Lexus’ LandCruiser-based flagship SUV may take a little longer to reach showrooms.
Japanese outlet Creative Trend reports the next-generation Lexus LX has been delayed due to component shortages.
The redesigned LX, based on the new LandCruiser 300 Series, was set to be unveiled in 2021 ahead of sales beginning in 2022.
A dealer training session in Japan is still reportedly scheduled for November, though an official launch could now be pushed to the new year.
The convergence of COVID-19 and semiconductor shortage-related delays in the Southeast Asian plants that produce components for Lexus may be to blame.
Creative Trend reports Lexus may delay the introduction of the LX to ensure there’s enough supply of the LandCruiser 300 Series, while also ensuring existing LX orders are fulfilled.
Lexus has teased the front end of the new LX, though we don’t yet know what the rest of it will look like.
It may continue to use the same basic body as the LandCruiser, though we should expect the latest Lexus design cues like a full-width tail light assembly and the brand name spelled out across the tailgate.
Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
The current LX also features an entirely different C/D-pillar treatment to the LandCruiser 200 Series, with Lexus having moved away from straight rebadges of the LandCruiser as the first two generations had effectively been.
With the 2015 update, Lexus also gave the LX a new interior that brought it closer to the rest of the Lexus range in terms of design and technology. Expect the new LX to be similarly distinguished from the 300 Series.
The LX600 will reportedly be powered by the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 used in the new 300 Series in some markets.
The petrol engine produces 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque.
The 300 Series’ twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 diesel is also expected to be found under the bonnet of LX models wearing LX500d badging.
In the 300 Series, this engine produces 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
The LX range will reportedly be topped by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 hybrid producing upwards of 360kW of power.
It’ll be the first hybrid powertrain ever used in an LX, and is expected to wear LX750h badging.
Pictured: the current Lexus LX
That means every Lexus model line will offer a hybrid option. The only other line to lack one in Australia is the RC, though it’s available with one overseas.
Under the skin, the LX will use the TNGA-F architecture debuted under the 300 Series Toyota LandCruiser, which will also be used by the Tundra pickup truck in North America.
The current LX has already been removed from the Lexus Australia website.
After Toyota Australia dropped the 4.6-litre petrol V8 from the LandCruiser 200 Series in 2019, the Lexus LX was the only way to get a 200 Series-based model with a petrol powertrain.
The LX570 used a more powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine with 270kW and 530Nm, while the LX450d used the 200 Series’ 200kW/650Nm twin-turbo 4.5-litre V8 diesel.
MORE: Everything Lexus LX
