2023 Lexus LX 600 to arrive in US dealerships by end of the year

MANILA: Lexus has unveiled the 2023 iteration of the LX 600 flagship SUV. The Lexus LX has been a luxury SUV icon since it was first released in 1995, its identity defined by an unyielding duality. Its luxurious long-range cruiser status is defined by its pleasant ride quality and extensive list of amenities, yet it was taken to travel off-road in over 50 countries, thanks to its tried-and-tested off-road specifications and equipment.

The 2023 Lexus LX 600 retains the GA-F platform introduced in 2022, which enhances body rigidity to create a smooth composure and outstanding comfort level. The Lexus LX offers better off-road stability as well as a consistent, balanced performance when turning, accelerating, and decelerating.

The front high-mounted double wishbone suspension, suspension geometry, and tuned coil springs provide exceptional vehicle stability and ride comfort in order to achieve both a high level of off-road driving performance and on-road handling stability. The suspension stroke, which is crucial for off-road driving performance, is made long enough, with 100mm of bound and 145mm of rebound, to contribute to great on- and off-road driving performance.

The 2023 Lexus LX 600 is powered by a 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine (V35A-FTS engine) that delivers 409hp of power and 479lb-ft of torque at 3,600rpm.

The engine is mated to a Direct Shift-10AT, which offers a smooth start that only a torque converter can provide, as well as direct acceleration that resembles a manual transmission by engaging lockup almost throughout its entire range of operation. The quick gear shift time combined with the cross gear ratio setting, which brings the gear ratios of each stage closer together, results in sharp gear shifting at regular intervals, synchronizing the driving rhythm with the sound of the engine.

Strong starting comfort and high-speed driving both need the use of a variety of gear ratios. A smooth start and powerful low-speed off-road driving performance are provided by the low first gear, which boosts the driving force when beginning at low speeds.

The lower body of the automatic transmission, which is designed for off-road performance, has an oil pan guard fitted to help lessen the risk of oil pan damage due to unintentional hits to the underfloor that may occur when navigating bumpy roads.

The high-output, high-torque twin-turbocharged engine, Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB), and Electric Power Steering (EPS) further intensify Lexus Driving Signature by providing driving performance that smoothly integrates deceleration, steering, and acceleration in all situations, while the use of the Active Height Control (AHC) system and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) helps provide improved grip, traction, and control as well as a sense of strength and security.

The AHC suspension enables the ride height to be adjusted in accordance with the driving environment. Although shock absorbers, gas and hydraulic springs, and metal springs are used to modify ride height, a spring rate switching device is also used for the rear wheels to simplify the process. There are three settings (Normal, Hi1 and Hi2) for the vehicle height while it is moving, as well as a Low option for passenger entry and exit.

The system automatically modifies the vehicle's height depending on the activation of Multi-Terrain Select or Drive Mode Select as well as the transfer case's selection status. Both the gauge panel and the seven-inch touch display may show the current ride height. Moreover, AHC optimizes the spring rate as needed to maintain the vehicle posture during turning, acceleration, and deceleration. It also adapts to changes in the vehicle posture, such as the amount of pitch and roll.

The suspension automatically adjusts to Hi1 or Hi2 depending on the driving condition while the transfer case is in the L4 range or the mode chosen during the use of Multi-Terrain Select. When Hi1 or Hi2 is selected, the system automatically adjusts the vehicle height according to the speed to minimize contact with the road surface and enhance handling stability.

The springs are tightened to maintain a flat and stable ride while navigating curves and softened to help deliver a comfortable ride when passing through bumps during in-town driving.

Shifting to a linear solenoid valve system gives great damping force switching response and intricate, smooth control depending on the road surface and driving condition.

The motor and reduction gear are used by EPS in place of conventional hydraulics. It allows delicate tweaking and offers full steering weightiness at high speeds and a light steering sensation at low speeds, such as when driving off-road. Steering operations are accurately and consistently translated by the vehicle. At low speeds, the light steering sensation helps reduce driver's fatigue, while at high speeds, a moderate steering force that is consistent with the vehicle's speed delivers the driving experience that is distinctive of Lexus Driving Signature.

ECB uses a sensor to determine the degree of brake pedal depression in order to produce braking force with the hydraulic brakes for more linear braking characteristics. The system has been developed to guarantee a high level of driving stability in order to prevent slipping or spinning wheels when Multi-Terrain Select is chosen for off-road driving.

Superior functionality and breathtaking aesthetic are combined in the interior and exterior design of the 2023 Lexus LX 600. A cab-backward design is created by pulling back the front A-pillars, and a muscular torso and 22-inch wheels convey an aggressive driving character. A seamless and frame-free structure for the spindle grille is produced by a three-dimensional shape made up of seven sets of floating bars. Millimeter-level precision in the thickness of each bar not only creates a refreshing look, but also delivers the high-level cooling performance needed for the twin-turbo engine. The side radiator grilles are shaped to give a high-level rectifying effect and also have large openings to assure cooling performance.

The headlamps' L-shaped clearance lamps with daytime running lamp function have a three-dimensional shape and duplicated inner lenses, creating a sense of depth and changing depending on the viewing angle.

A thick, horizontal torso runs the length of the profile, merging through to the muscular rear wheel arches, giving the sides a strong impression of unity and mass. The quarter pillars are narrow from the roof to the back window, and a pronounced flow from the vehicle's underside rises from the lower edge of the rocker panels to behind the rear tires.

The new Lexus logo is featured on the rear, representing the brand's next generation.

On the inside, the 2023 Lexus LX 600 is equipped with a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen with LX-exclusive seven-inch lower touchscreen. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) upgrades user interaction through sight, touch, and voice.

The Lexus Interface multimedia system is designed to be primarily accessed by users using the Voice Assistant. The system, which was built with dual microphones, speaker location capability, and improved noise-cancellation, allows front-seat occupants to have a more engaging experience while accessing navigation, media, phone, and other vehicle control settings.

The driver's personalized settings and experience can be saved in the cloud and made available while traveling in other vehicles with Lexus Interface, thanks to the Lexus Interface User Profile feature. Once a profile has been created in the Lexus App, users can access it using a smart key, Bluetooth handheld device, or manual login.

The 2023 Lexus LX 600 also comes with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of key active safety features. This includes Pre-Collision System, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Intelligent High Beams, and Road Sign Assist.

The 2023 Lexus LX 600 will arrive at US dealerships by the end of 2022, with prices ranging from $89,160 to $129,250 (approximately P5.1 million to P7.4 million).

Photos from Lexus

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