2026 Lexus LX teased for Malaysia – based on Toyota Land Cruiser 300, twin-turbo V6, over RM1 million?

While Malaysia has tended to be underserved when it comes to Toyota Land Cruisers, Lexus Malaysia has recently stepped up by offering its versions of the iconic off-roader. First came the GX last year, and now it has teased a new large 4×4 on its social media channels.

The images may be shadowy, but we can see enough of the car’s upright profile, as well as the sharp headlights and the distinctive window line that dips downwards at the A-pillars before rising up dramatically at the D-pillars. Yes, it is indeed the GX’s larger sibling, the LX.

Based on the full-fat Land Cruiser 300, this flagship luxury 4×4 differentiates itself through unique styling, with an imposing slatted spindle grille, arrow-shaped daytime running lights (available with BladeScan technology for its adaptive high beam) and L-shaped taillights.

Inside, you’ll find a plusher interior with a wide centre console, a wraparound dashboard design and Lexus’s latest touchscreen-based infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display. The latter replaces the much-maligned Remote Touch interface of the old car (which was also sold in Malaysia).

Oddly enough, the LX features a second seven-inch touchscreen between the centre vents for the air con, chassis settings and the Land Cruiser’s Multi-Terrain Select system with dedicated off-road modes. You also get a 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, featuring the most speakers on any Lexus.

The LX is available in standard seven-seater form, but there is also an ultra-luxurious four-seater Executive layout with heavily-cushioned rear seats, a footrest, an ottoman, special reading lights, a unique audio system, a control touchscreen, a Qi wireless charging pad and tilting rear infotainment touchscreens. As yet, it is unclear if Lexus Malaysia will bring in both versions.

As per the Land Cruiser, the LX is built on the ladder-frame variant of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), called GA-F. Compared to the previous model, it has been extensively overhauled, offering a 20% increase in rigidity, a massive 200 kg reduction in weight, better weight distribution and improved on- and off-road performance.

Still riding on double wishbone front suspension and a solid rear axle, it has nevertheless been refined with new geometry, dampers and revised air/hydraulic Active Height Control (AHC) suspension with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) dampers. You also now get electric power steering and brake-by-wire, replacing the old hydraulic systems for more linear and precise control.

Globally, the LX is available with a choice of two petrol and hybrid powertrains. The LX600 is powered by Lexus’ 415 PS/650 Nm V35A-FTS 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V6 mated to a ten-speed automatic, while the LX700h pairs this setup with an electric motor for a total output of 464 PS and 790 Nm of torque.

Again, Lexus Malaysia has not confirmed which variants it will offer, but given UMW Toyota Malaysia’s recent shift towards hybrids – and the lack of differentiation between both models – we wouldn’t be surprised to see the LX700h being picked for sale. We should point out that the hybrid is already on sale in Indonesia, available in seven- and four-seater versions.

Pricing is the other big unknown, but don’t expect the LX to come cheap. The last model was launched during the pandemic costing a whopping RM1.2 million, and given the added technologies and the new turbo powertrains, expect the new one to be even more expensive.

GALLERY: Lexus LX700h at GIIAS 2025

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