2022 Lexus LX: Petrol and diesel power in line for Australia – UPDATE

UPDATE, 7 December 2021, 1:30pm: New details of the 2022 Lexus LX range have surfaced in the government documents, related to seating capacities and the F Sport trim. We've added these into the original story below.

7 December 2021, 10:15am: The 2022 Lexus LX range appears set to include both LX500d diesel and LX600 petrol power upon its Australian launch next year, government documents indicate.

Australian Design Rules approval documents seen by Drive confirm Lexus has certified the diesel-powered LX500d as part of its new-generation LX luxury SUV range; the same 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged diesel V6 as its Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series sibling, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

While Lexus Australia is yet to officially lock the LX600 petrol variant in for local showrooms, it has confirmed a four-seat 'VIP' seating layout will be available Down Under – a configuration only available globally with the petrol engine, effectively confirming it for Australian roads (unless an Australia-specific LX500d VIP diesel is developed).

The LX600 is powered by a 305kW/650Nm 3.5-litre (technically a 3.4-litre) twin-turbo V6 shared with the Lexus LS500 limousine, mated to the same 10-speed auto and 4WD system as the LX500d diesel.

The outgoing Lexus LX line-up consists of both petrol and diesel engines, in the form of the 270kW/530Nm 5.7-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8-powered LX570, and the 200kW/650Nm 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel V8-driven LX450d – the latter of which was only added in early 2018. The LandCruiser 300 Series, meanwhile, is only available with diesel power.

Known as the 'VIP' or 'Executive' in other markets, the four-seat layout features a pair of rear seats capable of reclining by up to 48 degrees – joined by a 'relax' mode for increased legroom, a footrest behind the front passenger seat, optimised concave headrests and seatbacks for improved comfort, and 'vibration absorption' that retains a comfortable ride even when off road.

There's also a pair of rear window sunshades, a rear-seat display, upgraded air conditioning vents, unique reading lights and a large centre console, plus high-gloss 22-inch alloy wheels on the outside to complete the look.

Five- and seven-seat layouts will also be offered in Australia – replacing the five-seat (LX450d) and eight-seat (LX570) configurations of the outgoing model – with a sport-themed F Sport model also confirmed.

The documents suggest both engines will be available with a choice of five or seven seats – with the petrol engine exclusive to the four-seater – though the F Sport package will be exclusive to the five-seat model (with either engine).

It appears as many as four variants will be available: a seven-seat entry-level grade, a more premium, five- or seven-seat grade, the more dynamic five-seat F Sport variant, and the four-seat VIP. Buyers will have a choice of 20- and 22-inch alloy wheels, depending on variant.

For full details on the new Lexus LX range, click here to read Drive's full story from its global reveal in October.

The 2022 Lexus LX range will arrive in Australia sometime next year, with previous estimates given to dealers pointing to first local arrivals early in the year – though recent semiconductor and COVID-related production stoppages at the LX and LandCruiser's Japanese factory have likely pushed this timing back.