Lexus ushers in diesel-powered LX450d SUV

LEXUS Australia has introduced a diesel-powered, five-seat version of its LX upper-large SUV, dubbed LX450d, which hits showrooms priced from $134,500 before on-road costs.

As such, the LX450d undercuts all of its direct rivals in cost, including the Mercedes-Benz GLS350d Sport 4Matic ($136,661) and G350d 4Matic ($164,610), and Range Rover TDV6 Vogue ($190,000).

Compared to its petrol-powered, eight-seat LX570 sibling, the LX450d is $8660 cheaper but offers the same equipment list and 3500kg braked towing capacity as well as better efficiency and an extra wad of torque.

Taking its 4.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 diesel engine from the mechanically related Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, the LX450d produces 200kW of power at 3600rpm and 650Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm.

These outputs are sent to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres – matching that of the LandCruiser 200 Series – meaning the oil burner has a driving range of almost 1000km.

Furthermore, it meets Euro 5 emissions standards thanks to its diesel particulate filter.

Comparatively, the LX570 employs a 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that develops 270kW at 5600rpm and 530Nm at 3200rpm, while an eight-speed automatic transmission is responsible for changing its gears. It claims 14.4L/100km.

Standard equipment in the LX450d includes 20-inch alloy wheels with 285/50 tyres, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, scrolling indicators, keyless entry and start, five driving modes, variable gear-ratio steering and an adaptive variable suspension with active height control.

Inside, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, satellite navigation, four-zone climate control, a nine-speaker sound system, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather steering wheel, paddle shifters, heated front seats, leather-accented upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a cool box and second-row sunshades.

Advanced driver-assist safety technologies extend to forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and tyre pressure monitoring as well as 10 airbags.

Off-road enthusiasts are catered towards with multi-terrain anti-skid brakes, crawl control and a four-camera multi-terrain monitor with a back guide and panoramic view.

Seven exterior paint colours are on offer, while leather-accented interior options are limited to two.

According to Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson, the decision to add the LX450d to the local line-up was made due to customer feedback.

“We have had consistent demand for the LX with a turbo-diesel, and Lexus has responded by developing an extremely well-specified vehicle that we are able to offer at a remarkable price,” he said.

“The turbo-diesel engine is smooth, quiet and powerful and will suit a wide variety of applications.”

LX sales improved steadily last year, with 324 examples sold to the end of 2017, representing a 13.7 per cent increase over the 285 deliveries made in 2016.

This effort placed the Lexus third in the $100,000-plus upper-large-SUV segment, trailing the GLS (926 units) and Range Rover (436) but ahead of the G-Class (139), Bentley Bentayga (84) and Infiniti QX80 (83).