LUXURY MEETS CAPABILITY
Lexus’s big offroader is up to the task when the going gets rough, but can pamper like a limo on the bitumen
DOM TRIPOLONE
FAMILIAR FEEL
If the Lexus LX looks familiar it’s because it borrows heavily from the Toyota LandCruiser, albeit with higher quality materials and extra luxury features throughout the cabin.
These extras will cost you, though. The fullyloaded LX 570 S tested here costs about $180,000 drive-away, roughly $50,000 more than the LandCruiser Sahara.
Less tech-savvy buyers will enjoy the oldschool charm of the cabin. Unlike competitors, who have moved to touchscreens, the LX 570 still has a heap of buttons and knobs controlling its climate, navigation and entertainment functions. A CD player and analog clock give it a very turn of the century vibe that could appeal to some, but the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a car this expensive is a misstep.
PEACE AND QUIET
The LX 570’s cabin is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the commute. Extensive sound deadening and solid build quality make it one of the quietest cars on the road.
Tyre roar and road noise is almost non existent and there is only a distant rumble of the big V8 chugging along. The LX is built for an around-Australia road trip, ironing out bumps and corrugations on even the roughest roads.
It can seat eight comfortably and even with the third row of seats in place the load area is still a respectable 349 litres.
With the rear pews folded away it is a cavernous 1048 litres. There is an impressive suite of driver aids and thankfully the tech doesn’t assault the senses with incessant chimes and flashing lights.
IT’S THE CAR THAT TIME FORGOT
As car makers rush to put out hi-tech electric cars, the LX 570 feels like an analog machine in a digital age.
Weighing in at more than 2500kg, it is powered by a 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine making 270kW and 530Nm. Outputs are adequate to shift the LX about town and gobble up steep hills with ease.
Lexus claims the fuel economy is 14.4L/100km. In city driving with little weight in the car we regularly saw low 20s and mid-teens at highway speeds.
Rumour has it the next generation
LandCruiser — and LX — will feature smaller turbocharged six-cylinder engines.
NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE
The LX shares its bones with the LandCruiser so it is a genuine off-roader.
It has a full-time four-wheel drive, high and low-range gears and multiple terrain modes including mud and sand, loose rocks, moguls and rock and dirt for when the going gets tough.
When 4WD low is engaged, a multi-terrain monitor tech provides an under-the-vehicle view to help the driver spot rocks, crevices and ruts.
There are two massive fuel tanks holding a combined 138L and it can tow up to 3500kg. Active ride-height control allows for three different ride heights to aid over rough terrain and make it easier to enter and exit.
YOU NAME IT, YOU GOT IT
There are no option boxes to tick. Passengers are treated to plush leatheraccented seats ideal for long-haul trips. The front pair and outer second-row duo are both heated and ventilated, as is the steering wheel.
Four-zone climate control and two rear 11.6inch entertainment screens add to the cabin experience. Giant 21-inch alloy wheels give the LX street appeal.
You also get a membership to the Lexus Encore Platinum member benefits program, which includes valet parking at selected shopping centres, gourmet food events and Lexus vehicles on demand, allowing members to pick up a complimentary premium vehicle at participating dealerships and airports around Australia for trips away.