2025 Lexus LX 500d F Sport: The Diesel Luxe-Barge Challenger Arrives in SA

Lexus has unleashed its flagship diesel warrior - the 2025 LX 500d F Sport - into South Africa's luxury SUV arena, wielding a formidable 700nM torque punch from its front-mounted 3.3L V6 turbo-diesel engine. While its 225kW power output trails key German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d (243kW/700nM, R 2,850,000) and BMW X5 xDrive40d (250kW/700nM, R 2,734,500), the LX counters with aggressive pricing at R 2,608,700 and class-leading efficiency. Claiming just 8.3L/100km thanks to strategic efficiency tweaks, its colossal 110L combined fuel capacity delivers a market-crushing 1,325km touring range - ideal for SA's vast distances.

Standard F Sport kit includes 22-inch wheels, heated front seats, sunroof, and Lexus' 12.3-inch navigation system, while safety isn't compromised with 8 airbags, lane departure warning, and 360-degree monitoring. Where the LX truly shines is ownership value: a 7-year/100,000km maintenance plan and 7-year warranty eclipse the Germans' standard 5-year offerings.

For buyers prioritising low running costs, continent-crushing range, and rugged AWD prestige without BMW/Mercedes badge premiums, the LX 500d deserves a podium spot on your test-drive list. Just brace for thirstier real-world consumption versus its claimed figures.