This week we are taking a look at the 2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury Edition, the flagship SUV of the Lexus lineup. This is the top-of-the-line LX trim and although large, it only seats four people, but they’ll go wherever they are going in style.
Exterior
The appearance of the LX from the outside has the Lexus massive front grill, and sleek LED headlights and taillights.
It has very attractive 22” alloy wheels, nice body lines, a unique hood shape, and a spoiler in the rear.
Powertrain
Under the hood, all LX models come with a 3.5-liter V6 that has twin-turbos, and a 10-speed automatic with shift paddles, and all are 4-wheel drive. It is generating 409-horses and 479-pound feet of torque that really gets this 5,600-pound SUV moving. This is the same engine offered in the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia.
Interior
As you open the door to reveal the cabin, you see an incredible luxury interior. The front seats are power, heated and ventilated, just slighly bolstered, and incredibly comfortable.
Hit the huge start button high on the dash and a configurable gauge cluster comes to life. A large, round tachometer is the center piece and a digital speedometer sits inside the circle. You can also get your speed by looking up at the terrific head-up display with sign recognition.
Another great feature is the 12.3” Infotainment touchscreen. Gone is the irritating trackpad that most hated. This screen operates the sound system, navigation, Bluetooth, vehicle settings, apps, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and this is where you see the impressive 360-degree camera system. The touchscreen works well, it is quick, and there is a very short learning curve.
Under that screen is a smaller 7” screen that monitors the LX when off-road and offers up all sorts of information. Combined with the front view camera just above, you are sure to be safe when off the pavement.
Below that screen are the climate controls, off-road buttons, and two large knobs for the drive modes and to lock in 4-wheel high or 4-wheel low mode. Drive modes include Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport Plus, and Custom. Yes, Sport Plus is my favorite.
The center console has a row of buttons for the emergency brake, auto hold, traction control, and you can raise or lower the Lexus thanks to the optional Active Height Control system. In the center is a wireless cell phone charger, the gear shifter, a couple of cup holders, USB and USC ports, switches for the heated and cooled seats, and the heated steering wheel.
The center glove box opens from both front seats and the back seat, and inside is a drink cooler that works better than any I’ve seen. You can actually feel the cold air blowing in there.
The back seat is where the Ultra Luxury package differs from other LX models. There is a huge center console with controls for the audio, heated and cooled features, massages, and the passenger side occupant can move the front seat forward all the way to the dash and magically make a footrest appear.
The rear seat entertainment system is designed for the rear passengers to enjoy audio and DVD video separately from the front audio system through two large screens attached to the front headrests. Wireless headphones come with the system.
Utility
Since there is no third-row seat, there is a ton of cargo area, with a power outlet in the rear, and a little bit of storage underneath.
Standard Equipment
The Lexus comes well equipped with power tailgate, a power moonroof-not a panoramic roof-ambient lighting, and a lot more.
Safety-wise, you get blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering intervention, parking assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Ride and Drive
The LX Ultra Luxury is an incredible luxury SUV if you don’t need that 3rd row. In Comfort mode, you get soft cushy ride, but it has a sporty side in Sport Plus mode. It is super quiet inside, acceleration is very good, and you just tell it is solidly built. It is also capable of towing 8,000 pounds.
MPG and What You'll Pay
Fuel economy is rated at 17 city and 22 highway. Everything you see here is standard on the Ultra Lux including the Mark Levinson sound system with 25 speakers. MSRP is $129,250.
Verdict
This LX 600 Ultra Luxury is an exceptional luxury SUV, but don’t let the looks fool you. It is also an incredibly capable, truck-based SUV that will take you anywhere off-road you want to go. The lack of a 3rd-row seat will eliminate a lot of buyers, but if you don’t need one it is a very comfortable, large SUV.
- What I liked most: The interior, the ride and drive, overall quality.
- What I would change: Would like to see a panoramic moonroof.
- MSRP: $127,905 base price/as equipped: $129,250 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 17 city/22 Highway/17 Combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 600 miles.
- Weight: 5,864 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 200.2” long/78” wide/75” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.14 gallons with fuel filler on the passenger side
- Official Color: Atomic Silver.
- Towing Capacity: 8,000 pounds.
- 2023 LX 600 in a few words: Fantastic SUV, most will want the F-Sport to get a 3rd row seat, but if you don’t need that, it is super comfortable.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain.
- Final Assembly Location: Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: www.LEXUS.com
Photo Credit: Lexus.
