Written by Marco Carvajal
2023 Lexus LX 600 F SPORT
Driving the new Lexus LX 600 F Sport 2023 model makes you feel on top of the world, you feel successful, powerful, and surrounded by an exclusive luxury lifestyle that only a few can enjoy. The new Lexus LX 600 is a classic large crossover with a strong history on its side.
The LX 600 competes well in the exclusive segment of the Mercedes-Benz GL-class, the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, the Land Rover Range Rover, the Lincoln Navigator, the Cadillac Escalade, and the Infiniti QX80.
The ticket price to own the LX 600 is not cheap but totally worth it, from $90K up to $130K, for one of the most luxurious and powerful full-size SUVs in the market.
The iconic Lexus LX
The Lexus LX is the largest and most luxurious SUV from Lexus.
The LX was launched back in 1995 and since then it has been known for its great quality and durability.
The name LX stands for “Luxury Crossover.” However, some Lexus dealers call it “Luxury in Four Wheel Drive (4WD).
Since 1995 three generations of the LX have been produced, all of them based heavily on the long-running SUV, Toyota Land Cruiser.
The Lexus LX is sold in Russia, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Middle East, and North America, where the related Toyota Land Cruiser is also sold. It is rarely not available in Japan.
The luxury LX 600 remains an impeccably built and impressive piece of machinery whose strengths lie primarily in off-road driving.
After three previous generations, the new fourth generation, the all-new LX 600, finally arrived last year and now we can enjoy driving the amazing full-size luxury SUV, available in Lexus dealers everywhere. The new fourth-generation LX changed its name from the previous LX 570 to the new LX 600.
LX 600 Fourth Generation
For its fourth generation, the new LX offers unparalleled refinement thanks to a complete optimization of almost every component. It adopts an all-new 20% stiffer GA-F platform, which serves as a solid foundation for its body-on-frame structure.
Completely redesigned from the ground up, inside and out, the all-new LX 600 stands as the ultimate sport utility flagship in the Lexus brand.
The 2023 Lexus LX 600 has a newly redesigned body-on-frame platform, forward-thinking styling, and a very luxurious cabin, this new full-size SUV can be adapted to almost all lifestyles.
The new LX 600 has a very comfortable ride quality and a long list of amenities has defined it as a luxury long-range cruiser, yet its tried-and-tested off-road specifications and equipment have taken it beyond the pavement worldwide.
The weight on the new LX has been reduced by 441 pounds compared to its predecessor, and body rigidity has also increased, making it tougher and lighter.
Filling the void left by the absence of a Toyota Land Cruiser, the 2023 Lexus LX 600 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 high-output, high-torque, that makes 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The new Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB) system and Electric Power Steering (EPS) allow for more refined control of the vehicle both on and off the road.
Much more efficient than its predecessor’s, the Lexus LX V8 with four-wheel drive and 10-speed automatic transmission gets 17 mpg city, 22 highway, and 19 combined.
The all-new cabin is designed for maximum comfort and ease of use. The instrument panel features the Lexus interface with the first Lexus dual-screen configuration.
A 12.3-inch upper screen and a 7-inch lower screen help create a more comfortable driving experience with their variety of views, instrumentation, and control settings.
LX’s exterior design pursues a combination of athletic performance, accessible functionality, and striking beauty, a combination that began with the new Lexus NX.
The larger Lexus shares a truck platform and powertrain with the Toyota Tundra pickup, but it lacks a hybrid option, at least for now.
Test-driving the 2023 Lexus F Sport Handling
The F Sport Handling model is highlighted with a new exterior color called Nori Green Pearl. It has 22-inch wheels and sportier styling with a black mesh grille and other black trim pieces. It has a center-locking limited-slip differential, firmer shocks, and a rear stabilizer bar.
Only a few can afford The F Sport priced around $104K
Engineered to elevate the driver and drive to unprecedented heights, the 2023 LX is the definitive chapter of flagship luxury. Its exterior, a study in sophistication and strength, exhibits a silhouette that perfectly complements any road, on-road or off.
The LX F SPORT Featuring aerodynamically enhanced bodywork, exclusive 22-inch wheels, and a race-inspired interior.
LX 600 Pricing and Trim Models
The 2023 Lexus LX 600 is available for purchase in five trim levels. The lineup begins with the two-row, five-passenger LX.
The new LX 600 family adds new Ultra Luxury and F SPORT trim grades.
- 2023 Lexus LX 600 $98,610
- 2023 Lexus LX 600 Premium $104,870
- 2023 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling $104,870
- 2023 Lexus LX 600 Luxury $106,610
- 2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury $130,750
All five trim models are only available as all-wheel drive.
The intermediate versions, the Premium, F Sport Handling, and Luxury, have three rows and seats for seven. The top-end Ultra Luxury doesn’t have a third row and doesn’t have a second-row center seat.
The Ultra Luxury transforms the LX 600 from a family SUV into an executive cruiser by removing the middle second-row seat, as well as the entire third row.
In addition to the luxury features, you also get: Height-adjustable suspension, digital rearview mirror, second-row power-adjustable captain’s chairs with ventilation and massage, premium leather upholstery, dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system 11.4-inch, four additional seats USB ports, rear-seat wireless charging pad
Ultra Luxury trim models offer four independent seats for opulent ride comfort on all road surfaces. Customers who prefer a sportier appearance can select the F SPORT grade with its unique touches and handling.
Performance
The new Lexus flagship LX 600 is equipped with the most powerful engine ever on an LX car, with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive.
The LX can tow up to 8,000 pounds, the new powertrain achieves incredible performance.
The turbocharged V6 engine is powerful, and the 10-speed automatic transmission has smooth upshifts, so there are no issues. Its engine is powerful and becomes audible during acceleration, but its sound is pleasant.
Perhaps because of its weight, acceleration is slow, especially if one is familiar with competing models. Wind and road noise is kept under control. The off-road capability of this 6,000-pound SUV is undeniably impressive.
The LX 600 leans drastically when cornering and feels unsteady, especially if you drive over a mid-corner bump. But it’s tough to crack and smooth as a luxury liner on rough waters without the slightest hint of a disturbance. It ignores potholes and bumpy roads with ease.
The LX isn’t as quick as most of its rivals, as it’s a bit heavy, but that is normal for most vehicles in this class.
With its sophisticated suspension, intelligently designed crawl control system, and rugged construction, this luxury SUV has the ability to take just about anywhere you want to go.
Technology and Safety
The LX brings a big improvement, swapping out its delicate joystick controller interface for dual touch screens. It finally offers USB charging ports for its second-row passengers.
In the top-of-the-line model we tested, only the second row has wireless charging and massaging seats. Lexus is expected to bring these features to front-row occupants in the future, at least there’s wireless smartphone integration for the driver.
It comes with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control with trailer sway control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, second-row side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.
Also standard is the Lexus emergency system, with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and roadside assistance.
Other safety features include a 360-degree camera system, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking.
The optional Forward Collision Warning System takes action if an accident is deemed imminent, automatically tightening the front seat belts and priming the braking system for maximum responsiveness.
Interior Design
The two-row luxury LX is very roomy on the inside, but you’re sacrificing a lot of versatility by not having a third row in such a large SUV. The riding position is upright and commanding, so shorter drivers may have a hard time finding a comfortable arrangement.
The LX’s comfort and quiet clash with its bouncy, uncontrolled roading. The excellent front seats are roomy, comfortable, and supportive.
They are built like armchairs and are ideal for long trips. In the executive-style second-row passenger-side seat with Ultra Luxury trim, you’ll feel like you’re in business class on a transcontinental flight.
The large center console also gives you the feeling of being pushed towards the door a bit. Visibility is pretty good for a large SUV, with tall windows and large mirrors providing a clear view around you.
The cockpit has a large number of controls, a combination of physical and touch screens, and many of them are for off-road functions. It’s a bit overwhelming at first.
Also, although the doors open wide and there are plenty of handholds, the vehicle’s high seats and high running boards may make it difficult for some to get in and out.
The LX 600 offers 41 cubic feet of storage space behind the second-row seats and can tow up to 8,000 pounds. Both are average for a large luxury SUV.
The LX 600 is a safe long-term purchase, especially for a buyer who wants to keep it for many years without serious problems.
