2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury - Bottom Line Review

PLEBEIAN ANALOG FOR [NEARLY] EVERY TALL LAND YACHT:  Cadillac Escalade has its Chevrolet Suburban, Lincoln Navigator has its Ford Expedition, Jeep Grand Wagoneer has its Wagoneer, Infiniti QX80 has its Nissan Armada and Lexus LX [now] has...NOTHING?

Through three generations on American roads, Lexus' flagship SUV, was accompanied by its fraternal twin, the Toyota Land Cruiser. For those not in the know the it's the venerable Land Cruiser aka トヨタ・ランドクルーザー aka Rando- Kurūzā, not Corolla, is the longest standing model in the carmaker's history having sold more than ten million of its ilk worldwide.  Initially destined for a U.S. market which was considering 100% tariffs on Japanese luxury import cars [but not trucks], the first レクサス (Rekusasu") hitched a ride on the J80 Mk. 3 Toyota Landcruiser in 1996 and never looked back as the most regal and off-road capable luxury Japanese SUV available in America. The new 2022 Lexus LX 600, however, splashes solo onto north and east Pacific shores sans a Toyota twin.

* * * * * * * * * * *

WHAT: 2022 Lexus LX 600 4x4 3 or 2 Row off-road capable, flagship large sport utility vehicle. The Mk.4 Lexus LX , code name J310, fraternal twin to the Toyota Land Cruiser J300, is founded upon the TNGA GA-F modular platform, shared with the XK70 Toyota Tundra half-ton pickup truck and XK80 Toyota Sequoia large SUV. The re-designed 2022 Lexus LX 600 replaces the 13 year veteran URJ200 Mk.3 Lexus LX 570.

Std. Power: air-to-water intercooled twin-turbocharged 3.4L DOHC 24V DI gas V-6 (V35A-FTS) w/ idle Start/ Stop = 409 hp / 479 lb-ft @3500 rpm + 10-spd. torque converter planetary automatic transmission (AWR10L65) + 2-speed e-transfer case four-wheel drive + open front differential + open (or F-Sport AVAIL. Torsen limited slip) rear differential.

2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury Vital Power Stats Comparison vs. Range Rover Autobiography SWB:

• -133 hp, +73 lb-ft
• +200 pounds curb weight

WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE: The 2022 Lexus 600 accentuates rather than re-imagines the flagship full size SUV. A more highly stylized Japanese luxo bus still conveys a majestic traditional multi-duty capable truck, which will likely end up shopping mall bound.

The tall greenhouse low beltline had been retained, with a upward kink and front sail panel and D-pillar Hofmeister, while the wing mirrors ride almost mid door height. Traditional coke bottle sides have been flared more gently into the front and rear wheel arches, the latter bearing a slight rise, terminating at the rear mid liftgate.

The rear attitude is decidedly slight Kammback, a raceway light bar below the backlight, and the mid "LEXUS" lettering flanked by wraparound lateral boomerangs filled with inward "L" shaped directionals and lower license plate center bowl. The lower bumper comes contrasting dark charcoal and the corners have pseudo duct straking below reflectors and back-up lamps.

For the acquired taste acolytes of Lexus loud the latest version of the full nose height spindle grille is filled with raceway open matte metallic lateral slats but is slanted at the top. The grille is flanked mid chin with inboard body colored "C" fangs filled by dark slatted corner air ducts, while the lower valance is underscored by a satin bash plate.

The new muscular clam shell hood bows from the edges filled by dual valleys, while the fender edges are sharply beveled. More slender segmented LED headlamps are underscored by lower wide wraparound "L" motif DRLS. The running boards are fixed flaring out to the wheel arches at the ends.

WHY: Favored Middle East Oil Potentate's Off-Road Luxury SUV lands in America's suburbia.

WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) since Winter 2021-2022

WHERE: Lexus new vehicle dealers

WHERE MADE: Toyoda City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

WHERE TO: √ available electronically on-the-fly selectable two-speed transfer case four wheel drive; √ Open front & rear differential, available Torsen limited slip rear differential (F-Sport); √ Downhill Assist Cruise; √ 5-Mode Terrain Management;  √ Full off-road capability (short of Baja dune jumping)

• 7.0" inch 3-D gauge cluster MFD;
• 7.0" mid center stack status / off-road / climate display
• Multi-Terrain Select:
  • Six Modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock
  • Operates in Low and High 4WD
• Transfer Case: 2-speed chain electronic locking clutch engaged, chain drive
  • settings: Hi 2, Auto, Hi 4, Low 4
• Crawl Modes x 5:
  • LO, MIDL, MID, MIDH and HIGH
• Active Height Control: Normal, High 1, 2, Low (when Parked) for passenger entry
• Downhill Assist Cruise control (DAC)
• Off-road electronic brake enhancement

• Multi-Terrain Monitor
  • surround camera monitor
  • Underfloor View, Corner views
• Nominal / maximum front to rear torque split = 48:52% / 0:100%
• Ground clearance: 8.4" inches nominal to variable 10.9" inches
• Maximum suspension wheel travel: 9.6" inches
• Water Fording: up to 27.5" inches

HOW ROADWORTHY: For the first time the Lexus flagship SUV shares powertrain and drivetrain with the Lexus [LS 500] flagship sedan. The new twin-turbo V-6 emits a prestige transforming to an OHV V-8 growl when pinned.  The new 10-speed Aisin transmission, (derived from the LC 500 flagship sport GT coupe), locks sooner & more quickly owing to a multi-plate torque converter, reducing engine flare, for more refined forward movement.

Drive Modes (x6): Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, Custom

300 lb. aluminum alloy body diet lowers the center of gravity for a reduction of understeer plow entering bends; Available electronic dampers have capability of quick compression and slower rebound, ruffling occupants more rarely, working honestly with a fully independent suspension; Electric steering assist is overboosted for enthusiasts' tastes, requiring over-corrections in lane changes; Large disc brakes at four corners, fortified by twin piston front calipers develop linear feel but bite fades at end of pedal travel; Minimal cross wind buffeting; Road, wind and powertrain noise are rather obscured.

HOW FAR: 18 combined miles per gallon = 13% > Range Rover Autobiography SWB  5.3L V8

HOW BIG/ LITTLE: √ 4 Occupant seating = full-size 2+ Executive 2 SUV style; √ Power remote (from driver's + 2nd Row right positions) front passenger seat adjustment & flat ottoman forward folding front passenger seat back; √ 2nd Row dual airline partial left side + full airline right side recline; -1 Cargo hold does not expand as Row 2 seating does not fold.

2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury Vital Size Stats Comparison vs. Range Rover Autobiography SV SWB:

• Wheelbase: 112.3" inches = -5.7" inches
• Row 2 Legroom: 34.4" inches = -6.0" inches
• Cargo Volume (nominal / maximum): 41.0 cubic feet = -5% / -47%* (* 2nd Row seat backs don't fold in LX 600 Ultra Luxury)
• Tow Rating: 8000 pounds = +284 lbs.

HOW USEFUL: √ Comfort approach variable height power liftgate; +1 1st Row center console "Cool Box" cold storage;  -1 Sparse car sized 1st & 2nd Row door pocket & space; -1 Cargo hold partly consumed by extended reclining 2nd Row airline seats; -1 Fixed 2nd Row seating tub does not fold to expand cargo bay expansion; -1 Distant reach to glove box; -1 Modest sub cargo floor storage; -1 Low load cargo bay 100W 110V AC power outlet; Tow Rating: +1 8000 lbs.

HOW SAFE: √ 10 airbags; √ IIHS Not Rated (related tested 2022 Toyota Tundra = Top Safety Pick Plus ); √ Rear camera; √ STANDARD Lexus Safety System 3.0 Plus = Pedestrian & cyclist detection braking; Forward collision avoidance braking; Left turn oncoming traffic warning, braking; Oncoming traffic warning; Lane Departure Warning, Keep Assist, Trace; Full adaptive cruise control w/ variable curve speed reduction, Safe Exit Assist, traffic side warning (no lockout); Automatic High beam LED headlamps

√ Optional: Blind spot & Rear Cross-traffic warning, sonar front & rear park assist; Surround 360° camera w/ fore and aft sonar audible park assist; Digital rear view mirror; Perimeter Scan surround camera check; 10.0" Heads Up Display

• View Outwards: +1 FORE sloping hood, door mount wing mirrors; -1 SIDE looming over shoulder blindspots; +/- REAR: short backlight mitigated by digital rearview mirror.

HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY: Not many SUV's can do flagship total decadence like sedan counterparts as the 2022 Lexus LX 600 explicates. The finish luster, car-like tight seams and  blissfully serene operation with classy control action are no less than in an LS 500.

√ Leather Rows 1, 2 heated & cooled seating; √ 2nd Row dual Executive power reclining, right side near flat airliner seating w/ power front passenger power forward slide + seat back fold ottoman; √ Power 12-way front seats, w/ 3 position memory + driver's remote pax adjust ; √ Heated leather + wood power tilt, telescoping steering wheel with spoke integrated redundant controls; √ 4-Zone automatic climate control √ Keyless entry, push button ignition; √ Full express power windows x 4; √ Power door close assist; √ 2nd & 3rd Row privacy window tint; √ 2nd & 3rd Row manual window sunshades; √ Power moonroof (non- panoramic); √ Body length fixed running boards.

• + 1 Generous steering wheel reach adjustment; Wide center armrest; Generous steering wheel reach adjustment; Adequate seat torso, lumbar support + cushioning

Cool Gizmo(s): √ Multi-Terrain Monitor surround and underbody cameras + obstacle avoidance preview; √ Lexus Interface dual touch LCD displays: upper 12.3" inch infotainment, cameras + bottom 7.0" status, off-road, climate; √ 7.0" inch 3-D gauge cluster MFD; √ 10.0" inch Heads Up Display includes dual function left media / right cruise controls, w/ forward vehicle into lane movement, navigation and road sign recognition display; √ Digital rear view mirror; √ Center console bin driver & passenger mirror lateral open action; Front center armrest bin cold storage box; √ 2nd Row center console storage w/ touch LCD infotainment display

Details Done Right: √ Diamond contrast stitched aniline leather; √ Genuine open pore wood veneers + aluminum accents; √ Contrasting stitched seat & soft panel surfaces; √ Open pore wood door accents; √ Center stack to console contrast saddle padding; √ Tight grained plastic panels; √ Precision rotating control dials; √ Soft close variable speed power windows; √ Cabin pillar & ceiling velour fabric; √ Dense pile carpeting; √ Foot well & door panel 64 color ambient lighting;

Nearly Non-Descript: -1 Simulated matte metallic accents; Cargo bay hard plastic walls

HOW "APP" -LICABLE: √ Lexus Interface center dashtop tablet 12.3" -inch portrait HD LCD capacitive touch infotainment screen; √ Adaptive voice command interaction & Bluetooth hands-free communications; √ GPS Cloud based Navigation w/ real time re-routing, Google POI, OTA updates; √ Lexus Interface wireless device apps = Apple Music, Amazon Music, Amazon Alexa, Doppler weather, Traffic Updates; √ Siri Eyes; √ HDMI x 1; USB-C x 6, 12V x 2; 110 VAC, 100W outlet  (cargo bay);

• Lexus Human Machine Interface infotainment designed to be very voice interactive via "Hey Lexus" wake-up phrase hence more streamlined (vs. previous Lexus Enform UI)
• Driver profiles x 5, personalized operation, comfort convenience & infotainment settings, portable (to other equipped Lexus Interface equipped vehicles)
• Driver digital key card (via wireless device app)
• +/- No more CD player or Lexus Media Display remote mouse or touchpad control
• -1 Infotainment screen exclusive audio switches; Touch screen could benefit from absent haptics feedback;

ULTRA PKG. adds:

• 2nd Row 10.0" inch touch & remote LCD entertainment screens x 2 (attached to Row 1 seat backs)
• 2nd Row center console touch climate + seating + lighting + audio touch LCD control display

HOW AUDIBLY: Brassy wide sound stage, 24 Speaker, 2500 watt, 16-channel DSP Mark Levinson high fidelity streaming audio, HD-Radio

BY SUBSCRIPTION:

By Subscription: √ Sirius XM satellite radio (1 year trial); √ Safety & remote connect (1 year trial); √ AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi (2GB trial); √ Lexus Assistant concierge (1 yr. trial); √ Drive Connect Navigation (3 yrs. trial)

HOW MUCH: $128,030 = 2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury 4x4, as tested.

WHAT'S MISSING: Less accelerator pedal dead spot; Steering wheel shift paddles

ANY COMPETITION: Range Rover Autobiography SWB: +1 Power,  euro streamlined, customization, space, folding 2nd Row seatbacks

FINAL SAY SO: Full recline, massaging flagship ride for off-road venturing execs.

Contributing Editor: G. Straton