Set to indulge yourself? Ultra Luxury Toyota is for you

This review first appeared in the November 2023 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

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Sacramento, California -- Sometimes, you want to indulge yourself ... You've earned it, right?

Few vehicles fill this need better than the tested 2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury sport-utility vehicle. When you have a full-size, three-row Lexus SUV that has "Ultra Luxury" in the model name, well, you know you're in for some all-star pampering ... and state-of-the-art technology.

Let's start with the radar-based pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Intelligent cruise control is there, of course. Plus intelligent high beams. And you have a panoramic view monitor to go with your multi-terrain monitor.

Nearly a dozen multimedia/connectivity systems can entertain a platoon and keep you connected to up-to-the-minute data as you cruise along.

Driver and passengers are treated to exquisite leather-stitched seating with embossed headrests.  The second-row seats are captain's chair recliners with massage function.  There's four-zone climate control and a handy cool box in the center console to keep your beverages chilled on your journey.  Thematic ambient lighting is part of the deal, as is a Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Yes, it's staggering.  And I've only scratched the surface.  Any buyer will need to devote serious time to the owner's manual to make sure he/she masters the myriad functions of the vehicle.

How does it drive?  Rock-solid smooth and surprisingly peppy off the line, thanks to a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 rated at 409 horsepower.  Accelerations are quick; no need to wait for the revs to load up to feel the SUV's muscle.

I will say that the LX 600 Ultra Luxury looks very much like a shoulder-square SUV, although it rides high on 22-inch forged alloy wheels.

There's a price to pay for the power curve: fuel mileage is only 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

So, what's the bottom line on this rolling wonder?  On my tester, the sticker was $130,995. Yes, we're talking about a certain income bracket here.

But if you have the coin, this LX has the goods to make you happy, and then some.  So, set about indulging.