Right off the bat, let’s point out that the Lexus flagship sedan, which replaces the LX570 after shedding 441 pounds, isn’t for everyone. Ask why? Well, it has a base price of $102,025, which with options is almost $107,925. Add tax, tag and you are looking at around $125,000.
Now that price is settled for a few, but not for most, here’s what you get. The 2023 LX600 offers a 3.4-liter twin-turbo engine with continuously variable valve timing that develops a healthy 409 horsepower @ 5200 rpm and 479 pounds-feet of torque @ 3600 rpm. The all-wheel-drive luxury car is mated to a smooth and quick-to-respond 10-speed auto gearbox. Among the multi-terrain modes available are auto, dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock. Torsion limited-slip center differential, uniquely tuned front/rear dampers and a sport suspension ensure that this exhilarating car has a firm trip, traction and cornering stability at every turn. Bringing the gigantic SUV to a slowdown/stop are 13.9 front and 13.2 rear ventilated disc brakes. Ready to haul that boat to the beach this weekend? Go for it since you can tow up to 8,000 pounds in the LX600! Despite the 5,665-pound weight, 0 to 60 is possible in just 6.9 seconds with top speed at 130 mph.
Surrounding the massive spindle mesh grille are triple-beam LED headlights, turn signals and daytime running lights. Step inside the lavish cabin and you will be in awe of rich-appearing red leather. Atop the dashboard sits a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen with a 7-inch multi-terrain monitor underneath, as well as temperature controls. Other niceties are F-Sport power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum pedals and front-door scuff plates; four-zone a/c, power-fold flat third-row seat, Hadori aluminum trim, heated/cooled power front seats, Mark Levinson sound system, cooled box (fridge!) in the center console, wireless phone charger and an adaptive variable air suspension.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, vehicle stability and traction controls, front/rear crumple zones, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, panoramic view and blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert, head-up display, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system. Lexus Safety Sense 2.5 brings in a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure/tracing assists and dynamic cruise control.
If in the market for a full-size rugged but luxury SUV that can tackle the tough landscape (thanks to multi-terrain select and crawl control) with confidence, the upscale LX600 F-Sport edition fits the bill. And it is ultra luxury to the extreme! You won’t be disappointed as long as the steep price tab is within your reach.
LX600 F-SPORT
Tires: 265/50R22
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 200.2 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 74.2 inches
Suspension: double wishbone front, multilink rear
Steering: electronic power rack-and-pinion
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons
City: 17 mpg
Highway: 22 mpg
Web site: www.lexus.com