Lexus to launch top-of-the-line LX 570 in Japan

Lexus is to start sales of the refreshed LX 570, its flagship model in its SUV line-up, across Japan from September 14.

The LX was first launched in 1996 in North America as the Lexus brand's first SUV. Since then, sales have grown there, while also expanding primarily to the Middle East and Russia. The new LX boasts advances in both design and driving performance, and will be sold in Japan with three rows of seats.

The LX is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine that develops 384bhp and 55.68kgm of torque, now mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox in place of the older six-speed automatic unit. A new driving mode called Customise Mode ― a Lexus first ― helps the LX achieve extremely stable and adaptive performance both on and off the road.

The refreshed SUV gets tweaks inside and out, added features and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The revisions to the styling include a new single-piece spindle grille with chrome surround, revised front and rear bumpers, LED headlamps, reshaped LED fog lamps, new alloy wheels and new tail-lamps.

On the inside, the infotainment system has been upgraded to a 12.3-inch display. The instrument cluster now uses a larger 4.2-inch display and gets a panoramic view camera as standard. The facelifted LX570 also gets the addition of Drive Mode Select and the option of a heads-up display, LED ambient lighting, a wireless charger and a 11.6-inch display for the rear-seat entertainment system. Also offered as option now are heated and ventilated rear seats.

On the safety front, the LX is fitted with the Lexus Safety System + package which, as part of a multi-faceted approach to active safety, combines millimetre-wave radar with a camera to achieve high reliability and performance. This is the first time that Lexus Safety System + has been installed in a vehicle sold in Japan.

The new LX 570 is priced at 11 million yen (Rs 57.20 lakh). Lexus has targeted monthly sales of 50 units of the LX 570 for Japan. The assembly facility is the Yoshiwara Plant of Toyota Auto Body Co Ltd.