Lexus LX 500d: Now Even More Expensive, But Also More Rugged

Lexus, Toyota’s fancy-pants luxury arm, has decided that the LX 500d needed an update. But instead of a complete overhaul, they’ve just tinkered with it a bit and slapped a higher price tag. Because, of course, they have.

The big luxury SUV now comes in two versions: Urban and Overtrail, designed for those who enjoy getting their expensive SUVs a bit muddy—while still maintaining their air of superiority on the road. But before we get to that, let’s talk about how much deeper into your pockets you’ll need to dig.

Commands a Premium—A Hefty One

The updated Lexus LX isn’t just a car; it’s a financial decision. Here’s how the new prices stack up:

So, Lexus has kindly asked you to part with Rs 17 lakh more for the Urban variant, while the Overtrail demands an extra Rs 12 lakh beyond that. That’s enough money to buy a very nice, fully loaded Toyota Fortuner. Twice.

What Is the Overtrail Variant?

For those who find the standard LX too posh and want something a little more rugged, Lexus has introduced the Overtrail variant. This one ditches some of the shiny bits in favor of a more sinister look.

• Blacked-out grille (for added menace)
• 18-inch matte grey aluminum wheels (Urban gets 22-inch wheels, but bigger isn’t always better)
• More black elements instead of chrome (wheel arches, door handles, fog lamp covers, and roof rails)
• Unique “Moon Desert” colour (a fancy way of saying beige, but alright)
• Khaki interior theme (making it a perfect choice for politicians, who already love the colour)

It also has front and rear differential locks, in addition to the center one, making it more capable of going off-road. Plus, higher-profile tyres should help you bounce over potholes with even more grace.

Now Even Safer

The new LX comes with Lexus Safety System 3.0, which means it can now actively try to stop you from doing something stupid on the road. Included in the safety suite are:

• Pre-collision system (prepares for an impact, because let’s face it, Indian roads)
• Adaptive cruise control (good for extended highway stretches, provided there’s an actual highway to cruise on)
• Blind spot monitoring (because even luxury SUVs have blind spots the size of Goa)
• Lane departure assist (keeps you in line, unlike some of our politicians)
• Adaptive high beam system (so you don’t blind oncoming traffic, unless you want to)

More Comfort and Gizmos

Lexus has also thrown in a bunch of connected tech features, so you can now monitor your car from your phone. These include:

• Safety Connect
• Remote Connect
• Service Connect

You can check on your multi-crore SUV while sipping overpriced coffee at an airport lounge.

And yes, the seat massager has been updated too—now using some fancy “bladder-based refresh system.” Which sounds vaguely medical but promises less fatigue on long journeys.

Under the Bonnet

Lexus remains one of the few luxury brands that still offer a diesel engine, instead of bowing to the hybrid/electric movement.

• 3.3-litre V6 diesel
• 309 bhp and 700 Nm of torque
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive as standard

That’s a lot of grunt to move something this large and imposing. But it’s also the only diesel option left in Lexus’ lineup, so it’s a bit of a swan song for the oil-burners.

Rivals

The LX squares up against:

• Toyota Land Cruiser (basically the same car but cheaper)
• Range Rover (for those who prefer their luxury SUVs with a bit more European flair)

Verdict

The updated LX doesn’t rewrite the rulebook. Still, it does offer better safety, slightly improved comfort, and a more rugged alternative for those who like the idea of off-roading but will probably never actually do it.

The Overtrail variant is arguably the more interesting of the two, making the LX feel less like a business-class lounge on wheels and more like an actual adventure machine.

But at Rs 3 crore+, is it worth it? Well, you probably aren’t the target audience if you have to ask.