The interior
We would have liked to test a base model or another version as well, but alas, our model had the VIP Executive Package which essentially focuses on the comfort of the two rear passengers. So, everything is thought out for their well-being. Comfort is on the level of a first-class airplane seat, and the passenger-side seat can be recline so that the VIP sitting there can stretch out his or her feet. They are also adjustable in almost every direction and massage almost every part of your body that comes in contact with the seat.
It’s not all glorious, however. There is a serious lack of room in the back, and legroom, given the size of the vehicle, is not that great. We also found that the two seats are installed quite high up in the cabin, not to mention the fact that it is still possible to increase their height by using the 7-inch control panel located in the middle of the two seats. This makes for a high seating position.
The other negative point is the trunk space, which is only 41 cu ft (1,161 litres) compared to 71 (2010 litres) in the base version.
Up front, however, comfort is king for the driver and passenger. The leather is extremely soft and the seats are very comfortable. The driver's seat is adjustable in 14 positions while the passenger's seat is adjustable in 12 positions. The only thing missing is the massage function in the front.
The ride
This new LX is comfortable. No one will doubt they are in a Lexus. The new engine is extremely smooth and quiet. Our cruise ship for the week was majestic during the drive from Miami to Naples. The smoothness and liveliness of the engine quickly made us forget the size and weight of the vehicle. We felt like we were floating above the road, thanks to the air suspension that does everything it can to absorb any imperfections in the asphalt.
Selecting Sport mode immediately firms up the suspension and you're left with a much more responsive vehicle without being noisy or distracting to passengers.
In the city, it also does very well. It takes a little longer to get used to the large dimensions, but no matter what mode you choose, if you need power, the engine will respond.
The LX 600 is also very quiet. Having driven both the Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade in Canada, we found that the former emits a sound from the body and wheels on the open road and the latter reminded us of the presence of the V8 even at highway speeds.
The last word
We had the good fortune - or bad luck - to be provided with an ultra-luxury version that is essentially aimed at the elite. Our teenagers thought they were kings of the world the entire time. They had control of the radio and a/c, could adjust their seats in almost any direction and annoy whichever parent was sitting in the front passenger seat that they could also control from their rear seats.
Which confirms only that this particular ultra-luxury version is not really meant for families. Nonetheless, we must admit that Lexus has done a remarkable job with this new LX600. Despite its size and weight, it is very easy to drive. The rear seats were VIP-lounge worthy, while the front seats were very comfortable.
The presence of a V6 instead of the old V8 makes the vehicle more pleasant to drive while reducing its fuel consumption.
In short, this updated new LX 600 is a welcome addition to the Lexus lineup and certainly the entry-level versions will attract families who need a big vehicle to haul kids, dogs, boats and trailers without skimping on luxury.
We like
Engine
Comfort
Driving pleasure
Technology
We like less
Price of the VIP Executive Version
Space on board
Trunk space in the VIP Executive version
The competition
Infiniti QX80
Cadillac Escalade
Lincoln Navigator
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Mercedes-Benz GLS
BMW X7