Lexus LX 600 review reveals off-roader wrapped in luxury

The hulking Lexus LX 600 can navigate tough terrain while the family relaxes.

The Lexus LX 600 combines off-road ability with opulence. Ultra Luxury model pictured.

Roughing it doesn’t have the same appeal when it comes to reality.

Going bush these days doesn’t mean leaving modern comforts behind – if it did, franchises like BCF and Anaconda would be a couple of aisles of waterproof sleeping bags and campfire cooking equipment in buildings the size of your standard cafe.

That’s why vehicles like the Lexus LX exist. It’s where luxury meets the wild.

While based on the Toyota LandCruiser, the Lexus version goes next level on comfort.

It maintains the go-anywhere hardware underneath the metal, but refinement takes front of mind with the suspension tune and equipment slanted to bitumen travels.

The LX starting price on-road is about $168,000, a leap from the LandCruiser Sahara that tops out at just below $155k.

There is the same diesel engine available as you’ll find in a Cruiser, but our experience was in the Sport Luxury twin-turbo V6 petrol variant which has a sticker price of just over $186,000.

Interior colour options are black or tan in the Lexus LX.

What do you get?

Showcasing its on-road focus, the LX rides on 22-inch alloys. Anyone looking seriously for the beaten track would need to downsize those for starters.

The interior is luxury personified with plush leather-trimmed seats, sunroof, ventilated and heated seats both front and rear, centre console fridge, soft close doors, power tailgate with kick sensor, dual rear seat entertainment screens, 12.3-inch primary display with smartphone mirroring apps, secondary 7.0-inch touchscreen for aircon and vehicle controls along with an eight-inch screen for digital driver instruments.

There’s also a pumping 25-speaker Mark Levinson stereo that delivers outstanding sound quality.

One boon of being an LX owner is complimentary Lexus Encore Platinum membership for three years. That delivers a range of benefits, like drop-off and pick-ups when your vehicle is serviced, but the highlight is having access to vehicles in other states and areas four times a year for eight days at a time.

Members can pick up from airports or dealerships at major regional centres, or even borrow a convertible or one of the electric offerings for a weekend.

An imposing size, the Lexus LX is brimming with luxury.

How was the drive?

Creamy and quiet, the LX maintains the Lexus feel despite the off-road ability.

Under the skin remains the technical prowess for conquering tough terrain, like permanent all-wheel drive with a lockable centre differential, high and low range, as well as multi-terrain select which enables the driver to match the setting to the conditions for best traction.

There’s even “crawl control” for the most challenging roads when creeping at less than 10km/h.

Air suspension delivers a cushioned ride and drops for ease of entry and exit.

Despite tipping the scales at 2640kg, the big LX is insanely quick.

Exert your right ankle and it will sprint from standstill to 100km/h in seven seconds. It managed the feat with little fanfare and felt robust yet serene during the process.

Although test the sprinting abilities too often and you’ll become a VIP at your local servo. Our average fuel consumption was 14.5L/100km even with some longer open-road travels – luckily it has an 80-litre as well as a 30-litre sub-tank.

Stick to a straight line and it’s cushy family travels, but attack the bends with too much enthusiasm and the rock and roll arrives rapidly.

One of the best features is the ability to piece together four camera views at slow speeds. It essentially makes the LX disappear, and you have an unimpeded view of what’s beneath as well as all surroundings.

There’s a cavernous boot space, and making use of the 40-20-40 split fold rear seats our family travels saw it swallow a bike, three large suitcases and a few other soft bags without impeding the rear vision.

Despite tipping the scales at 2640kg, the big LX 600 is insanely quick.

Would you buy one?

Kel: I was surprised how easy the LX was to drive around town – even in tight carparks. I’d admit, I was intimidated by the size initially but I ultimately began to really enjoy the drive. If money was no object and off-roading was my thing, I think I’d have the LX over a LandCruiser for the extra badge kudos and luxury.

Grant: Let’s face it, the chances of taking this monstrous luxe SUV off-road would be slim. It’s more suited to the odd beach trip or towing a prized ride to pony club. I couldn’t fathom throwing it around in the bush but it’s a surprise packet in terms of daily comfort and performance.

Originally published as Lexus LX 600 review reveals off-roader wrapped in luxury