autoX Awards 2023: Lexus LX Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2023: Before the advent of modern monocoque SUVs, the world of SUVs was characterised by big, burly machines with four-wheel drive, a ladder frame, and usually a big torquey engine. Of course, they were primarily meant to be driven in areas marked by a conspicuous lack of roads, and their on-road manners or high-speed performance were secondary considerations. While consumer preferences have changed, there still exists a market for vehicles that offer the robust capabilities of those SUVs from the past, along with the best in terms of luxury and reliability. The LX 500d caters precisely to this demand. Underneath its imposing appearance, the LX is essentially a Landcruiser, but a heavily upgraded one, aligning with Lexus’s stringent standards and catering to a very distinct clientele.

One look at the LX is enough to tell you that it is not for the fainthearted – yes, it’s that imposing! Its massive size, emphasized by that big grille upfront, ensures an unparalleled road presence. While I wouldn’t classify it as conventionally beautiful, it does have a purposeful design, which exudes a sense of dominance, giving it an aura of the ‘king of the road’.

Inside, the LX gets acres of space and very comfortable and exquisitely-finished seats. The large multimedia display dominates the dashboard, complemented by a second screen that provides comprehensive information about the car’s operations. The inclusion of physical buttons – thank heavens for that –  for HVAC controls and other functions adds a practical touch to its lavish ambience. Speaking of practicality, the Lexus LX’s massive interior is well-suited for long road trips.

However, given its ladder frame and big size, the LX struggled a bit during the track test. Sure, the 700Nm of torque gives it a lot of grunt and reasonably quick acceleration, but its really heavy weight compromises its dynamic performance, especially during sudden direction changes or aggressive manoeuvres.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2023: Lexus RX Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

On the road, the LX maintains terrific stability and allows for seamless cruising at high speeds all day long; however, on our roads, you have to exercise a bit of caution regarding its huge size. While the LX scored highly in terms of desirability, quality, and space, it didn’t do quite well in terms of value-for-money, given its steep price of `2.82 crores. Although the LX offers you the ability to go anywhere in unparalleled luxury, its high price compromised its overall standing on the score chart, but fact of the matter is, it is certainly an SUV that appeals to the heart, and I, for one, would love to own one.

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