By Karl Peskett.
Have you ever backed into a parking space, opened the door and then realise you can’t get out because you’ve parked so close? The normal procedure is to drive out and then repark further over. But you know a vehicle is big when you go to repark and you have even less room than when you started.
Yes, the Lexus LX 570 is a monster. It’s so wide that in one particular car park, even when perfectly positioned between the lines, I still couldn’t get out. The only solution was to park where there was a spare bay next to the driver’s door and hope that no-one parked there before I got back.
There’s also another unintended consequence of such a big vehicle – a big thirst.
You see, to motivate the LX 570, which weighs 2.7-tonnes, you need an engine with a decent amount of power. And so, Lexus modified Toyota’s V8 to produce a 5.7-litre unit which makes 270kW and 530Nm. And even though it’s matched to a super smooth eight-speed automatic, there’s only so much a naturally aspirated engine can do.
And so, even with some very sedate driving and between two and four people on board during our two weeks of testing, there was no way we could get near the ADR-listed fuel economy figure of 14.4 litres/100km combined. Instead, we were up around the city-only figure of 20.2L/100km, with the trips settling in at 18.7L/100km, and that including plenty of open road driving.
What that means is you’ll need a decently sized wallet or a very generous fuel card to cope with the LX’s penchant for premium unleaded. Thankfully, though, it does sound nice and is very, very quiet.
But let’s get to what the LX is all about – luxury. The formula is simple: take a Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series and kit it up with plenty of goodies. In fact, this is probably the only vehicle in the Lexus range which you immediately recognise as a Toyota before you realise what the badge is up front.
Sure, there’s a massive version of the brand’s spindle grille, and the back end’s a bit different as well, but you can’t get around the shape or the stance. But it’s inside that it further differentiates itself.
The first thing you notice when stepping in (you hop up into it) is the huge centre screen. At 12.3-inches, it’s one of the biggest in the business, and it’s super crisp as well. It’s very handy for exploring because there’s so much real estate displaying the real estate.
The centre console has Lexus’ mildly infuriating infotainment controller, and there are a heap of off-road controls in the form of both dials and buttons. The seats (which are both heated and cooled, front and back) are beautifully appointed in a smooth leather, while the third row, which gives you another three seats, is electrically stowed away when not needed.
Like all Lexus vehicles, the LX is built beautifully. Sure, the woodgrain can look a little cheap in direct sunlight, and the gloss wood sections on the steering wheel won’t be to all tastes, but you can’t argue with the quality.
The Mark Levinson stereo isn’t at its best in the LX, but it’s still clear enough and bassy enough for most people. And the centre stack has a few too many buttons, though they’re just small strips rather than large rectangles.
It’s the space that impresses the most. With a second row that can slide fore and aft electrically, legroom for passengers is never an issue. Kids are fine in the third row, too, and even with eight seats in place, there’s still 259 litres of space available.
It’s also set up perfectly for tackling off road duties. With height adjustable suspension, the LX can be raised or lowered at the push of a lever, and then you can activate Crawl Control which reads the surface and will basically drive through the bush or mud for you. If you don’t think you can get around an obstacle, push the turn assist button and it sorts that out for you.
The traction control and ABS are adept at feeling what’s underneath and adjusting to suit, so you’ll never slip or slide around. Put it this way – it’s far more competent than just about any Lexus owner will ever need (or use).
You’re always aware of its size, though. Even though the steering is light, it never inspires enough confidence to press on in the corners. There’s a lot of roll, so you start to drive it very gingerly, not wanting to test Newton’s laws too much.
But the biggest problem for the LX is the ride. With 21-inch wheels fitted, there’s simply not enough give in the side walls, and there’s a constant tremor being transmitted to the cabin. It’s fidgety and rough and just isn’t plush enough for a $145K luxury car. In fact, of all Lexus models, the LX 570’s ride is by far the worst.
Compare that with its donor vehicle and it gets very hard to sell the LX on its merits. Given the LandCruiser Sahara costs just $115,230, and it rides a lot nicer, you’re not actually missing out on much. Sure, it’s a little down on power and the infotainment screen isn’t as big, but it’s easier to use and it’s even more capable off-road because of less overhands. Plus, because you’re saving nearly $30K, you don’t need to be as precious with it.
The fact that the Sahara is cheaper on fuel is the nail in the coffin. The LX 570 is a difficult car to recommend, frankly, so if you want a big, luxury four-wheel-drive, it might be wise to look at a few other options.
