Luxurious new Lexus LX 570 S arrives

Lexus Australia has announced a new flagship version of its flagship SUV, the Toyota 200 Series LandCruiser-based LX.

Based on the 5.7-litre petrol V8-powered LX 570 with Enhancement Pack, the new Lexus LX 570 S brings cosmetic and chassis upgrades for an extra $6500.

While the new LX 570 S tops the Lexus SUV range at $168,089 plus on-road costs, LX pricing continues to open at $134,129 plus ORCs for the LX 450d diesel released in March, with the standard LX 570 remaining at $142,789 plus ORCs.

Lexus says Australians have now bought more than 5500 examples of the big LX since 2004, with sales up by 10.4 percent to 277 so far this year – making it more popular than ever.

Additions for the LX 570 S include Shimamoku Grey ornamentation, alloy pedals and new semi-aniline perforated leather, which is also now standard on the LX 570 with Enhancement Pack and available in black or – just for the S -- a rich burgundy colour named Garnet.

Externally, the Lexus LX 570 S is differentiated by a body kit comprising more aggressive new front and rear bumper skirts and an exclusive sports mesh pattern for the signature spindle grille.

There are also gloss-black 21-inch forged alloy wheels. courtesy lamps in the exterior mirrors that project ‘LX S’ branding onto the ground and a LX 570 S badge at the rear.

Under the skin, the new LX range-topper scores what Lexus calls a front performance damper that’s claimed to improve body rigidity and steering stability.

The LX 570 S is available with just two paint colours -- Sonic Quartz and Starlight Black – and there are no changes to its 270kW/530Nm V8, eight-speed automatic transmission, 3500kg braked towing capacity or 138-litre fuel capacity.

Carryover features include the Lexus Safety System + incorporating a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection, radar active cruise control, lane departure warning, adaptive high-beam system, head-up display, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Other standard equipment includes 10 airbags, a reversing camera, four-camera multi-terrain monitor, panoramic view monitor, heated steering wheel, ventilated/heated front and outboard second-row seats, 12.3-inch display screen, satellite-navigation and four-zone climate control with climate concierge function.

"The striking features of the new LX 570 S, from its unique exterior styling to the dynamic upgrades, symbolise the evolution of the LX model and will further expand its popularity among consumers," said Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson.