LX 570 hits the road

Lexus biggest SUV yet, the LandCruiser-based LX 570, is officially launched to the local media today. Already previewed at three major Australian motor shows (more here), the 570 has been one of the most protracted local launches of recent times.

Officially on sale from April 10, Lexus will offer two grades of 570 -- Prestige and Sports Luxury. Pricing for the grades will be confirmed later today.

Replacing the LX 470, which was based on the 100 Series LandCruiser and even shared the same drivetrain, the new Lexus is fitted with an exclusive 5.7-litre V8 not offered in the current Toyota 200 Series Cruiser released late last year (more here). No diesel powerplant is offered.

The new engine produces 270kW and 530Nm and claims the title of most powerful SUV in the company's history. A six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential-shift facility relays the torque from the engine to constantly four-wheel-drive system.

Befitting the new model's position at the top of the Lexus SUV range, the LX 570 comes with hydro-pneumatic suspension featuring Adaptive Variable Suspension and Active Height Control. Lexus claims that the AVS system reduces body roll and improves ride comfort.

The LX 570's constant all-wheel-drive system features a two-speed transfer case and a mechanical limited-slip centre differential. The newly-developed system has an electric servo to effect changes between high and low range, and push-button control of centre differential lock.

The Crawl Control function that is available in petrol-engined LandCruisers is fitted as standard in the LX 570, effectively providing an off-road cruise control capability. Another feature carried over from the Toyota is the multi-terrain ABS system, which is designed to work correctly on sand, gravel and other surfaces.

The LX 570 features active cruise control. The system offers a conventional cruise control mode, as well as vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.

According to Lexus the LX 570 has increased body strength and rigidity compared with the outgoing LX 470, as well as lower interior noise levels. The separate body and frame design features an all-new frame structure including hydro-formed cross-members. Lexus says high-strength steel sheet accounts for one-third of the body shell mass.

The LX 570 is equipped with 10 airbags as standard, including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and full side curtain airbags for all three rows.

The top-spec LX 570 model come with Lexus' Pre-Collision System (PCS) and a new front and side monitor system for blind spots. A reversing camera and park assist are standard on both grades.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Lexus' Active Traction Control (A-TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are standard on all models.

Interior enhancements include steel scuff plates and a new instrument panel with metal highlights and dial surround. The 40/20/40-split second-row -- which is heated -- also uses a newly designed tumble mechanism and the third-row seat offers a power fold and stow function that automatically locks the seats into position.

The LX 570 gets the “most powerful climate control system” of any Lexus model yet available: “a four-zone, 28-outlet climate tour de force”, says the company, to suit the needs for up to eight adults. Top-spec models are fitted with a 19-speaker Levinson sound system and rear-seat entertainment with a roof-mounted nine-inch widescreen display.

The LX 570 wears bigger (18-inch) wheels than the outgoing model, in six-spoke design, and the LX's LED tail lights feature chrome surrounds, while the rear bumper integrates foglights.

Lexus has also upgraded the LX's brakes to suit the bigger wheels. The LX now has 340mm ventilated front rotors with four-piston calipers and 345mm diameter rotors at the rear.

The LX 570 maintains the 470 model's braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

Look out for the Carsales Network's launch review of the new LX 570 soon.

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