When the new Lexus LX will go on sale in South Africa

Lexus South Africa has told TopAuto that its flagship LX SUV will go on sale locally in the first half of 2022.

This range-topping SUV is the luxury-focused counterpart of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, being built on the same TNGA-F platform and powered by the same engines.

It is also confirmed that the LX will be available in VIP and F Sport specifications, while an entry-level standard trim is also expected to be on offer – as with the LX in Japan and the Land Cruiser in South Africa.

What we know

Lexus said the new LX will be available with a 3.5-litre, V6, twin-turbo petrol engine – or a 3.3-litre, V6, twin-turbo diesel engine.

In Japan, the petrol engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and puts out 305kW and 650Nm. It must be noted that the South African specifications for these motors have not been released.

Under the shell, the LX is fitted with new electronically-controlled brakes, an AHC suspension system, and front and rear diff locks.

The newest iteration of the Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems are installed, too, along with downhill assist control and “Back Underfloor View” that projects a feed of what is going on below the boot onto a central display.

Cabin

Lexus South Africa has revealed little of what the local LX will offer inside, apart from the dual-display infotainment system featuring 12.3-inch and 7-inch central screens.

In addition, the company said the VIP specification will get four independent seats, while a fingerprint-authenticated push-start button is fitted across the range.

Thus far, these are the only confirmed features for the local market.

In Japan, the LX also offers automatic LED lights, a digital instrument cluster, the Lexus Safety System, and support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi, voice control, navigation, and web browsing.

While many of these features can be expected on the LX when it lands in South Africa, they are not yet official.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Lexus LX will be announced closer to launch, said Lexus.