Driving Impressions

On the move, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 is smooth, quiet and untroubled. The higher seating position permits long-range forward visibility, keeping occupants and passengers above the flow of ordinary traffic, and eye-ball-to-eyeball with full-size trucks. The commanding view, combined with the lack of noise and vibration, combine to create the sensation of a protected cabin, and a sense of well being. The LX moves out readily at part throttle, creating the sensation of power in reserve. The engine is an advanced 5.7-liter V8 shared with the Tundra pickup truck and Land Cruiser SUV. It's built for torque, and it produces a lot of it, 403 pound-feet, early in the rev range. More than 90 percent of the torque is available before 2200 rpm, so most of the time the engine is loafing along with very low effort, which adds to the quiet, untroubled manner the LX conveys on the move. This ability to provide power without spinning the engine faster gives the LX a different character than the Cadillac Escalade or Land Rover Range Rover, which produce their peak torque at higher rpm levels. The new six-speed transmission has a very low first gear, complementing the engine's torque with enhanced mechanical leverage. The net effect, once again, is low effort in ordinary driving. At higher speeds, the six-speed offers a double overdrive combination, with a sixth-gear ratio of just 0.588. This very tall cruising gear allows for quiet, effortless cruising. At 2000 rpm, our test unit indicated a speed of 72 mph. At speeds over 75 mph we were able to detect some wind noise coming from the mirrors, but thanks to careful noise isolation work, the powertrain is not the source of noise or vibration until much higher speeds are demanded. Top speed is electronically limited to 137 mph. As you might expect with a four-wheel-drive of this considerable heft, the LX remains composed and relaxed even at speeds well beyond the recommended norm on America's superhighways. In bad weather, the LX really comes into its own, with a torsen limited-slip center differential biasing torque to maximize traction. Drawing from its Land Cruiser heritage, the LX has the guts of a true 4x4. The four-wheel-drive system has four modes, actuated by a toggle switch on the center console. It's possible to lock the center differential in high range or low range, or leave it open in either range. Normally, most people will be operating in the unlocked, high range mode, which should deliver the best mileage. When there are patches of ice or water on the road, locking the center differential helps maintain grip as individual wheels encounter slippery surfaces. When the going gets really bad, such an ice storm or if deep mud blocks the path, locking the center differential and using low range would supply maximum balance to move forward without getting stuck. Unlike the iconic 4x4 Land Cruiser, the LX does not offer locking differentials, relying instead on electronic traction control (A-TRAC) to prevent wheelspin. Our (considerable) experience with A-TRAC is that it provides enhanced traction and off-road capability sufficient for any unplanned event, and then some. The Toyota Land Cruiser, with available electronic lockers, might be better suited for those who expect to use their SUV as a 4x4 recreation vehicle, but both vehicles have multi-terrain ABS, which works at low speeds on-road or off, and both vehicles have Crawl Control. Crawl Control is designed for use on steep downhill trails when control is the highest priority. It holds back the vehicle, making sure the speed is appropriate to the steepness of the terrain, so all the driver has to do is steer. The LX suspension supplies a mix of ride quality and cornering capability consistent with other large, multi-passenger luxury vehicles. Some vehicles in this class use air bag suspensions, but in the LX coil springs are used on all four corners, supplemented by an active variable damping system t

Final Word

Stylistically less pretentious than the competition, the all-new 2008 Lexus LX 570 still offers power, unique luxury features, and exceptional capability on and off the road. Lexus build quality should assure long-term value. John Stewart filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after driving the LX 570 along the coastal and inland roads around the greater San Diego area.