuses on higher-end materials and added comfort features.
- Ultra Luxury: The ultimate in rear-seat luxury, with VIP seating and premium comfort.
- Conclusion
- The 2023 Lexus LX 600 is an impressive combination of luxury, technology, and off-road capability. Whether you’re looking for a powerful SUV to take off the beaten path or an ultra-luxurious vehicle to chauffeur passengers in comfort, the LX 600 stands out in its class with a refined balance of performance and premium features.