2022 Lexus LX with V6 Hybrid to up the ante on German rivals

Undoubtedly one of Lexus’s big-ticket launches for the year is the 2022 Lexus LX, the luxury segment cousin of the new Land Cruiser (LC300). With the donor model out and in showrooms now, all eyes are on next-gen Lexus LX. Here’s everything we know about the 2022 LX so far:

Strategy

The new Lexus LX will be one of more than ten new or improved electrified cars from the brand by 2025; Lexus has already confirmed two new launches for 2021, and these could be the LX and the new NX.

In March, Lexus announced it will roll out 20 new or improved models by 2025, and 10 of these would be electrified. From BEVs (including a production version of the Lexus LF-Z Electrified electric SUV coupe concept) to conventional hybrids like the new LX, the brand wants to compete with its German and American counterparts who have dedicated EV brands (Audi’s e-tron, Merc’s EQ, and BMW’s i division) already.

2022 Lexus LX Design

Lexus teased the 2022 LX at the world premiere of the 2022 NX on 11 June 2021. Pointing at a thinly-veiled future model behind him (set as the story’s featured image), most likely the next-gen Lexus LX, Lexus Global Brand Management General Manager Hiroo Togashi said: “We have another product reveal coming later this year.” However, only a portion of the grille and the LED DRL of the covered future model were visible, and they looked an awful lot similar to those of the current-gen LX.

2022 Lexus LX front headlamp teaser
The design of the 2022 Lexus LX should see an evolutionary approach over the current model. Image: Youtube/Lexus

According to a report on Japan’s Best Car Magazine, the 2022 LX will stand out from the Land Cruiser it is based on; one of the design aspects will be the Lexus spindle grille which is getting sharper in design on its new models like the 2021 Lexus LC 500. Another current Lexus design trend is the faux vertical grilles on the front bumper.

To address current customers’ feedback that the LX isn’t too different visually from the Land Cruiser, Lexus designers would give the SUV a unique bonnet and outer panels after the C-Pillar. Lexus will also kit up the interior of the 2022 LX to differentiate it from its less expensive Toyota sibling. Compared to its predecessor, the Toyota LC300 is expected to be slightly longer and taller, and Lexus could use this added space for upping the luxury for rear-seat passengers.

Features

On the feature front, the 2022 LX will see adaptive LED headlights, gesture control for the powered tailgate, electric sunroof with remote control function, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and front and rear sequential turn indicators.

Inside, Lexus could offer the new LX in 5- and 7-seat versions. The former targets the elite customers who would appreciate features like electric adjustment, ventilated and heated seats, massage function, and even a chilled compartment to park their drinks.

The flagship Lexus SUV is expected to offer the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (available on the 2021 Lexus IS) as standard fitment. The clunky central infotainment system should make way for a modern, high contrast touchscreen display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The current LX does not offer even basic CarPlay or Android Auto, a significant omission on a USD 100,000 SUV.

Theft is a concern for LX owners currently, and so Lexus may look at tightening up security with biometric authentication. A fingerprint scanner is becoming a common feature in luxury cars today, and it wouldn’t surprise us if the 2022 LX comes with one.

2022 Lexus LX Specifications

The 2022 LX will naturally share its platform with the 2022 Land Cruiser, which gets a new TNGA-F truck platform, a ladder frame chassis that has helped shave off 200 kg.

2021 Lexus LX interior
The current Lexus LX (image) loses out on connected car tech which is unacceptable in a USD 100,000 product. Image: Lexus

For the first time, Lexus will offer the LX as a hybrid electric vehicle. Reports state that the Land Cruiser 300 will get a single-motor hybrid system instead of the THS II (Toyota Hybrid System II), which features a dual-motor setup. The current 3.5-liter twin-turbo coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission is what is expected in this variant. This single motor hybrid setup is preferred probably to not add more weight to what is already a 6,000 lb (2,720 kg) SUV.

There are various rumors about the LX variant line-up, including LX 600, LX 600h, LX 500d, and LX 750h. The LX 750h, Creative311 said, would use an electrified 3.5L engine with the maximum power and maximum torque at 480 hp and 871 Nm, respectively. The Lexus LX Hybrid variant may not be part of the launch lineup and may follow during the first update. More details should emerge in the coming months on what Lexus has in store for hybrid customers.

How about a sporty ‘S’ variant?

Lexus Australia has launched an LX 570 S variant for the MY2021. It features a glossy, redesigned spindle grille, two-tone 21-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, and an option to specify the interior in a rich burgundy color called ‘Garnet.’ The introduction of the 570 S on the outgoing model could be a way to kill two birds with one stone: Firstly, exhaust the inventory and maintain enthusiasm in the product till the new model arrives, and secondly, gauge customer reaction to assess the potential of a sporty variant for the next-gen LX.

2021 Lexus LX 570 S badge
The electrified LX could get the nameplate Lexus LX 600h. The ‘S’ variant on the current LX that builds on visual elements could apply to the incoming generation. Image: Lexus

Rivals Mercedes, Audi, and BMW offer sporty editions of their SUVs, with and without performance upgrades, and Lexus would certainly want to cash in on this segment of the buyer with the ‘S’ version.

Release Date

While Lexus has almost confirmed that a year-end reveal for the 2022 LX reveal, Japanese media speculates October as the more specific timeline. Expect sales to begin in early 2022, with the U.S. launch by mid-2022.

2022 Lexus LX FAQs

What is the release date of the 2022 Lexus LX?

The new LX is reported to debut in October this year, and USA sales should start by mid-2022. The LX Hybrid is expected to follow.

What will be the price of the 2022 Lexus LX Hybrid?

The LX Hybrid is expected to start north of USD 95,000.

Which are the rivals to the Lexus LX Hybrid?

A close rival to the LX Hybrid would be the Mercedes GLS which gets EQ Boost (mild hybrid) as standard in the USA.

Featured image: Lexus/Youtube