Should we be doing THIS in the 2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury??

We take the 2023 LX 600 Ultra Luxury where the going gets tough.

You can still get a Land Cruiser 300 in the US but only in the form of the Lexus LX 600, a luxury vehicle that no one really needs but it’s really easy to want one. I have the Ultra Luxury version today which boasts more comfort and fewer seats than any Lexus SUV ever has.  

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:28 Trims
0:44 Exterior and Mechanicals
1:18 Cargo Space
1:57 Under The Hood
2:23 Wheels and Tires
2:39 Pricing
2:48 Rear Seat
4:30 Interior And Tech
7:14 Driving
10:22 Off -Road
17:36 Verdict

There are five models to choose from, a base model, a volume-selling Premium grade, a first-ever LX F Sport trim, a luxury grade, and this range-topping Ultra Luxury trim that will surely attract well-heeled buyers who prefer to sit in the right-rear seat. Oh, you'll need a chauffeur for that.

My tester was the 2023 LX 600 Ultra Luxury in Atomic Silver and Sunflare semi-aniline leather and Takanoha Wood trim, and no options checked because this trim has all that you will ever need.

Old-fashioned good looks

You certainly can’t miss the LX 600 from your rear-view mirror, the spindle grille is massive, in fact, it's the closest shave ever.   The LX has a body-on-frame construction, using the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) and the wheelbase is the same as before at 112.2 inches, but the front and rear tracks are an inch wider. You get control arms up front and a live axle in the back. Only the F Sport has a rear anti-roll bar. It does get four-corner air suspension with adaptive dampers,

The LX 600 has a tall narrow stance, giving it a rugged, ready-for-a-trail attitude and the overall design is much more cohesive than its predecessor.

Under the hood

Under the hood is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, making 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Lexus pairs that engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive, with a Torsen limited-slip center differential which you can lock. 0-60 takes 6.1 seconds and 22 mpg on the highway.

Off Road Stuff 

The LX 600 has a full-time 4-wheel drive system so you can drive it all the time in 4 WD.  The Lexus also has MTS or Multi-Terrain Select with different options depending on whether you are in 4 LO or 4 HI. In 4 HI you get Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow. In 4LO you have Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Rock.

If you want to use the DAC Crawl control feature, you need to be in 4LO and Drive. Once Crawl-Control is on you can adjust the speed using the MTS dial and you get access to Turn Control which brakes the rear inside tire to give you a tighter turn.

You also have the option to lock the center diff and turn off traction if needed. Another button in the center console allows you to raise and lower the suspension.  The LX 600 has a 27.4° approach angle, a  28° break-over angle, and a 26.3° departure angle.

2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury Numbers

BASE PRICE:  $127,905
PRICE AS TESTED:  $129,250
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6
POWER: 409 hp @ 5,200 rpm
TORQUE: 479 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION:  10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
0-60 MPH:  6.1 seconds
CURB WEIGHT: 5,600 lb
GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.3 inches (Up to 11.9 inches)
CARGO VOLUME: 41ft to 71 ft³ with seat area (except Ultra Luxury)
FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 19/17/22 mpg
OUR OBSERVED: 14.8 mpg
PROS: Silky smooth twin-turbo,  rules the off-road world, nicely upgraded interior
CONS: Expensive in Ultra Luxury trim , no wireless charger in the front