2018 Lexus LX gains twin-turbo diesel power

Lexus’ big LandCruiser-based LX luxury SUV is now available with Toyota’s twin-turbo diesel V8.

The Lexus LX 450d joins the Lexus LX 570 petrol V8 at the top of the brand’s premium-SUV range as a more economic option for travellers wanting to see Australia in style.

The 450d’s 200kW/650Nm 4.5-litre diesel engine is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. It shares the LX 570’s 3.5-tonne towing capacity but with considerably thriftier fuel use rating of 9.5L/100km – about 5.0L/100km less than the big 5.7-litre petrol V8 – and a potential topped-up tank range of 1000km.

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The 450d loses the eight-seat 570’s third row to seat five comfortably, with about 400-litres of boot space to the top of the second-row seats.

The reduced seat count also helps bring the 450d’s retail price down to $134,500 – $6000 less than the 570 – but it’s still generously appointed, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, satellite navigation, premium audio system, digital radio, head-up display, quad-zone climate control with a pollen filter, partial-leather heated front seats, rear-door sunshades and a three-spoke leather/woodgrain steering wheel with paddle shifters.

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Exterior features include 20-inch alloy wheels with 285/50R tyres, LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.

It also features Lexus’ pre-collision system (auto braking) with pedestrian detection, radar active cruise control, lane departure warning, adaptive high-beam system, 360-degree blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

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The LX 450d also has five drive mode settings, variable gear-ratio steering and adaptive variable suspension, while off-road-orientated tech includes active height control, multi-terrain anti-skid brakes, crawl control and a four-camera monitor with panoramic view to help see every obstacle.

2018 Lexus LX pricing

• Lexus LX 450d - $134,500
• Lexus LX 570 - $140,500