The Largest Lexus

The Lexus "LX570," released in September 2015, has been a topic of conversation ever since. How should it be defined? The king of cross-country vehicles? Or the pinnacle of luxury SUVs? It's also known as a 4WD country vehicle, and it has gained popularity in markets where it was released earlier, such as the US, the Middle East, and Russia. It makes quite an impression on Japanese roads as well.

The LX570 is the largest Lexus. With a total length of 5065mm and a height of 1910mm, it appears as large as a small mountain when seen on the street. The engine under the hood is equally impressive: a 5.7-liter V8. Furthermore, its off-road capabilities are serious, including a body structure with a perimeter frame. It could be considered a formidable rival to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The spindle grille, which one might describe as enormous, exudes power. Rather than the stylishness common to the Lexus family, it possesses a rugged presence. Like work boots or a buffalo plaid wool shirt, it has a functional, masculine appeal.

Lexus' website defines the stage where this vehicle excels as "harsh terrains around the world." The V8 engine produces a massive 534Nm of torque at 3200rpm. It's paired with a full-time 4WD system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, its approach angle is 25 degrees, departure angle is 20 degrees, maximum wading depth is 700mm, maximum stable tilt angle is 44 degrees, and maximum climbing ability is 45 degrees. The imposing presence of the LX570 is backed by substance.

The Lexus LX570 is also touted as "the ultimate in SUV luxury." The interior features full leather seats, exuding a luxurious ambiance enhanced by wood and chrome accents. It's said that the Range Rover was once dubbed the "Rolls-Royce of the desert." In the desert, off-road capability combined with an oasis-like interior space would indeed be a supremely luxurious combination. This vehicle may offer something similar.

This cross-country 4WD, with its large 21-inch tires, how does it perform in the city?

Surprisingly Car-Like

How does the Lexus LX570 drive? Given its cross-country 4WD nature, I expected it to have significant body roll due to its long suspension travel. However, in reality, it drives with surprising car-like composure. Preconceptions about it being suited for deserts or rough terrain are dispelled. It behaves quite normally as a passenger car.

The 5662cc V8 produces a maximum output of 277kW (377ps) and a maximum torque of 534Nm. What's impressive is how exquisitely everything is tuned to feel agile. The engine's torque delivery, steering effort, and the vehicle's response when initiating a steering input—all of these work to negate the feeling of driving a large vehicle. Especially at the start of movement, it's likely that the appropriate torque, power assist, and steering speed are finely adjusted. Even someone who was driving a kei car yesterday would have no problem driving this. And those who drive sports cars wouldn't find it sluggish, would they?

Despite being described as a "cross-country" vehicle with serious off-road capabilities, the interior is luxurious and opulent. Leather and wood-grain trim surround the occupants. Moreover, it's quiet while driving, with engine noise, road noise, and wind noise all suppressed to a remarkably low level.

The only time you're truly aware of its size is when braking. To decelerate a 2.7-ton behemoth, a light touch on the brake pedal, like you'd use for a nimble sports car, is insufficient. You need to press harder. This reminds you that you are indeed driving a large cross-country 4WD. However, once you get used to the brakes, you can confidently navigate even roads with a series of tight corners.

The driver's seat of the Lexus LX570 is positioned high off the ground. For those accustomed to large SUVs, some might find this elevated position reassuring due to the sense of isolation. You drive as if looking down on the surrounding traffic. As mentioned earlier, with its abundant torque available from low RPMs, it has enough power to lead the flow of traffic in any situation.

Considerable attention has also been paid to maneuverability. It is equipped with a steering angle sensor, and the computer detects when you are attempting to turn through a tight corner. It then applies appropriate braking to the inner rear wheel. This feature is called "Turn Assist." Lexus claims this reduces the number of steering corrections needed, thereby lessening the driver's burden.

I didn't personally encounter a situation where I could clearly feel the "Turn Assist" function operating. It might have been working subtly. Regardless, an owner would likely have numerous opportunities to benefit from it. The car supports the driver without making its presence overtly known. This is the true essence of Lexus.

It's also packed with specifications that will excite enthusiasts.

A Hardcore Off-Roader

While I've been writing about the Lexus LX570 as a luxury SUV for urban driving, it is, in fact, a hardcore off-roader. Toyota Motor Corporation, which provides technology to Lexus, has fully leveraged its experience gained with the Land Cruiser.

Lexus' website states it can "powerfully navigate urban streets and conquer off-road terrains with varying surface conditions and weather." This is supported by the latest electronic technologies. Here too, it is packed with features that could be called top-of-the-line.

"Multi-Terrain Select" is one of the notable technologies in the LX570. It's designed to enhance off-road capability on rough terrain and slippery surfaces. There are six modes: "Rock" for driving on rocky terrain, "Rock & Dirt" for rough, rocky surfaces, "Mogul" for undulating and steep terrain, "Loose Rock" for driving on mixed gravel and dirt, and "Mud & Sand" for use in mud or sand. Additionally, there's an "Auto" mode. Each mode adjusts brake hydraulic pressure and optimizes power distribution accordingly. The selector is located on the dashboard, allowing you to switch between modes.

"Crawl Control" is another testament to the serious off-road performance of this vehicle, which costs over 10 million yen. It's a support technology for driving on rough off-road or slippery surfaces. When activated, the vehicle automatically handles accelerator and brake operations during extremely low-speed driving. The driver can concentrate solely on steering.

In contrast, "Drive Mode Select" is a technology that excels on-road. Familiar to Lexus owners, it offers Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings. These can be selected via a dial on the center console, allowing you to enjoy changes in the car's character. The system adjusts engine characteristics and suspension settings. When combined with the "4-Wheel Active Height Control Suspension," it works in conjunction with the selected mode. This automatic vehicle height adjustment system lowers the vehicle for stability during high-speed driving, for example. In L4 (off-road) mode, it raises the vehicle to a high setting.

The technologies are too numerous to list exhaustively. "Variable Gear Ratio Steering" changes the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed, aiming for improved maneuverability. It enhances the ease of handling in urban environments, such as on narrow roads or in parking lots. The "Adaptive Variable Suspension System" automatically controls damping force based on driving conditions. This contributes to the LX570's user-friendliness with its comfortable ride.

The vehicle, measuring 5,065mm in length, 1,980mm in width, and 1,910mm in height, also features two power-folding seats in the third row, making it suitable for large families. The two-part, top-and-bottom opening tailgate is functional and easy to use. It truly covers all needs. It is an overwhelming vehicle.

LEXUS LX570 | Lexus LX570
Body Size | Length 5,065 x Width 1,980 x Height 1,910 mm
Wheelbase | 2,850 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 225 mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,720 kg
Tread Front / Rear | 1,645 / 1,640 mm
Seating Capacity | 8 people
Engine | 5,662 cc V8 DOHC
Maximum Output | 277 kW (377 ps) / 5,600 rpm
Maximum Torque | 534 Nm / 3,200 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front / Rear | 285/50R20
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 6.5 km/ℓ
Price | ¥11,000,000