Lexus LX 570

Many vehicles claim to have the finest in automotive engineering, but certainly without a doubt, the all new Lexus LX 570 has the very latest in automotive technology - brimming from every corner of the very fine and mighty big Lexus. Big is perhaps a rather tame word to describe the Lexus LX 570. To stand beside the 2750 kg 4990mm long, 1970mm wide and 1865mm tall LX one gains quite an appreciation of what must be going through the mind of a driver pulling alongside the Lexus LX 570 at the lights. To the mere mortals driving a VW Polo or Suzuki Alto, the Lexus LX 570 is nothing short of massive. What Lexus has managed to do so well in the vehicle’s overall design is to subtly hide the bulk in very cleverly designed lines that freely flow over the large four wheel drive coach work, giving the Lexus LX 570 an overall trim and nimble appearance. The rounded wheel-guard lines intrude over and into the doors giving the impression that the Lexus LX 570 is much more compact and shorter than it is.

Anti-Skid Brakes, Vehicle Stability/Swerve Control, and Traction control all come as standard. They do a marvellous job in tandem with the very strong chassis components to keep the big machine composed and balanced when pushed swiftly along the road. And yes, the 5663cc petrol engine has impressive power - as one has come to expect from Lexus. The V8 is beautifully refined and yet exudes a wonderful throaty growl when asked to perform smartly. The DOHC four valve per cylinder Dual VVT-I engine performs sweetly, undertaking any task willingly. This is of no surprise, really, when you consider that the Lexus LX 570 has 270kW at 5600rpm and 530Nm of torque at 3200rpm to play on or off the road with! A slightly larger fuel bill will be experienced by the owner. But if you can afford the premium materialistic delights of life (as found in the Lexus LX570), the combined fuel consumption of 14.8 L/100km is nothing. Power is via a smooth five speed automatic transmission, or a silky six speed automatic, which is found in the prestige model only. All the benefits of Full Time Four Wheel Drive traction, whatever the road ahead is like, are part of this complete package. Both the five speed and six speed auto gear boxes are electronically controlled with Flex Lock-up torque converters, and they boast an Artificial Intelligence shift control. The Lexus LX 570 has a Dual Range Transmission with diff lock in the centre as standard. So if you fancy taking one of the best four wheel drives that big money can buy off road then the chances are that you won’t be getting bogged down in any great hurry, particularly with massive 285/R18 inch tyres grabbing at any available traction.

Inside the very spacious cabin, occupants will enjoy many features. Not only are the seats upholstered in premium leather, but you will find a leather bound gear knob and a leather bound steering wheel. The superbly well equipped Lexus LX 570 has a long list of just about every conceivable extra that you could think of as a standard item. Split dual-air-conditioning for front and rear passengers, electric sunroof, electric windows, illuminated vanity mirrors, cruise control, a trip computer, an outside-mirror position memory that automatically tilts down when reversing, automatic headlight adjustment, a reversing monitor camera, eight cup holders, an engine immobiliser and car alarm, a power accessory socket, a satellite navigation system and a DVD player, a selectable suspension height system that is adjustable to three settings… and the list just keeps going on and on. Worth a mention, though, is the fabulous premium sound system. Now close your eyes and imagine where you would like speakers to be placed inside the cabin of the Lexus LX 570 for optimum crystal clear surround sound and audio pleasure. Ok, count them up and I bet you didn’t get to a total number of nineteen speakers – if you did then you are getting the general idea. A few years ago, an eight speaker sound system was considered premium sound!

Safety requirements are as good as it gets and Lexus has gone to great lengths to make sure the Lexus LX 570 is as safe as they come. There are “airbags for Africa” in both the front and second row rear passengers including side curtains.  By the way, there are three rows of seats in the Lexus LX 570 – should have mentioned this at the start. A first aid kit comes as standard. Both of the front seat occupants will have a pre-tensioning hight adjustable seatbelt with a force limiting device incorporated into the design. These are just a few of the many available passive safety items available. The active safety features not only include the ABS, VSC and Traction Control systems as mentioned earlier, but the strong and safe Lexus LX 570 has other weapons in its armoury: Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are on the ready to help avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

In typical premium-brand automotive-fashion, you will find this Lexus to be quiet and unruffled at any speed and over all terrain types. Setting the standard, the Lexus LX 570 is truly packed with luxury appointments and flawless technology. If you buy this gem, you won’t be disappointed.