The fourth-generation Lexus LX, better known as the more costly and embellished version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 was launched about the same time as its junior but didn’t get quite as much attention. Toyota in-house tuner Modellista have given the premium Japanese behemoth a mild exterior makeover to get it the attention it should!
The hefty LX is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3,5-litre V6 that makes 304 kW and 650 Nm of torque. While you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that this powertrain is shared with the Land Cruiser 300 but the winning 2022 Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+ too, which also employs the same engine although tuned to have slightly more power we think.
Looking beyond the differing front and rear facades of the LX, it is just about a carbon copy of its Toyota SUV counterpart albeit adorned with every conceivable nicety a barge of this size should have. It’s diet from the previous generation has also shed around 200kg which makes it a tad more nimble off the beaten path.
Although with the Modellista kit protruding further than normal from all extremities of the vehicle, you probably wouldn’t want to take it anywhere too daring. The full kit includes colour coded front and rear lower valances which give a sportier stance and tie the front end into the rest of the enormous and imposing grille which otherwise looks austere. The contrast before and after the front valance is installed is stark but things are less severe at the rear with the same treatment placing rear valence just below the diffuser and fake exhaust pipes giving it a more aggressive appeal.
The side profile gets full-length stainless steel running board plates while 22” forged aluminium wheels round up the full LX Modellista experience. Nothing has been mentioned for interior upgrades of the land yacht nor for engine performance, but tuning companies are likely to tinker with the powertrain and get numbers a little closer to that of the GR DKR Hilux T1+ at a later stage.
