Hard-core Lexus LX 600 Offroad uncovered

If you thought the lavish leather seats and plush suspension fitted to the all-new 2022 Lexus LX would dilute the off-road aptitude bequeathed by its Toyota LandCruiser donor vehicle, think again.

A hard-core, mud-slinging version of the Japanese premium brand’s range-topping luxury SUV has just emerged in the form of the Lexus LX 600 Offroad.

Based on the new-generation 2022 Lexus LX 600, which is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 (305kW/650Nm) affording plenty of muscle, the ‘Offroad’ Lexus LX is officially a concept put together by Japanese tuner Jaos and will be shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon later this week.

Fitted with 20-inch Enkei titanium gold wheels shod with Toyo all-terrain tyres, the Lexus LX 600 Offroad also gains mud flaps and wheel-arch extensions, the latter made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.

Minor visual changes can be seen too, including restyled and blacked-out front and rear bumpers, along with added underbody protection thanks to front and rear bash plates.

It’s not yet clear if the concept has an improved wading depth over the regular Lexus LX models’ 700mm, or if the Multi-Terrain Select system gets extra off-road modes beyond Dirt, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock.

There is an ‘off-road’ version of the Lexus LX on the cards direct from the factory, fitted with 18-inch wheels and tyres and nabbing three locking diffs.

However, it’s only been confirmed for Japan at this stage.

When the new-generation Lexus LX arrives in Australia later this year, it will be pitched as a premium version of its rugged cousin, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, and is expected to carry a price tag of around $200,000.

Lexus could offer both the 305kW petrol and 227kW diesel powertrains here, the latter the sole the engine choice in the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series on which the new Lexus LX is based.

All models hook up to a 10-speed automatic transmission and offer three seat rows for up to eight passengers.

At the other end of the spectrum, Toyota’s in-house tuning group Modellista has also unveiled a sporty on-road body kit package for the Lexus LX.

The Modellista kit massages the current design via lower and wider front and rear bumpers.

The updates to the front and rear are linked by new stainless-steel side steps, while unique 22-inch forged alloy wheels are also part of the LX accessory package.

Modellista has not detailed any interior upgrades, and like the Offroad concept there’s no mechanical or chassis tweaks on offer either.

While Toyota has already launched a range of accessories – mostly practical – for the new LandCruiser 300 Series, expect to see plenty of LX-specific extras on offer for the Japanese Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover rival when it arrives in Australia later this year.

Related: New Lexus LX revealed