Lexus LX
Importing a used Lexus LX from the USA
The Lexus LX is the brand's full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV — a Land Cruiser wearing a tailored suit — and the American market is one of the best places in the world to find clean, well-equipped examples. For buyers who want the durability of a Land Cruiser with genuine luxury appointments, it makes real sense to import a used Lexus LX from the USA. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used vehicles only: no stock, no manufacturer margin, no new-car sales. We source the exact LX you want, verify its origin and history, and manage transport and customs clearance into Germany and the EU.
Production years and key changes
The LX line runs from the LX 450 (1996-1997, based on the 80-series Land Cruiser) through the LX 470 (1998-2007, 100-series, 4.7-litre V8), to the long-lived LX 570 (2008-2021, 200-series) and the current LX 600 (2022 onward, based on the 300-series Land Cruiser). On the US used market you will overwhelmingly find the LX 570 and the newer LX 600. The LX 570 received styling and technology updates over its long run, including the spindle-grille facelift and, later, three-row seating options, while the LX 600 brought a modern twin-turbo V6, a new platform and a substantial weight reduction.
What is under the hood
The LX 570 uses Toyota's 5.7-litre 3UR-FE V8 producing around 383 hp, mated to a smooth automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with a Torsen centre differential, low range and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). It is thirsty but immensely durable. The LX 600 replaces the V8 with the 3.5-litre V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6, rated near 409 hp, paired with a 10-speed automatic and a lighter, stiffer body-on-frame platform. Both are serious off-road machines with height-adjustable suspension and genuine trail capability, wrapped in a quiet, luxurious cabin.
Trims and body styles
The LX is a single five-door full-size SUV. US LX 570 trims ranged from the well-equipped standard car to two- and three-row configurations, with options such as the rear-seat entertainment system, Mark Levinson audio, cool-box and a surround-view camera. The LX 600 offers a wider spread including Premium, Luxury, F Sport and the four-seat Ultra Luxury. Because the LX comes loaded from the factory, the main choices are seating layout, wheel size and the top luxury or F Sport packages.
What the US market offers
Availability of the LX 570 is excellent, with a long production run leaving many cars in the market at a range of mileages, and the LX 600 is beginning to appear as lease returns. These are premium vehicles that tend to be well cared for, and dry-state examples present superb bodies and undercarriages. High-mileage LX 570s are common and, given the drivetrain's reputation, a well-serviced high-mileage car can be a sensible buy.
Who this import is for
The LX suits a buyer who wants a genuinely rugged, long-lived luxury SUV with proper off-road hardware and seven-seat practicality. It appeals to those who tow, travel long distances or want a vehicle that shrugs off hard use, and to enthusiasts who value the LX 570's V8 or the LX 600's modern turbocharged efficiency. It is not for those chasing low fuel bills.
Technical data and figures
| Specification | Lexus LX (LX 570 / LX 600) |
|---|---|
| Body style | 5-door full-size SUV, 5-8 seats |
| LX 570 engine | 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 |
| LX 570 power | approx. 383 hp |
| LX 600 engine | 3.5 L V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 |
| LX 600 power | approx. 409 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed (570) / 10-speed (600) auto |
| Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD, low range, KDSS |
| Length (LX 600) | approx. 5.10 m |
| Wheelbase (LX 600) | approx. 2.85 m |
| Width | approx. 1.99 m |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (premium) |
| Seats | 5, 7 or 8 (LX 600 Ultra Luxury: 4) |
| Towing capacity | approx. 3,175 kg (7,000 lb) |
| Assembly | Japan |
| Generations covered | LX 570 (2008-2021), LX 600 (2022+) |
Reliability: trouble spots to check
Lexus LX reliability is exceptional, particularly the LX 570 with its 5.7 V8, which is one of the most durable powertrains Toyota has built. The main ownership items are predictable: heavy fuel consumption, and the air-assisted height-control suspension, whose compressor, height sensors and air lines can need attention on older, high-mileage cars. Check the KDSS system for leaks, inspect the timing (the 3UR V8 uses a robust timing chain), and confirm the four-wheel-drive and low-range functions engage cleanly. On the newer LX 600, the twin-turbo V6 is still proving itself but has been solid so far; verify software updates and inspect the turbo plumbing. Brakes and tyres are large and wear at a rate befitting the vehicle's weight.
US vs. Europe differences
US LX models run amber front side markers, US headlamp aiming and miles-per-hour instrumentation, with US navigation and radio bands. Equipment levels are typically generous. For German registration the lighting is adapted, a rear fog lamp confirmed, and the cluster switched to metric. Buyers should note the vehicle's size and emissions class when considering city environmental zones and running costs in Europe.
How the import works
The sequence is consistent: select the specific vehicle; run a VIN and origin check; pay securely via escrow rather than a direct wire; ship by container or RoRo to a North-European port such as Bremerhaven; clear customs on arrival; complete the TÜV inspection and any individual approval (Einzelabnahme); and register locally. USCar Trader coordinates the forwarders, customs agent and inspection so the whole chain is handled.
Import duty, VAT and fees
Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.
The Lexus LX is built in Japan, so it is treated as non-US origin. The 0% preferential import duty for provably US-built vehicles under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 does not apply to a Japanese-built LX. The customs duty rate follows the actual country of manufacture identified from the VIN and is levied on the customs value. On top of that, always, the German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) of 19% is charged and stated separately. We never describe an import as "duty-free" and never add a margin — these are pass-through costs.
From modifications to registration
The inspector reviews the headlamp beam pattern, amber side markers, the rear fog lamp requirement and the speedometer. Odometer history must be documented and consistent. On a US LX the modifications are usually confined to lighting. With a valid TÜV certificate and the CoC or individual approval, registration proceeds normally.
Pre-buy inspection points
Before committing: verify the VIN against the title and build data; obtain a Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, title brands and odometer accuracy; test the air-suspension height control through all settings and listen for the compressor; inspect the underbody and frame for rust and for signs of hard off-road use; verify service history including timing and fluid changes; confirm the title is clean, not salvage or rebuilt; and check tyre and brake condition given the running costs.
What buyers ask most
Does the 0% US import duty apply to a Lexus LX?
No. The LX is Japanese-built and treated as non-US origin, so the US-origin preference does not apply. The rate follows the actual plant, and 19% import VAT always applies.
How reliable is the Lexus LX 570?
Extremely. The 5.7 V8 and Land Cruiser underpinnings are renowned for durability, which is a major reason buyers seek out high-mileage examples.
Should I choose the LX 570 or the LX 600?
The LX 570 offers a proven V8 and simpler, well-understood mechanicals; the LX 600 brings a modern twin-turbo V6, a lighter platform and better efficiency. Both are highly capable.
What is KDSS on the LX?
The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System hydraulically manages the anti-roll bars for both on-road stability and off-road wheel articulation. Check it for leaks on used cars.
Is the LX expensive to run in Germany?
It uses premium petrol and consumes a lot of it, and its size and emissions class affect taxes and city-zone access. Reliability offsets some of the cost, but it is not an economy vehicle.
Will a US Lexus LX pass German TÜV?
Yes, after lighting adaptation and confirmation of a rear fog lamp, with documented odometer history.
Can the LX tow and go off-road properly?
Yes. It offers substantial towing capacity, full-time four-wheel drive with low range and height-adjustable suspension for genuine off-road capability.
Does USCar Trader inspect the car before shipping?
Yes. As a broker we arrange history verification and can coordinate a pre-purchase inspection before any funds are released from escrow.
To begin, explore Lexus in the Carhub, compare related models such as the Lexus GX, the Lexus RX and the three-row Lexus TX, or view current Lexus LX listings and let us manage the import.