Wild luxury for Lexus’ LandCruiser

Japanese brand sets its sights on Range Rover with plush features that go far beyond anything Toyota has offered in Australia.

Lexus is targeting wealthy four-wheel-drive fans with the new LX.

Lexus has revealed its vision for the ultimate Toyota LandCruiser, targeting luxury rivals such as Range Rover with the next-generation LX.

Based on the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, the new Lexus LX takes Toyota’s bones and adds luxury features worthy of a $200,000-plus asking price.

Full Australian details for the new model have not been confirmed.

The new Lexus LX has a bold look.

But we do know it will be offered overseas with a choice of two turbocharged V6 engines – a 305kW/650Nm 3.5-litre petrol unit for the LX 600, and a 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre diesel in the LX 500d. Both drive all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel-drive.

As before, the Lexus has handy features such as variable-height air suspension, sumptuous soft-touch leather trim and all the driver aids Toyota can muster for work on tarmac or dirt.

But the new machine pushes its luxury credentials into new territory.

Like its LandCruiser cousin, the new LX is about 100 kilos lighter than its predecessor.

Customers can choose a five-seat version with two seats up front and a conventional rear bench in the back, a seven-seat model that adds extra seats in the boot, or a decadent four-seat “VIP” model with a pair of reclining business class seats in the middle of the car.

Expect the range-topping model to be popular in the Middle East.

Pitched as the pick “for elegant, safe, and comfortable travel”, the VIP model offers multi-zone airconditioning with dedicated rear climate and infotainment controls, a storage box with multiple power outlets, and a fold-out footrest on the passenger side.

Rear occupants can even fold the front passenger seat to view the road ahead if no one is riding shotgun.

The VIP variant promises to be the most luxurious four-wheel-drive offered by the brand.

A 25-speaker Mark Levinson stereo promises the best auto quality Lexus has offered in a four-wheel-drive, and clever touchscreen displays make the outgoing model look decidedly old school.

On the outside, 22-inch rims are the largest wheels ever offered by the brand, and a bold new take on Lexus’ spindle grille has proved controversial on social media.

Customers get a digital dash, wide-screen infotainment display, and digital climate controls.

Lexus says the new model will arrive locally in 2022.

Supply of the car might be tricky, as Toyota is struggling to secure enough LandCruiser models to meet local demand.

We don’t know how much the new car will cost, except that it won’t be any cheaper than the LandCruiser range that tops out at Sahara $138,790 plus on-road costs for the Sahara ZX, suggesting the VIP Version of Lexus’ new machine could cost $200,000-plus drive-away.

A new F-Sport trim line with dark details builds on the LandCruiser GR Sport.