While at the NY auto show last week I checked out the all-new Lexus LX 570. As you can gather by the name, the new Lexus SUV now uses the same engine (and 6-speed transmission) from the just released Toyota Tundra. Unlike the Tundra, it has permanent 4WD (with a high and low speed transfer case).
Upon first glance, it looks like Lexus is offering a "low-rider" SUV, as it appears to sit awfully close to the ground...
You can thank the Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension for that. Speaking of the suspension, I was disappointed to see that the rear suspension still employs a solid axle. You would think that—especially in this market segment—that an IRS would be a must-have feature; not so here, however.
One of the penalties paid for not having an IRS is that the LX 570 does not have a fold-into-the rear-floor third-row seat. It does have, however, fold-up rear seats that reside up against the interior sides. While better than the GM Tahoe/Suburban solution, it's still not great, as it causes a huge blind spot for the driver on the right side.
As to styling, it's certainly better than the model it replaces, but it still comes across as a bit awkward to my eyes. I'm glad to see that Lexus has kept the vehicle roughly the same size as the outgoing model. Towing has been raised to 8500 pounds, which is good.
Full story here at Inside Line: 2008 Lexus LX 570
More info (preliminary specs and press release) can be found here on the Lexus site.
One of the penalties paid for not having an IRS is that the LX 570 does not have a fold-into-the rear-floor third-row seat. It does have, however, fold-up rear seats that reside up against the interior sides. While better than the GM Tahoe/Suburban solution, it's still not great, as it causes a huge blind spot for the driver on the right side.
As to styling, it's certainly better than the model it replaces, but it still comes across as a bit awkward to my eyes. I'm glad to see that Lexus has kept the vehicle roughly the same size as the outgoing model. Towing has been raised to 8500 pounds, which is good.
Full story here at Inside Line: 2008 Lexus LX 570
More info (preliminary specs and press release) can be found here on the Lexus site.
ateixeira says:
09:44 AM, 04/16/07
Wonder if Toyota will still sell the Land Cruiser version? Or just do a new Sequoia?
desmolicious says:
02:08 PM, 04/16/07
Another new Toy truck with huge blindspots...
hondacura4 says:
04:58 PM, 04/16/07
I dont think Toyota will drop the Land Cruiser as it has way too much history and recognition, and the fact that it sells better than the Lexus version.
rsholland says:
05:04 PM, 04/16/07
desmolicious
I'm not so sure about that. The blindspots nowhere as bad as those found on the FJ Cruiser. In fact, they're probably no worse than that of most SUVs.
alpha01 says:
09:03 PM, 04/16/07
There will indeed be another Land Cruiser. Bob, really, do you think this is better looking than the last version? I think its the ugliest Lexus I've ever seen, and those taillamps recall the "ribbed" look of the $9K Plymouth Sundance. Yikes.
Joe
rsholland says:
05:49 AM, 04/17/07
Joe
Yes, I do think it's better looking than the outgoing model, but that's not saying much.
While Toyota and Lexus are making efforts to improve their styling, they're not there yet in terms of visually competing with the better looking vehicles out there. There are still way too many odd shapes and details competing with one another visually resulting in awkward looking vehicles. This new Lexus is a perfect example of that.
Styling is certainly subjective in that you may not like what I like. Having said that I find the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 to be among the best looking SUVs out there, and this new Lexus is nowhere as good looking as either of those two. It may be a better vehicle (yet to be determined), but it's not as good looking in my book.
alpha01 says:
06:43 AM, 04/17/07
Interesting. In general, I find the Lexus sedans very attractive - particularly the IS and GS. The SUVs are a different story, with the GX and LX standing out as disproportionate and generally ungainly.
bbechtel16 says:
06:53 AM, 04/17/07
I seem to always be the odd man for styling. I like it.
rsholland says:
07:19 AM, 04/17/07
Joe
Lexus vehicles ARE getting better looking with each new generation. The cars you mention I find to be among the better looking Lexus models out there.
desmolicious says:
02:30 PM, 04/17/07
"While better than the GM Tahoe/Suburban solution, it's still not great, as it causes a huge blind spot for the driver on the right side."
rsholland says:
02:35 PM, 04/17/07
desmolicious
Oh, I see your point. Yes, when that right rear seat is folded up for storage, there is a huge blind spot.
I thought you were referring to the rear windows, which are pretty typical of that type of vehicle.
americantruck says:
06:40 AM, 05/23/07
Hi "rsholland" ,
as u said "Yes, when that right rear seat is folded up for storage, there is a huge blind spot. "
I have searched few pics on it ... hv a look at those INTERIORS of Lexus LX 570 Full-Size Luxury Utility Vehicle
http://blogs.americantruckbuyer.com/all-new-2008-lexus-lx-570-full-size-luxury-utility-vehicle/
Puneet M
mrvent says:
01:53 AM, 08/ 1/07
The thing is flawless. The luxury is understated. Also- people really overlook the curves of this new cars, which you can't fully appreciate just by looking at pictures.
There has to be a reason why the previous LX was called the most desirable full-size luxury SUV- understated luxury while being capable off-road due to its top of the line Lexus control arm, perhaps, since that model was Land Cruiser-based (more than I can say about the Escalade and Navigator, which are mere status-icons for soccer moms and rappers and the like). This LX 570 will be successful.