Luxury SUVs selling for the same price as the new Lexus LX

The new Lexus LX can now be ordered in South Africa with the first units set to arrive later this year.

Five models are on offer ranging from R2,206,600 for the Standard trim in diesel, to R2,627,500 for the top-end VIP spec in petrol.

Along with the staggering price tag comes heaps of power and technology, cementing the LX as the Lexus’ flagship vehicle.

As standard, buyers of the new SUV get a dual centre-screen infotainment system, a 25-speaker sound system, adaptive high-beam LED headlights, fingerprint identification for the engine start button, park distance control with intelligent clearance sonar, and a hands-free boot.

Also included are blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, radar-based cruise control, lane trace assist, and emergency steering assist with evasive manoeuvring.

Driving the big SUV is then a 3.5-litre, V6, twin-turbo petrol engine with 305kW and 650Nm; or a 3.3-litre, V6, twin-turbo diesel offering 225kW and 700Nm.

Power is directed to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission in every specification, and top speed is pegged at 210km/h.

The new Lexus also tows up to a maximum braked capacity of 3,500kg and supports a payload capacity of 1,109 litres in five-seater mode – while the 210mm of ground clearance provides a maximum water wading depth of 700mm.

The luxury SUVs

There’s no shortage of luxury SUVs in South Africa, whether you’re shopping at the low or high end of the market.

Detailed below are the vehicles selling for roughly the same price as the new Lexus LX.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.

Unofficial specifications are marked with *

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T GR Sport

• Price – R1,898,200
• Power – 305kW/650Nm
• Top speed – 210km/h
• Payload capacity – 1,967 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 3,500kg
• Ground clearance – 235mm
• Water wading depth – 700mm*

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

• Price – R1,917,669
• Power – 405kW/700Nm
• Top speed – 286km/h
• Payload capacity – 613 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 2,400kg
• Ground clearance – 218mm
• Water wading depth – 500mm*

BMW X7 M50i

• Price – R2,193,906
• Power – 390kW/750Nm
• Top speed – 250km/h
• Payload capacity – 750 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 3,500kg
• Ground clearance – 221mm
• Water wading depth – 500mm

Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4Matic AMG Line

• Price – R2,206,602
• Power – 360kW/700Nm
• Top speed – 250km/h
• Payload capacity – 620 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 3,500kg
• Ground clearance – 201mm*
• Water wading depth – 500mm*

Audi RSQ8 Quattro

• Price – R2,440,500
• Power – 441kW/800Nm
• Top speed – 250km/h
• Payload capacity – 605 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 3,500kg
• Ground clearance – 212mm*
• Water wading depth – 500mm*

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe

• Price – R2,590,000
• Power – 404kW/770Nm
• Top speed – 286km/h
• Payload capacity – 705 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 3,500kg
• Ground clearance – 190-245mm
• Water wading depth – 530mm

Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition

• Price – R2,600,160
• Power – 386kW/625Nm
• Top speed – 240km/h
• Payload capacity – 857 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 3,500kg
• Ground clearance – 291mm
• Water wading depth – 900mm

Range Rover Sport SVR

• Price – R2,736,408
• Power – 423kW/700Nm
• Top speed – 283km/h
• Payload capacity – 780 litres
• Maximum towing capacity – 3,000kg
• Ground clearance – 213-278mm
• Water wading depth – 850mm