Lexus LX

Lexus LX – Overview

Big ones, small ones, fast ones, niche ones and luxurious ones. The SUV segment’s popularity knows no bounds, a trend which has led to models no one would have dared imagine a decade ago. The idea of an expensive, upmarket SUV is not something new though, as it was when Lexus first launched the LX series in 1995. 

These days, lavish SUVs are par for the course, as an automaker without one in the line-up they surely missing out on the meat of the market. People just can’t get enough of the upright driving position and the saying; “I can go anywhere” styling.

The Lexus LX 570 is a luxury full-size SUV that seats five in its two-row version and eight in its three-row version. Some view it a modern-day dinosaur, others think it is a yacht on wheels. Nonetheless, the Lexus LX is a quintessential full-size luxury SUV offering a ton of space, a super-smooth ride courtesy of an adjustable air suspension, as well as surprising off-road performance.

While not being a model of fuel efficiency, the V8 engine under the hood delivers a strong 383 PS at 520 Nm and can tow up to 3175 kilograms. This luxury monster truck can take you off-road while your kids watch Netflix in the back seat. It may be a niche proposition, but it nails the brief.

Lexus Malaysia announced the 2020 Lexus LX 570 is available for booking at all authorized Lexus Centres nationwide. Two variants will be available, the regular LX 570 which starts at RM 1,225,883 and the LX 570 Sport which starts at RM 1,289,938. If you wondering there is any other cheaper option to own one, start searching yourself for a recond model as it goes half the retail price.  

Lexus LX - Exterior

Sure, the LX may not have had a total redesign in a while, but the look of the current generation still holds plenty of allure. Lexus mentioned that the LX is “the next level of urban sophistication.” It does look sharp and modern with all the flanking massive spindle grille which are L-shaped features LED headlights with sequential turn signals.

The angles and lines are all quite crisp, with sharp features that give it a futuristic vibe standing in opposition to the more underrated continental competitors. The stance is big and bold, looking very much like a proper SUV should. The proportions are beefy and muscular, easily commanding a prominent position on the road.

Moving to the sides, there are standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, with a polished split five-spoke design that actually looks a bit small tucked under the large fenders and raised suspension. The roofline is long and flat, while further polished metal was added to the door handles and window surrounds. A lower step-up along the side skirts helps with ingress and egress.

In back, there’s a trailing edge roof spoiler, as well as a split tailgate. The taillights wrapped around into the rear quarter panel gets more of that polished metal trim, complemented by a horizontal strip of the stuff along the middle of the tailgate. The two-row version of Lexus LX 570 also comes standard with a roof rack and roof rails, just like the three-row equivalent.

Lexus LX – Interior

The LX cabin is well-crafted and built with quality, premium soft-touch materials just like we would expect from Lexus. The LX’s dashboard is dominated by a huge 12.3-inch screen that can be split into three separate sections to show different functions, like navigation, audio, and the quad-zone automatic climate control.

The centre console houses a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and Remote Touch Interface to control the infotainment system. Not to mention, the leather-wrapped and heated espresso wood multifunction steering wheel with drive mode, off-road and AWD controls. This is where you will also turn on the heated and ventilated seats along with the steering wheel. Another great optional feature is a cool box.

Drivers settle into a 14-way power adjustable captain’s seat with dual-function lumbar and cushion extender, while front-seated passengers get a 12-way power seat with lumbar adjustment. Climbing aboard is made a bit easier thanks to an automatic retracting and extending steering wheel.

Second-row passengers will pleasure to ride in comfort with wonderful seats, and a large drop-down centre console that puts climate, heated and ventilated seat control at their fingertips. There is also a remote control for the dual rear-seat entertainment system. The second-row windows also come with manual sunshades. The LX’s equipped with power-sliding second-row giving 60/40 split seats that allow easy access to the third-row. The 50/50 power-folding third-row seats are easy to operate from controls in the cargo area. 

LX promised a roomy cabin of cargo space for the third-row. The first two-rows are quite decent, but the third-row could be a bit tight for some adults. The LX’s power rear liftgate opens to reveal impressive cargo space. With the power third-row seats up, you will get 2302 litres of storage at full capacity. There is also a 120V AC power adaptor provided in the back.

Lexus LX – Features

By combining luxury and off-road brilliance, the LX’s brings out the most rugged luxury that it has been famous for. Available standard across variants is the 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, cooled central console, seat back-mounted 11.6-inch screens, and eight power ventilated seats. The LX features a 4-zone Climate Control System with the Lexus Climate Concierge functionality and Nanoe technology.

This advanced comfort system not only independently control temperature in four specific zones, but also control the front seat heaters in order to achieve optimal comfort quickly. Features that cater both for entertainment & communication is the 12.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation and driver’s option. All controlled by the plush looking intuitive mouse-like Lexus Remote Touch. The multi-media screen houses a backup camera with a panoramic and multi-terrain monitor.

For drivers, the six-dial instrumentation with 4.2-inch colour Multi Information Display (MID) offers easy access to relevant driving information. The driver gauges are a mix of digital and analogue. An analogue dashboard embedded clock also counts as a unique feature which bring the premium feels inside the cabin. Other unique features include rear and rear-side privacy glass, rear armrest with climate controls, wireless mobile device charger, Lexus illuminated door sill badging and door projector lamps with the LX logo.

The LX is built on a high strength and high rigidity steel ladder-frame chassis. The frame structure has been designed to maximise strength and transfer collision energy more linearly. In addition, high-strength sheet steel is used in the reinforcements under the floor. Given the frequency of towing that occurs with the LX, an additional stability system, known as Trailer Sway Control (TSC), has been fitted. 

TSC helps suppress the trailer sway phenomenon that can occur during high wind, bumpy roads and emergency steering, reducing the chances of any loss of control when towing.nIn addition to conventional cruise control, the LX features a vehicle-to-vehicle distance technology known as Radar Active Cruise Control (RACC). RACC can reduce speed accordingly (all the way to a standstill if necessary) to match the preceding vehicle. Your nominated speed is then resumed once a safe following distance can be maintained.

Lexus' Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) is fitted as standard and aims to reduce injury and damage when a potential collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected via the forward radar. The system includes advanced warnings, braking support and even autonomous braking if an unavoidable impact is predicted. Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is also equipped to sense urgent braking and firm the front shock absorbers to reduce any diving motion of the vehicle.

With front, rear and side cameras as standard, the LX provides greater visibility around the vehicle, making it easier for you to check blind spots, park and confirm your surroundings. It is also aided by eight parking sonars. The LX also integrates a Panoramic mode, whereby the four cameras are integrated into one projection, greatly aiding your awareness of surroundings. For night driving, an Electro-Chromatic Self-dimming interior and exterior mirror detects excessive light glare from following vehicles. The surface of the mirrors will automatically dim to reduce distraction. 

The LX has 10 airbags, ABS, stability and traction control, forward AEB (with pedestrian detection), auto high-beam, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and trailer-sway control. The LX does not have an ANCAP safety rating. Its Land Cruiser twin was last tested in 2011, so that’s not exactly relevant, given the huge rule changes and improvements in safety equipment since then. Further safety features include Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Hill-start Assist Control, Variable Gear Ratio Steering, and Multi-terrain Anti-lock brakes for better stopping power on a variety of surfaces.

Lexus LX - Powertrain

It comes standard with a 5.7-litre V8 engine producing 383 PS at 520 Nm, that pairs with an equally refined eight-speed automatic transmission. This output goes to a permanent all-wheel-drive system as standard. The LX’s electronically controlled sequential automatic transmission was developed to efficiently manage the vehicle's vast reserves of power.

Artificial Intelligence Shift Control minimises unnecessary upshifts when climbing hills or on winding roads.
For greater control on steep descents, the transmission automatically downshifts to increase the engine braking, or can be take control via the sequential function with paddle shifters.

LX is equipped with Multi Terrain Select (MTS) which designed to give superior ground covering performance across different driving conditions. It comes with five different condition modes of; Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock and Mud & Sand. 

The system optimally controls wheel slip and grip providing ideal grip levels for the pre-set terrain.
With all four wheels driving at all times, it is important to ensure the correct amount of drive force is applied to each wheel. The centre TORSEN Limited Slip Differential adjusts the driving effort between the front and rear wheels to maximise traction depends on driving situation.

During extreme off-roading the centre differential can be locked to split drive power equally front to rear. If any wheel starts to spin due to muddy or slippery conditions, Active Traction Control can apply braking force independently to each wheel, performing a similar function to a limited slip differential, allowing the other wheels with more grip to drive you forward.

Lexus LX - Fuel Economy

Just by looking at the size of it, we will surely know that LX570 is a thirsty beast. Lexus claimed consumption is 14.4L/100km. Thankfully, the LX570 has a 93L main tank and a 45L sub tank, so you'll barely notice a dint in the fuel gauge after a week of driving.

Lexus LX - Driving Performance

Overall, the LX’s ride and drive smoothly both in city and highway driving. The steering engagement is quite noticeable, as drivers can really feel the different level of driving mode between Comfort, Normal Sport S and Sport+. The LX suspension provides a smooth, comfortable ride.

Those huge brakes are worth a special mention, as you need a confident and large brakes for a vehicle this size and weight. The LX is also a vehicle Lexus designed for family adventures. Hence, explained its off-road capable with standard AWD and off-road modes. Not to mention, the Active Height Control adjustable suspension raises the vehicle three inches for a better clearance.

Lexus LX - Conclusion 

The Lexus is awkwardly big and not very friendly when it comes to daily commute to work, school or the shops. It slurps fuel at a rate where users might think twice of owning it. It is indeed not the easiest to park, even with all of its cameras and beepers. The LX is much better driven on a long cruise out on the highway, where it is incredibly comfortable and quiet. Either way, it has a lot to offer for a modern-day luxury SUV.