Lexus releases LX 450d diesel

Just as we predicted two weeks ago, Lexus has released its first large diesel SUV, the LX 450d.

The good news is that, at $134,500 plus on-road costs, it’s $8660 cheaper than the petrol V8-powered LX 570, which continues on sale at $143,160 plus ORCs.

Even better, the Lexus LX 450d will save owners more money at the bowser with combined fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km – significantly less than the LX 570’s 14.4L/100km.

The upsides continue with the fact the LX 450d shares its diesel particulate filter-equipped, Euro 5 emissions-rated 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 with Toyota’s 200 Series LandCruiser, on which the Lexus LX is based.

That means it delivers the same solid outputs -- 200kW of power at 3600rpm and 650Nm of torque over 1600-2800rpm (the LX 570’s 5.7-litre DOHC petrol V8 offers 270kW/530Nm).

Lexus says that gives the LX 450d a potential driving range of almost 1000km, and its comes with the same 3500kg towing capacity as the LX 570 and the biggest LandCruiser.

“Special attention was paid to achieving user friendliness, with a pressure discharge valve to enhance performance and driveability, and the added responsiveness of low-inertia turbochargers with electric motors,” claims Lexus.

However, unlike the eight-seat LX 570, the LX 450d comes with only five seats, which Lexus says delivers almost 400 litres of cargo volume from the floor to the top of the second-row seats.

Matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, it lacks the eight-speed auto of the LX 570, but the new turbo-diesel model brings a wireless phone charger, cool box and rear-door sunshades. Heated front seats are standard and both rows of seats have leather-accented trim.

Carryover mechanicals include full-time four-wheel drive with crawl control and the latest-generation Lexus Safety System + including Lexus pre-collision system (PCS) with pedestrian detection.

This comprises radar active cruise control, lane departure warning and adaptive high-beam system, and there’s also 10 airbags, head-up display, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Other standard LX 450d equipment includes five-mode drive mode select, variable gear-ratio steering, adaptive variable suspension, easy access and active height control and 20-inch alloy wheels with 285/50R tyres.

The standard kit list continues with tyre-pressure warning, LED headlights, daytime running lamps, sequential turn signals, multi-terrain anti-skid brakes, clearance and back sonar, reversing monitor with 360-degree view and a four-camera multi-terrain monitor with back guide and panoramic view.

Inside, the LX 450d comes with a 12.3-inch high-definition screen, satellite-navigation, four-zone climate control air conditioning with climate concierge function and nanoe technology, a nine-speaker premium audio system with digital sound processing, DAB+ tuner and Bluetooth.

Also standard is a three-spoke steering wheel with leather and shimamoku-woodgrain rim, transmission paddle shifters.

Seven exterior colours and two leather-accented interior colour schemes are available.

Despite the Japanese premium brand’s focus on petrol-electric hybrid powertrains, Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the 450d will lift sales of the LX because turbo-diesel is “the powertrain of choice in the luxury 4WD market”.

"We have had consistent demand for the LX with a turbo-diesel and Lexus has responded by developing an extremely well-specified vehicle that we are able to offer at a remarkable price," said Thompson.

"The turbo-diesel engine is smooth, quiet and powerful and will suit a wide variety of applications."