Lexus LX450 diesel finally confirmed for Australia

Luxury off-road SUV fans rejoice: Lexus is finally bringing a diesel version of its LandCruiser-based LX570 to market.

An insider close to negotiations has confirmed to motoring.com.au the new variant will be released to market in the coming months. It is expected to be called the Lexus LX450, and will employ a 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 like that used in the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series.

Until now, the flagship Lexus has been available solely with a 5.7-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8. That’s despite the best efforts of Australian Lexus stakeholders, who have lobbied for an oil-burning alternative for some years but have fought a company-imposed stipulation on petrol and hybrid drivetrains only.

ADR documents reveal the LX450 has been approved for Australian roads since October 2015 – coincidentally, around the same time Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal first emerged.

After some deliberation, Lexus has now approved the LX450 for Australian showrooms, ensuring it is refined and quiet enough to uphold the marque's reputation.

The LX450 will no doubt answer the calls of Lexus stakeholders – and those of well-heeled off-road fans in general – thanks to the combination of a 200kW/650Nm power and torque rating, 3.5-tonne towing capacity and, crucially, a combined fuel consumption rating close to 9.5L/100km.

The caveat is that unlike the thirstier LX570, the LX450 is only expected to be offered in five-seat form, and will likely lose some of the flagship’s equipment.

The revisions will coincide with a much cheaper entry price than the LX570, which currently starts at $143,160 (plus on-road costs).

Lexus Australia declined to comment.