Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, have since November 1995, produced the LX570, a full-size luxury SUV. Now in it’s third generation, the largest vehicle in the Lexus range and based upon the evergreen Toyota Land Cruiser, remains as popular as ever. LX stands for ‘luxury crossover’ and the current model has received various upgrades since first being introduced in 2007.
About The Car
The LX 570 comes standard with 20” wheels and a four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension with a six-setting Automatic Height Control system that can raise the vehicle or lower the vehicle from its normal ride height using a knob in the centre console. This, coupled with the four-wheel drive system makes this big car suitable and capable for all-terrain use. For added off-road ability the car also features Crawl control and Multi-terrain Select, giving the driver options away from the tarmac.
Power is derived from a 5.7L V8 engine which generates up to 383hp depending upon global variations. The LX450d variant is a 4.5L V8 turbo-diesel for users who prefer some low down torque and improved fuel consumption.
The Interior
The five-seat version allows for an enormous amount of luggage space, although some models produced offered a third row for seven-seat convenience at the expense of storage. The cabin is beautifully crafted and features (some items as usual are regionally dependent) a sunroof, automatic climate control, luxury leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats with lumbar support and driver memory. There’s plenty of reach and rake for the steering column which means most sizes of individual are catered for. The seats split three ways to accommodate awkward loads.
Technology on-board can include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems among a wide selection of safety equipment as standard; also included are a surround-view parking and off-roading camera system, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. The multi-media interface includes a 12.3” display, integrated navigation and a 9-speaker audio system with a CD player and radio options.
These features are the same whichever engine option is selected.
The Drive
Needless to say, with the big V8 on offer, fuel consumption is not the LX570’s strong suit. The 450d diesel variant will be preferred by drivers to whom better economy and pulling power for towing are important.
The mighty LX570 has, as mentioned above, height-adjustable and adaptive suspension that reduces body roll when cornering and delivers a more controlled driving experience. Lexus also includes Sport and Sport+ drive modes that the keen driver will find tighten things up just enough, including the steering, to make the LX 570 driving experience more confidence-inspiring. Just don’t expect sports car handling. The LX is seriously quiet and refined on the road with ample passenger space. Road and wind noise are not intrusive, and the engine only makes itself known under hard acceleration.
The Lexus LX570 and 450d are perhaps a niche choice but when a car is needed that can be luxurious yet do it all, underpinned by Toyota Land Cruiser reliability, then this powerful SUV is the one to go for. Get in touch with us and we'll be delighted to help.
