Lexus is bringing a special edition LX SUV at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Dubbed the “Inspiration Series,” the limited-run LX offers exclusive touches on the exterior to go with a few upgrades in the interior of the SUV. There are no engine upgrades included in the package, though you probably wouldn’t know it based on how much Lexus is asking for the special edition SUV. The Lexus LX Inspiration Series costs a whopping $100,420, which is almost $15,000 more than the base LX that starts at $85,830.

2019 Lexus LX Inspiration Series

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration Series
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Exterior

The irony of this special edition model is its name. It’s called the Lexus LX Inspiration Series, but very little of it is inspiring. You would think that Lexus would just roll out a next-generation version of its flagship SUV. That would’ve been ideal, except that a fourth-generation LX is still a figment of our imaginations at this point. So the current-gen LX lives on for 2019 and Lexus is hoping that the Inspiration Series will help keep the SUV relevant in the face of growing competition from other automakers.

So what makes the LX Inspiration Series special? For that, you need a generous understanding of the word “special” because there’s not much here to get excited about. That would’ve been a cool addition, except that the color isn’t really exclusive, to begin with. The Lexus GX already comes in this color so it’s unclear what Lexus is trying to sell off here.

The exterior does receive a dark chrome surround on the grille and black trim pieces on the headlights, taillights, and window surrounds. Those are nice touches, sure, but they don’t exactly help the LX Inspiration Series stand out.

Interior

The interior upgrades are a little better, though, so that’s a good thing. It’s a nice touch, especially when every other element in the cabin — that includes the headliner, center console, and even the key gloves — are all dressed in black. On the tech side, the LX Inspiration Series features a rear-seat entertainment system, a color head-up display, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. These are options that you can get outside of the special edition LX so there’s really nothing special about them. On the bright side, the LX Inspiration Series does have the “Climate Concierge” feature that heats and cools all four areas of the SUV individually. This tech has been around since 2013, but it’s nice to see the LX Inspiration Series have it.

Drivetrain

There are no engine upgrades to speak of, so the LX Inspiration Series remains powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that produces a stout 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission so it can get you where you need to go. Unfortunately, the LX’s maximum towing capacity only adds up to 7,000 pounds, which isn’t that great compared to other SUVs. Worse, it only returns 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, which is actually one of the worst efficiency ratings of any vehicle.

Lexus LX Inspiration Series Performance Specifications

Engine

Type, Materials 5.7-liter V8

Designation

3UR-FE

Valvetrain

DOHC 32-valve with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)

Displacement

345.6 cu. in. / 5,663 cm3

Bore x Stroke

3.70 in. x 4.02 in.

Compression Ratio

10.2:1

Horsepower (SAE)

383 HP @ 5,600 RPM

Torque

403 LB-FT @ 3,600 RPM

Maximum Engine Speed (redline)

6,000 rpm

Fuel System

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Requirement

Performance numbers achieved with 91-octane unleaded fuel

Emission Certification

Ultra Low Emission Vehicle/ Tier 2 - Bin 5

Layout

Front engine, full-time four wheel drive AWD

Transmission Type

8-speed automatic, sequential-shift Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)


Conclusion

If you’re still interested in the Lexus LX Inspiration Series, then, by all means, go for it. Be advised, though, because Lexus is asking a staggering $100,420 for the special edition SUV. That’s almost $15,000 more expensive than the $85,830 entry-level LX. It’s not the best special edition offering Lexus has offered. Actually, is it even a special edition model?

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Lexus LX 570.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lexus LC500 Inspiration Concept.