What do the new Lexus LX570 and the characters from the film "Kin-Dza-Dza!" have in common? In that galaxy, a person's social status could be instantly determined by the color of their pants. It's all simple and clear: you can immediately see who should squat before whom and say "Ku!". These simple laws of a fictional world involuntarily come to mind when you look at our Russian realities. Only here, the role of a bright clothing detail is often played by an expensive car, and instead of squats and greetings, there's universal respect on the road. Especially if this car is so large that it doesn't fit in the rearview mirror, it has a massive radiator grille with the Lexus emblem, and the tailgate door sports an LX570 badge.
When working on the appearance of the newest "el-eks", Japanese designers adhered to the same fresh styling that they had already tried on the flagship LS460 sedan. This is primarily noticeable in the front: the new grille and headlights seem to have migrated from the LS460. The swollen wheel arches and wide side moldings that visually weighed down the previous generation have disappeared. Now the "five-seventy" looks slimmer and more composed. The rear was also given attention: instead of the huge trapezoidal lights of the LX470, neat horizontal lights appeared. The new look has benefited the SUV. Firstly, thanks to the exterior changes, the drag coefficient has decreased by four hundredths and now stands at 0.35. And secondly, against the backdrop of the bulky predecessor, the LX570 seems like a true example of elegance, even despite becoming larger. The wheelbase remained the same, but other dimensions grew: length increased by 100 mm, width and height by 30 mm each.
The increased dimensions had a positive effect on the spaciousness of the eight-seat cabin. Engineers claim that front passengers now have more legroom than any competitor in the class. I won't argue with everyone, but at my height of 175 cm, I feel very free behind the wheel: the range of adjustments is wide, and the seating position is comfortable. Passengers in the second and third rows are also unlikely to complain about cramped conditions. Except perhaps those sitting in the "gallery" will start groaning after a long journey. The backrest of the folding seats is completely flat, with no hint of lateral support, and although the angle of inclination is adjustable, it doesn't become more comfortable. But is it that critical? This place will likely be used only occasionally and for its intended purpose.
Company engineers admit that when creating the model, they were meticulous about details. For example, a survey of owners showed that many incredibly like the sound of the closing door. And this was taken into account: now getting into the car is accompanied by a pleasant timbre, similar to the click of a Zippo lighter. Lovers of tactile sensations will also be pleased: the leather and plastic trim are of the highest quality. And have you ever heard of bubinga? It turns out that this African wood is used to make guitar necks, as well as decorative inserts in the Lexus interior.
Naturally, the LX570 is equipped to the maximum. It's hard to even imagine what else could be desired in base luxury. Here you have a multifunction steering wheel, engine start button, navigation, ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, as well as a front and side view system. The latter is activated by a button on the dashboard, and cameras hidden in the radiator grille and right mirror display an image of blind spots on the screen. This is very helpful in tight parking and helps you better feel the dimensions of the huge car. Figuring out the other functions is also not difficult. The only thing that raises questions is the control of the climate system airflow. There are no familiar buttons: the intensity of air flows is changed only through the touchscreen, which takes time. Overall, the interior holds no difficulties.
Just as easily as figuring out the functionality, the LX570 makes its way through the rugged California landscapes, which are very reminiscent of Lyubertsy or other quarries. The car surprisingly easily crawls both uphill and downhill. Like an escalator in the subway, which cannot be stopped by anything except a heel stuck in the gap. But it seems nothing is an obstacle for this SUV. It slowly but confidently climbs up the slope or carefully descends along a sandy-rocky trail, as if feeling every pebble. The driver's role is secondary. It's enough to engage low range, which can be done even while driving. Then the smart car itself will raise the body by 75 mm and adapt the suspension to bad roads.
And the Crawl Control system is simply a song! This assistant itself controls the throttle and brakes, maintaining a set speed — 1, 3, or 5 km/h. The driver only needs to take their feet off the pedals, focus on the steering wheel, and listen to the squeaking of the brake discs. Crawl Control is turned off either by the same button or by pressing the gas. In the second case, the system deactivates when speed exceeds 12 km/h, having warned about it in advance.
Lexus has a long tradition: the numbers in the model name indicate the engine displacement. Under the hood of the new model is a full 5.7 liters, like the famous Chrysler HEMI. The gasoline V-shaped "eight" with 367 horsepower is 12% more economical and one and a half times more powerful than the LX470 engine. With a torque of 530 Nm, the LX570 makes it clear that it doesn't intend to be a passive observer on regular asphalt either. The SUV accelerates assertively and briskly, the tachometer needle cheerfully runs up, as if not noticing the mass of 2660 kg. At the same time, acceleration is quite smooth thanks to the responsive six-speed automatic with sequential mode. But on winding serpentines, it's better to slow down: the steering wheel is not particularly informative, which, however, is typical for cars of this class.
Officially, the Lexus LX570 will be sold only in Russia and the USA. Nice, isn't it? Not everyone considers us a third-world country! And if you believe the plans for 2008, respect for the model in our country will grow significantly. It is expected that demand for the new SUV will be four times higher than for its predecessor, which sold 642 units last year.
I myself
The Lexus LX570 is equipped with an improved anti-lock braking system Multi-terrain ABS. It itself determines the type of road surface by analyzing the ratio of engine speed and vehicle speed, and selects the optimal braking mode. This ensures the most stable deceleration even on loose soil.
Driving
The LX570 easily conquers steep sandy slopes and impresses with its dynamics on asphalt.
Interior
The cabin has plenty of space for eight people, who can together solve the puzzle of climate control management.
Comfort
There is no usual for competitors' stateliness and rocking. At the same time, the suspension does not irritate with excessive stiffness.
Safety
Reinforced frame, 10 airbags, and many electronic assistants — the feeling of security never leaves for a minute.
Price
Not determined.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ New design, excellent performance of the power unit, superb off-road capabilities.
- Complex climate control management.
Specifications
Make and model — Lexus LX570
Dimensions — 4990/1970/1920 mm
Engine — gasoline, 5663 cm³, 367 hp/5600 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics — max 220 km/h; 7.5 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover
Our opinion
In Russia, imposing SUVs have always been treated with special respect. Having retained the previous concept but received a serious charge of improvements, the new LX570 is quite capable of winning over those who previously chose its classmates. And the forecast of 2300 cars sold in 2007 looks quite realistic.