A Brief Look at the Lexus LX
The History and Evolution of the Lexus LX
The Lexus brand was founded in 1989 and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality luxury cars that competed with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The first Lexus SUV, the LX 450, was introduced in 1996. Since then, the LX has undergone several generations of changes to become the full-size luxury SUV that it is today. This article will take a closer look at the history and evolution of this iconic vehicle.
The First Generation of the Lexus LX (1996-1997)
The first generation of the Lexus LX was introduced in 1996 as a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser. It had a 4.5-liter, 212 horsepower engine, and four-wheel drive. It was also equipped with leather seats, wood trim, and a sunroof. In 1997, the LX received a minor facelift that included a new front grille, revised tail lights, and a standard rear spoiler. This first generation of the LX was only produced for two years before undergoing significant changes.
The Second Generation of the Lexus LX (1998-2007)
The second generation of the Lexus LX was introduced in 1998 with a completely new design that featured a more rounded body and a more luxurious interior. It was still based on the Toyota Land Cruiser platform but was now equipped with a more powerful 4.7-liter, 230 horsepower engine. The LX 470, as it was now called, was also equipped with an advanced four-wheel-drive system and a new Active Height Control suspension that automatically adjusted the ride height based on driving conditions. In 2003, the LX 470 received a facelift that included a new front grille, revised headlights, and a new set of wheels. This second generation of the LX remained in production until 2007.
The Third Generation of the Lexus LX (2008-2015)
The third generation of the Lexus LX was introduced in 2008 with a completely new design that featured a more aggressive front fascia and a more modern interior. It was now based on the Toyota Tundra pickup truck platform and was equipped with a more powerful 5.7-liter, 383 horsepower V8 engine. It also introduced a new six-speed automatic transmission and a new four-wheel-drive system with a low range transfer case. The LX 570, as it was now called, was also equipped with a new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that automatically adjusted the suspension based on driving conditions. In 2013, the LX 570 received a facelift that included a new front grille, revised headlights, and a restyled rear bumper. This third generation of the LX remained in production until 2015.
The Fourth Generation of the Lexus LX (2016-2021)
The fourth generation of the Lexus LX was introduced in 2016 with a more muscular design and an even more luxurious interior. It was still based on the Toyota Tundra platform but was now equipped with an even more powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that produced 383 horsepower. It also introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a new Drive Mode Select system that allowed drivers to customize the driving experience. The LX 570 also received several new safety features, including a blind-spot monitoring system and a rear cross-traffic alert system. In 2020, the LX 570 received a facelift that included a new front fascia, revised taillights, and new 21-inch wheels. This fourth generation of the LX remained in production until 2021.
The Fifth Generation of the Lexus LX (2022-present)
The fifth generation of the Lexus LX was introduced in 2021 as a completely new design with even more advanced features and technology. It is now based on the Toyota Land Cruiser platform and is equipped with an even more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 409 horsepower. It also introduces a new 10-speed automatic transmission and a new Multi-Terrain Monitor system that provides the driver with a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings. The LX 600, as it is now called, also received several new safety features, including a new Digital Outer Mirror system that uses cameras instead of traditional mirrors. This fifth generation of the LX is currently in production and represents the latest and greatest version of this iconic luxury SUV.
The Lexus LX has undergone several generations of changes over the years, resulting in a full-size luxury SUV that is both powerful and elegant. Each generation has introduced new features and technology, making the LX one of the most advanced vehicles on the road today. As the fifth generation of this iconic vehicle continues to evolve, we can only imagine what the future holds for the Lexus brand.