The news is big from Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motor Corp. Its largest vehicle, the full-size, off-road capable LX, receives a major third-generation makeover in the 2008 model year with 35 new features. It's expected at dealers in January of 2008.
The first -generation version went on sale in January of 1996 as the LX 450. Each number designate following "LX" denotes the displacement of the V-8 engine available from that generation. In 1996, a 4.5-liter V-8 engine powered the three-row LX. Lexus didn't waste much time upgrading the powertrain and in the 1999 model year, the second- generation LX debuted as the LX 470 boasting an even more powerful 4.7-liter V-8 engine. Now, the most powerful LX is available with the third-generation LX 570 (featuring a 5.7-liter V-8 power source).
The eight-passenger, five-door Lexus LX shares a platform with Toyota's longest-running vehicle sold in the United States, the Toyota Land Cruiser. In fact when Toyota first began selling vehicles in the United States back in the late 1950s, the versatile Land Cruiser was one of two vehicles bearing the upstart Toyota badge (along with the Toyota Crown). The Land Cruiser has been spotted on Toyota dealer lots in the U.S. ever since and served as a catalyst for the Lexus LX a dozen years ago.
During the past couple of years, the pricier LX has outsold Land Cruiser. The Japan-built LX appeals to a target audience of affluent shoppers who have the financial means to utilize large, V-8 powered luxury sport utility vehicles. Only about 9,500 units will be sold in calendar year 2008 as the market for a large truck-based SUV with excellent towing capacity is limited. With a $73,800 starting price excluding destination charge, this vehicle approaches $80,000 when adding in the few available options. This vehicle is not for everyone. The LX is one of three sport utilities in the Lexus lineup joining the volume-leading RX and mid-size GX.
The double overhead cam, 32-valve 5.7-liter engine found in the 2008 LX is also shared with Land Cruiser and the newly redesigned Tundra full-sized pickup from Toyota. It's the sole engine available in the LX 570. Cranking out 383 horsepower (a whopping 115 more than the second-generation 4.7-liter) and 403 lbs.-ft. of torque, towing capacity has increased. Ninety percent of peak torque is available at low RPMs, improving low-end grunt that helps towing capacity reach 8,500 pounds, 2,000 more than the previous model. The 8,500-pound towing capacity tops the Mercedes-Benz GL550 SUV and the Range Rover HSE SUV. Also new for LX in 2008 is a standard six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission designed for handling demanding tasks.
Although fuel economy improves by 20 percent, this is certainly not the vehicle for those interested in topping 40 miles per gallon. The LX 570 gets an estimated 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway utilizing premium fuel for the 24.6-gallon tank.
The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) remains unchanged from the second-generation at 112.2 inches. However, exterior length grows by four inches and the width increases by an inch allowing for more leg room in the first and third rows. It's built on a truck-based, body-on-frame design to handle off-road chores. Full-time, four-wheel drive provides peace of mind when traversing Chicagoland's wintery weather.
Another nuance Lexus added to the 2008 LX thanks to customer feedback is a hitch receiver built into the rear bumper. When not in use, the hitch window gets covered by a face plate matching the bumper. When needed, simply remove the cover and the class IV hitch is ready to tow.
Inside, LX 570 features Smart access, a keyless start system where the vehicle starts at the push of a dashboard button once the brake pedal is depressed and the key fob is inside the vehicle. All seating features leather trimmed upholstery. New this year is four-zone automatic climate control system with 28 total air vents interspersed throughout the truck. Lexus, again addressing concerns from customers, has made it a mission to cool the vehicle (and its passengers) as quickly as possible in the good old summertime. A high-efficiency compressor and spiral dual-wall refrigerant pipes helps achieve this goal. What if it's 10 degrees outside and cooling is not the issue? The 2008 LX addresses this as well with special ceramic heating elements to warm the hearts and bodies of riders.
Unlike many large SUVs with three rows of seating, the third row does not fold into the floor. Instead, the 50/50 split seat backs fold down onto the cushions and then both seats and backs fold up and lock against the sides. Side folding is power operated with the help of buttons found at the back right end of the cargo area. When folded down and in use, seat cushions rest on the cargo floor, creating a potentially uncomfortable ride for taller third-row passengers. The third row is best left to the pre-teen set. Power sliding second row seats move forward and back 4.1 inches, and easily tumble forward to open an isle to the third row. There is still a far amount of contorting needed to gain access to row number three from the second-row isle, yet another reason for the kids to take possession of the back. With all rows in use, 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space is available behind the third row for groceries or travel bags.
On the outside this third-generation LX is the first not to share the same side fenders with its Land Cruiser cousin; now, they're uniquely LX. The rear hatch door consists of a power upper glass section, and a small manually-operated fold-down lower gate that unlatches via a lever on the top of the tailgate. Character lines are once again part of the hood treatment. Twenty-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels come standard as does a full-sized spare tire.
An impressive 10 air bags keep passengers protected in the case of an accident. To help avoid mishaps in the first place, LX 570 includes multi-terrain anti-lock brakes, brake assist, traction control and stability control. Also new this year is adaptive front lighting which swivels left and right low beam headlights in accordance with the steering wheel. This system may be shut off if so desired. Also a first for its class is active front headrests helping to alleviate the effects of whiplash during an unforeseen accident.
The LX 570 comes with a transfer case shift switch near the transmission shifter between the front bucket seats to move between operational modes including four-wheel high and four-wheel low. A center differential lock button is found on the lower dash in case some heavy off-roading adventure is down the road. A new 'crawl control' system takes off-road driving to a new level. This system controls brake and engine functions at low crawl speeds of six miles per hour or less. All the driver has to do is steer. The "crawl control" brakes and vehicle speed automatically. The transfer case must be in low gear and crawl button activated before this adventure can take place.
Returning in this third generation is an updated active height control system monitoring ride height and lowering the chassis by approximately two inches for entry and exit, then returning the vehicle automatically to its normal height when the LX begins to move.
The limited list of options include: heated rear seats, rear seat entertainment system, adaptive radar-type cruise control and 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Two leather-trimmed seating interior colors are available: gray or ivory. Purchasers must also decide among six exterior colors.
For a big, heavy offering (5,995 pounds), the truck steers nicely thanks to an upgrade in suspension while keeping a decent grip on the road. It carries on the Lexus tradition of a quiet interior despite the more potent V-8 engine. Not sure how many folks would purchase an $80,000 vehicle for off-roading, but the LX 570 has the ability to handle most conditions found in the Midwest. It's the increased towing capacity that's a key selling point.
The Japan-built LX 570 is covered by a decent six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty (which ever comes first) and a four-year50,000-mile basic limited warranty. |