2008 Lexus LX 570
by Steve Schutz, MD
Talk about tough timing. Gas costs more than $3
per gallon, the economy is in trouble, the stock
market is down, and Lexus is launching an all-new
version of their biggest, thirstiest, and — almost — costliest
vehicle, the LX sport utility. Watch those sales expectations,
Lexus. If things get any worse, not even my-middlename-
is-write-off real estate brokers will be able to afford
an LX.
Well, credit a professional Lexus PR staff for smiling
brightly and assuring me that the LX will do just fine. The
economy still has some life, after all, and LX buyers — the
most affluent of any Lexus model — are less sensitive to
economic dips than the average dude. The fact that the LX
570 is all-new and much improved helps, particularly since
the previous LX had aged considerably since its debut way
back in 1997.
First and foremost, Lexus ditched
the ancient and underpowered 270HP
engine in favor of a 383HP V8 borrowed
from the (San Antonio-built)
Toyota Tundra pickup. The old LX
470’s acceleration was best described as“leisurely,” so I was happy to read that
the LX 570 goes from zero to sixty
MPH in 7.4 seconds. In real world driving,
the new LX powers ahead with confidence in every
situation, even merging onto freeways and climbing hills.
While not quite as muscular as the Cadillac Escalade, the
LX is plenty fast.
I didn’t have a chance to tow anything during my time
with the LX 570, but 383 HP and 403 ft.-lbs. of torque
translate into an 8500 pound towing capability, enough
for virtually any boat- or horse-trailer.
Don’t expect great gas mileage, though. Kudos to Lexus
for improving fuel mileage by 20 percent over the previous
LX, despite the extra power, but the LX 570 still manages
just 12 MPG city and 18 MPG highway. My advice: drive
something else to Sierra Club meetings. (For the record, the
EPA measures fuel economy differently this year, so all window
sticker numbers look worse than they used to. Keep
that in mind as you head out to kick tires.)
If it’s better to look good than to do good, then the LX
570 has you covered with an attractive exterior design. A big
chrome grille and GX 470-ish headlights highlight the front
end, while prominent red LED tail-lights dominate the rear.
The profile is upright and formal as always, but less boxy
than before for better aerodynamics.
Inside the LX 570, Lexus turned the cushiness dial up a
couple of notches. While the old LX lacked luxury vehicle
necessities, such as dual climate controls and iPod connectivity,
the LX 570 has all that and more. In fact, except for
the bank of off-road controls below the shifter that serves
as a reminder of the big SUV’s prodigious off-road capabilities,
owners of the LS 460 sedan will find the interior of
the LX to be very familiar. (I can’t bring myself to believe
that anyone would purposely drive a truck this nice offroad,
but presumably, it’s reassuring to have the ability if
you need it.)
Other standard amenities include four-zone climate
control, hard drive-based navigation, Bluetooth, a ninespeaker
audio system, and XM Satellite Radio with a real
time traffic service that helps you avoid delays, accidents,
and road closings.
Size-wise, the LX 570 is slightly wider and longer than the
LX 470, but passenger and luggage space are about the same.
Second row seats are now power adjustable — nice for long
trips — and the 50-50 split third row seats raise and lower at
the touch of a button. However, what you gain in convenience,
you lose in utility; unlike older LX models, the third
row seats in the LX 570 cannot be removed, so there’s less
room for suitcases and gear in the back.
As is the case for all 2008 Lexus models, a “Smart
Access” keyless entry system allows you to open the vehicle,
start it, and drive away without ever taking the fob out
of your pocket or purse. (Why can’t all vehicles have this?
It’s a great feature!)
For maximum safety, the LX 570 provides 10 standard
airbags, including front row knee airbags, second row seatmounted
side airbags, and full length side curtains. Also
standard are active front headrests to help prevent whiplash,
second row seat belt pre-tensioners, and a tire pressure monitoring
system.
In addition to those standard features, options include
heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, 19-speaker
Mark Levinson audio with 2,000 song hard drive, rear seat
entertainment system, Intuitive Park Assist with front and
side cameras, Pre-Collision accident protection, and adaptive
cruise control. If that doesn’t satisfy you, you can splurge on
extra soft aniline leather interior trim, a cool box in the
front center console, illuminated scuff plates, and even
Bubinga wood trim, similar to what you might find in
private jets.
Lexus’ goal was to blur the line between a luxury sedan
and an SUV, and with the LX 570, they’ve achieved that better
than anyone else. With a base MSRP of over $70,000, it’s
not for everyone, obviously, and coming out as it has in an
unsettled economy, its introduction could have been better
timed. But those who can afford it are certain to enjoy an
exceptionally luxurious and capable SUV.
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