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Lexus LX500d 2026 Review

Introduction: The Lexus LX Philosophy

The Lexus LX has always stood apart in the luxury SUV space. While many flagship SUVs prioritise on-road performance and badge appeal, the Lexus LX 500d stays true to its roots-delivering authentic “go-anywhere” capability wrapped in Japanese Omotenashi hospitality. For Indian buyers who demand a vehicle that can conquer the Himalayas without compromising on limousine-like comfort, the LX 500d represents Lexus at its purest.

Now in its latest generation (built on the rigid GA-F platform), the 2025 LX has been re-engineered to meet modern expectations while introducing a key choice for buyers: the sophisticated Urban variant and the rugged, adventure-ready Overtrail edition.

Design & Road Presence: Commanding Without Excess

The Lexus LX 500d is imposing, yet elegant. It eschews the aggression of some European rivals for a timeless, dignified presence.

  • The Urban Variant: Features a massive frameless spindle grille with silver accents and sits on stunning 22-inch alloy wheels, designed for maximum street appeal.
  • The Overtrail Variant: Dials up the toughness with a blacked-out grille, matte grey accents, and smaller 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres-prioritising function and off-road durability.

With dimensions of 5,100 mm in length and 1,990 mm in width, combined with a tall, upright stance, the LX clearly signals its flagship status on Indian roads.

Engine & Performance: Built for Torque, Not Drama

At the heart of the Lexus LX 500d lies an engineering marvel: the 3.3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo Diesel engine. This unit replaces the old V8 but outperforms it in nearly every metric. It is developed for effortless towing, highway cruising, and low-speed crawling.

Key Powertrain Specifications

Specification Lexus LX 500d (2026)
Engine 3.3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo Diesel (F33A-FTV)
Max Power 304 bhp (227 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque 700 Nm @ 1,600–2,600 rpm
Transmission 10-Speed Direct Shift Automatic
Drivetrain Full-time 4WD with Multi-Terrain Select
0-100 km/h Approx. 8.0 seconds

 

The standout feature is the 700 Nm of torque available from as low as 1,600 rpm. This ensures linear, surge-free acceleration, making it ideal for overtaking on Indian highways or crawling up steep inclines. The 10-speed automatic gearbox is practically invisible in its operation, keeping the engine in its sweet spot at all times.

Ride Quality & Driving Comfort

The LX 500d is underpinned by a chassis that is 200 kg lighter yet significantly stiffer than its predecessor. Lexus pairs this robust frame with advanced suspension tech to smooth out imperfect roads:

  • Active Height Control (AHC): Automatically adjusts vehicle height for aerodynamics on highways or clearance off-road.
  • Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS): Constantly adjusts damping rates to absorb potholes and undulations.

Whether you are in the driver’s seat or being chauffeured in the rear, the LX feels composed and fatigue-free, isolating occupants from the chaos outside.

Interior & Cabin Experience: Omotenashi at Its Finest

Step inside, and the focus on craftsmanship is immediately apparent. The cabin follows Lexus’ Tazuna cockpit philosophy, designed to place all controls within easy reach of the driver.

Interior Highlights:

  • Seating: Premium leather upholstery with new air bladder-based massage functions for front occupants.
  • Displays: A unique dual-screen setup-a 12.3-inch upper screen for navigation/media and a 7-inch lower screen for climate and vehicle data.
  • Audio: A reference-grade Mark Levinson 25-speaker 3D Surround Sound System (standard on high trims).
  • Rear Comfort: Dual 11.6-inch entertainment screens, heated and ventilated rear seats, and independent climate zones create a First Class experience.

Safety: Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

Safety is a major strength of the 2025 LX 500d. It comes equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (ADAS Level 2), which includes:

  • Pre-Collision System (PCS)
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (All-Speed)
  • Lane Tracing Assist & Lane Departure Alert
  • BladeScan™ Adaptive High-Beam System
  • 10 Airbags (Standard across all variants)

These systems work subtly in the background, offering reassurance on chaotic city streets and open highways alike.

Off-Road Capability: A True Land Cruiser at Heart

Unlike many “soft-road” luxury SUVs, the LX 500d shares its DNA with the legendary Land Cruiser 300. It is built to survive the harshest environments.

Off-Road Tech:

  • Multi-Terrain Select (MTS): Optimises brakes and throttle for Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, or Rock.
  • Crawl Control: Effectively an “off-road cruise control” for tricky terrain.
  • Underfloor View: Cameras that let you “see through” the bonnet to avoid rocks and obstacles.

The “Overtrail” Advantage:

If you choose the Overtrail variant, you gain Front and Rear Differential Locks (in addition to the standard Center Lock), significantly enhancing traction in extreme conditions like deep mud or rock crawling.

Verdict: Who Should Buy the Lexus LX 500d?

The Lexus LX 500d 2025 is not about flashy gadgets or 0-100 sprint times. It appeals to a specific type of buyer who values:

  1. Supreme Durability: A car built to last 20+ years.
  2. Diesel Torque: The preference for the range and pulling power of a diesel V6.
  3. Understated Luxury: High-quality materials without the “shouty” design of some rivals.

If you are looking for a flagship luxury SUV that can handle Indian roads, remote farmhouses, and 5-star hotel porches with equal ease-while offering the peace of mind of Lexus reliability-the LX 500d is unrivaled.

Ex-Showroom Price (Approx): ₹ 3.00 Cr – ₹ 3.15 Cr (depending on Urban vs Overtrail variant).

Ready to experience the flagship?

For personalised buying assistance, availability insights on the new Overtrail edition, or to explore ownership options, connect with the Motozite team to find the right luxury SUV that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Dev Raj Singh

Dev is a storyteller fueled by a lifelong passion for luxury automobiles, turning high-performance engineering and design into narratives that resonate with enthusiasts and first-time readers alike. As one of the voices behind Motozite’s most compelling blogs, he blends his love for cars with a sharp sales instinct and a data-driven approach to research-transforming numbers, trends, and market insights into engaging, easy-to-grasp content. Whether he’s decoding the technology behind a flagship sedan or analyzing buyer behavior, Dev’s work is rooted in clarity, curiosity, and a drive to help readers understand the luxury automotive world from the inside out.