This second generation Lexus LX series has gained 1000cc and 100 in the model number, going from 470 to 570. The LX470 was first introduced into New Zealand ten years ago and this new 2008 Lexus LX570 is equipped with a completely new 5.7-litre 32-valve V8 producing 270kW of power at 5,600rpm and 530Nm of torque at 3,200rpm.

Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, and with the engine from Toyota’s Tundra pickup truck, it is a traditional body-on-frame design, but is far stiffer than the model it replaces, giving enhanced ruggedness and towing capacity (over 3500kg).

To improve fuel economy a new lightweight aluminium die-cast cylinder block with intelligent dual variable valve timing. (VVT-iE) and Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) is used. Despite the extra litre in engine size, the LX570 is 8% more fuel efficient than the previous model. This still doesn’t equate to anything special — around 19l/100km in the city, and 13l/100km on the motorway. But, it does weigh 3300kg. Expect for expensive fill-ups – the tank holds 128 litres!

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) shift system enables the vehicle to automatically adjust to the driving conditions and the response required by the driver from the six-speed sequential automatic transmission.

Several different technologies assist the LX570 traverse difficult terrain. Crawl Control aids the driver when it’s slippery and difficult underfoot (or wheel!). To allow the driver maximum concentration while manoeuvring, it regulates both the engine and braking systems. Combined with Active Traction Control (A-TRC — for rugged off-road driving) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) which prevents the LX570 from rolling backwards during hill starts, the Lexus is designed to ride on more than just the road.

Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) systems assist with ride comfort and steering performance by controlling the shock absorber damping force, while stopping this large SUV is taken care of with multi-terrain Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Multi-terrain ABS detects the road surface conditions and applies the correct amount of brake force to minimise stopping distances.

20-inch wheels is how the Lexus rolls, and it will roll to 100kph in anger in around 7.4s.

On the inside there is a plethora of electronics to assist the driver, particularly while manoeuvring. The wing mirrors are fully electric, heated, electro-chromatic and come with memory positions for different drivers. A camera is built into the passenger mirror which displays a picture of the ground on the left hand side of the vehicle to assist kerbside parking.

Interior space has increased over the previous version despite the wheelbase remaining the same. There is 175mm more length, 20mm more height and 30mm more width.

Both front seats are power-adjustable — the driver’s has ten controls, while the passenger’s has eight. The second and third rows also feature power operation. The third row features a power function to fold the seats away, courtesy of a switch in the load area. However, the seats don’t fold flat and the luggage capacity is average for an SUV (259 litres). The LX570 will seat eight, but passengers in the third row must have short legs.

In addition to the 10-way power adjusted drivers seat and eight way power adjusted front passenger seat, the LX570 also incorporates second and third row power seat operation. The front seats feature an air conditioning function for improved comfort, with the second row including a heater, a power slide mechanism and a one-touch tumble function for the left passenger side seat.

Quad-zone independent temperature-controlled air conditioning is standard for front and rear occupants.

A nineteen-speaker Mark Levinson Premium audio system bathes the interior with a six-disc MP3/WMA DVD/CD changer. The rear seats get their own retractable DVD entertainment system as standard.

The dashboard houses a large Electronic Multi Vision (EMV) touch screen — a high-resolution screen that displays DVD satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone operation, park assist system, the multitude of cameras (front, side and rear), and functions for audio and air conditioning.

The park assist is a radar that warns the driver of obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle — essential for such a large car. There are three cameras — front grille, passenger side mirror and tailgate. The front and side mirror cameras can be displayed on the screen at up to 10kph.

To illuminate the round ahead around corners Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), illuminates to the side of the direction of travel, depending on which way the steering wheel is turned. Auto headlight leveling is also used in the case of towing, or heavily loaded trips. Rear lights are equipped with LEDs.

Memory functions for driver’s seat, the tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and mirror positions are encoded into the key.

The rear door is powered and the top section of it can be opened and closed using the wireless key, or the switch. The door even detects if an obstacle would prevent it closing.

Radar-based cruise control is included, allowing the car to keep a user-definable distance from the car in front. The system detects if another car enters or leaves the lane and speeds up or slows down accordingly.

This radar forms part of a pre-crash system. If the LX570 detect an accident is unavoidable it immediately applies the maximum braking force to scrub off vehicle speed, and activates the seatbelt pre-tensioners. In the worse case scenario the airbags (driver and passenger front, side and knee airbags, second row side airbags and curtain shield airbags for all three rows) will activate.

The Lexus LX570 has an enormous number of acronyms — let’s recap: AFS, EMV, ABS, BA, EBD, HAC, AHC, AVS, A-TRC, ACIS, AI and VVT-iE. At the recommended retail price of $173,500 that’s one letter every $4689.

Click through to the next page to read the full specs on the Lexus LX570

Words Darren Cotingham, photos Lexus