Ferrari Amalfi vs Lexus LX600

What's the difference?

An entry-level car doesn’t normally start at half a million dollars but that’s what the Ferrari Amalfi is; the most affordable way into the pride of Italy’s current line-up.

A 2+2 GT with the engine in the front, driving the wheels at the rear, it’s a substantially upgraded and remodelled version of the Roma it replaces. 

No plugs, no motors, no drive battery, just a twin-turbo V8 pumping out 471kW of pure internal-combustion power in a sleek, relatively lightweight two-door coupe.

CarsGuide was handed the keys for a brief stint behind the wheel to see if it’s an improvement on its much-admired predecessor and a worthy alternative to the heavy-hitting, top-shelf machinery it competes with.

With the hugely anticipated Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series now in showrooms, the time has come for Lexus to show off its own riff on the LC300 theme. But don’t be fooled by the LandCruiser connection, the new Lexus LX models, while perfectly equipped to tackle bush tracks, are aimed at the cashed-up urbanite who appreciates an SUV with the absolute lot.

It's been almost a decade-and-a-half since the last new Lexus LX model, and in that time, the global demand for the SUV concept has gone from strength to strength, playing into Lexus’ hands somewhat. But that doesn’t mean this clean-sheet design has ignored some innovative technologies or creative design and packaging.

The new LX range covers plenty of price territory, and can be configured to handle a huge range of user profiles. And while it remains an expensive vehicle by Australian standards, there’s no doubt that it will be taken seriously by those with the means and the need for a huge SUV with the potential for serious off-road use.

In fact, the ability to cover rough terrain in supreme comfort and without sacrificing anything in the way of creature comforts, suggests that Australia (and its hordes of recreational four-wheel drivers) was never the market Lexus had in mind for the new LX. Instead, think Middle East and North America and you’re probably getting closer to the well-head of LX inspiration.

As well as a new mechanical platform, this LX also introduces a pair of new trim levels; the F-Sport and the Ultra Luxury specification.