Lexus LX600 vs Lotus Eletre

What's the difference?

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.

This is a Lotus - but it’s not like any Lotus you’ve ever known.

In fact, forget everything you know about Lotus, the British brand previously famous for small, lightweight sports cars is now evolving into something very different. Very, very different.

Under the control of Chinese automotive giant Geely since 2017, Lotus will shed its past and focus its future on all-electric, luxury vehicles like the Eletre we’re testing here.

The Eletre is a full-size luxury electric SUV designed to take on the likes of the Audi SQ8 e-tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-AMG EQE on the electric side, while also trying to lure buyers away from the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.

So, how does this radically different Lotus measure up to the brand’s reputation and stack up against its would-be competitors? Read on to find out…