17
January
2023
|
10:00
Europe/Amsterdam

NEW F SPORT MODELS LEAD EXPANSION OF THE LEXUS LX FLAGSHIP SUV RANGE

  • New F SPORT grade introduced for Lexus’ LX flagship SUV
  • VIP grade, with luxurious four-seat interior, newly available for the LX 500d twin-turbo diesel model
  • LX 500d also offered with additional third row for seven-seat cabin layout

Lexus is expanding its LX flagship SUV range with the introduction of F SPORT models and the addition of VIP grade and seven-seat versions of the diesel-powered LX 500d. The changes strengthen the appeal of a model that combines luxury and craftsmanship with robust, authentic SUV performance.

Launched just a year ago, the all-new LX’s strength and dynamic performance is founded in Lexus’ GA-F global architecture platform and two new twin-turbo engines – a 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit (in the LX 600) and a 3.3-litre diesel. Both units provide more power and torque across a wider rev spectrum than the previous LX’s V8s. Featuring Lexus “Next Chapter” design and a Tazuna concept focused driver’s cockpit, the LX delivers the confidence, comfort and control that defined the Lexus Driving Signature, together with the advanced technologies for safety, driver assistance, multimedia functions and connectivity.

New F SPORT grade

The introduction of the F SPORT grade gives the LX eye-catching sports styling inside and out and suspension tuning for sharpened handling. The most prominent feature is a new iteration of the SUV’s commanding spindle grille with the LX’s arrangement of horizontal bars replaced by an exclusive “F”-pattern mesh, contained within a jet-black frame. The same F-motif design is applied to the fog light surrounds and sections of the lower rear bumper.

The F SPORT wheels are 22-inch, 12-spoke alloys with a super-gloss black metallic finish, which generate a strong contrast when combined with the F SPORT-exclusive "F White" paint finish. Other F-Sport-specific touches include a satin-plated moulding for the lower bumper and discreet “F” badging on the front wing. The sporting feel is enhanced with a choice of an all-black or black and Flare Red interior, with F SPORT seats. New Hadori aluminium trim inserts have a sharp surface look inspired by the tempered blades of traditional Japanese swords. The F SPORT logo is embossed on the head rests and featured on the aluminium scuff plates, and the specification includes an aluminium pedal set and footrest and an F SPORT steering wheel and shift lever finished in tactile, dimpled leather.

To match handling to the styling, the F SPORT models benefit from rear performance dampers, a Torsen limited-slip differential and a rear anti-roll bar. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is also tuned for more focused response and handling stability.

VIP grade and seven-seat option for the LX 500d

The VIP grade for the LX 500d brings exceptional luxury and comfort to the diesel-powered version of the flagship SUV. This transforms the interior with a four-seat arrangement that perfectly captures the spirit of Lexus’ Omotenashi hospitality. The two rear seats are larger in size, equipped with pillow-style headrests and finished in soft, quilted leather. They come with power adjustment with memory settings, integrated heating and ventilation and extending ottomans to support the lower leg. Passengers can select from seven different massage functions and adjust rear cabin climate control using a multi-function console with touchscreen. This also provides multiple connectivity options, including a function to mirror the user’s smartphone, tablet or notebook screen via an HDMI port. A notebook table with palm rest are also provided. To maximise comfort, the front passenger seat can be folded and moved to its furthest forward position, giving up to 1,100 mm of rear seat leg room.

The new seven-seat option for the LX 500d allows for easy adaptation of the interior to balance seating and load space capacity as required. The two additional rear seats can be reclined up to 10 degrees, or can be folded flat at the press of a button (for convenience, three separate seat-folding switches are provided). There is also a multi-seat auto arrangement which allows individual or all rear seats to be power-folded to increase the load space, using  a switch panel in the load compartment.

The programme of changes for the LX also includes the addition of a digital rear-view mirror when customers specify a sunroof for the Active and Urban grade models.