Exterior
Design and Features of Lexus LX 450d SUV
Like the other Lexus cars, this
one too has the signature Spindle grille, the L Shaped LED 3 eye projector-type
headlamps and rear combination lamps.
Not to miss are the LED Daytime Running Lights, LED turn signals and LED
front fog lamps. This vehicle does not have a huge panoramic sunroof, rather an
electric tilt and a slide glass moon roof with sun shade. For the side steps,
the Lexus LX 450d comes with LED illumination that shines from the bottom of
the door mirrors. Smooth aluminum roof rails add to the butch looks of this
beast. The shape is not much to talk about, except that it is imposing. Surface
emitting LEDs are set high on the back door. Easy to grip door handles come
with sensors. With the electronic key in your pocket you can simply touch the
door handle to lock it and a hand behind the door handle unlocks the vehicle
automatically. The vehicle sits on 18 inch wheels and all five tyres (including
the spare tyre) are of the same size.
Interior
Design and Features of Lexus LX 450d SUV
It’s
the inside of this vehicle which is much grander than the outside in terms of
what it has to offer. It is like an electronic shopping mall with the car
offering you a choice for every kind of drive you want to experience and terrain
to tackle. Luxury is at its best inside with a combination of fine leather,
rich wood trim, and ornamentation and deep piano black finish. Silky white
light LED lighting greets you once you are in with ambient illumination
integrated in the doors. The perforated leather seats offer a lot of comfort.
The car comes with a Climate Concierge that allows one to customise one’s own
individual temperature and comfort. Mark Levinson audio system is at your service
along with its 19 speakers. The rear seat comes with its own entertainment
system with independent 11.6 inch display screen. It’s simply as good as your
home theatre you are so used to. For the driver there is the colour head up
display and the Lexus remote touch interface with multimedia coordination
function.
There
is a 12.3 inches electro multi vision display in the centre of the instrument
panel and a 4.2 inches colour TFT multi information display in the meters. The
audio system information, incoming mobile calls on the EMV display can also be
displayed on the multi information display and can be controlled using switches
on the steering wheel. Then there are the large analog optitron tachometer and
speedometer.
The
LX 450d comes with a cool box in the centre console, a wireless charger for
your smart phone, a smart analog clock which is different from the ones in the
hybrid cars, USB ports and mini-jack power outlets and of course the overheard
console lap switches.
Performance
of Lexus LX 450d SUV
Even before you step into the car
and simply extend a hand behind a door handle, the beast welcomes you with LED
foot area illumination and unlocks the doors. There is no end to driving
related permutations and combinations you can do in this vehicle with the
electronic controlled functions it offers.
The centre console is where all
the action is when one has to drive on different terrains. It has all the
driving related switches which include the drive mode select (Normal, Eco,
Comfort, Sport S and Sport S+), Crawl control and Variable Flow Control.
Multi-terrain offers conditions like Mud & Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul, Rock
& Dirt or Rock. More tricky terrains that require smarter off-roading
capabilities to tackle boulders and ruts, a 5-speed crawl control function is
available. This function is complemented by Turn Assist which assists making
lighter turn in limited space. Variable Flow Control of VFC is an advanced
evolution of power steering that enhances steering precision at low speeds.
Besides all this there is also Active Height Control which adjusts the vehicle
height automatically in various situations. For those who want more fun while
driving there are paddle shifts too.
The LX 450d is powered by a 4.5
litre, 8 cylinder, V-type diesel engine which belts out 261.5bhp at 3400rpm and
turns 650Nm of torque from 1600 to 2600rpm. Once again, in the limited terrain
and limited time experience with this vehicle I was not able to put the beast
to a real test. All I could gauge was that the vehicle was rock solid with
massive torque on demand, extremely stable even on very uneven paths and had a
very insulated cabin.
Verdict
The Lexus LX 450d is massive in
its girth. But this big sized vehicle offers loads of space, comfort and luxury
and with the kind of electronics thrown in, this flagship SUV from Lexus offers
a plethora of drive related functions that can enable the vehicle to take on almost
any challenging terrain. In terms of entertainment and comfort, it is right to
say that travel is distinctly top notch in this vehicle.