Car And Driver Reviews the Lexus LX 570

Car And Driver has posted a short and sweet review of the Lexus LX 570 which might very well sum up both the good and the bad:
Never has it been more politically incorrect to sing the praises of a passenger vehicle that weighs 6180 pounds, attains observed fuel economy of 14 mpg, and costs $75,465. Poor Toyota. A perfect trifecta of bad timing.
Which is a little embarrassing for us because every C/D editor who drove the new LX570 came back to the office, looked sheepishly at his shoes, then said in a small voice, “Holy crap, I love that thing.”
Drive solo in this behemoth and enviro-conscious citizens give you the stink eye, as if you’ve fired up an unfiltered Camel in the produce section of Whole Foods. Which is a shame because the LX570 may well be the most desirable SUV on the planet.
There’s no doubt that with the current oil crisis plus the economic climate, the LX dips alarmingly into the obscene. The fact that it’s so brilliantly executed certainly confuses the issue, but in all honesty, the LX as it exists now won’t be able to last. (Personally, I’m going to enjoy it for as long as I can.)
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September 30th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
*Krew…there’s a message in the end for you.
I know I haven’t said much positive things about this car, and it’s only ’cause it really isn’t all that.
If Lexus ever pays attention to what we say here on this (and other) sites, they need to know that just because some people say that the car is great with only minor flaws, it doesn’t mean that they can slack off and let the car fend for itself.
Honestly, the new LX is great but isn’t that much better than the previous model and nor is it that much better than other luxury vehicles it compete with (needs to compete with luxury sedans too). The looks aren’t revolutionary compared to my ‘03, and revolutionary all-in-all IS better than simple evolution.
I can go on and on, but I believe I’ve said enough. Many already get the point…hopefully Lexus too.
So to summarize what I’ve said…this car simply needs to be the best of the best…capable of the ups of every single vehicle in the Lexus lineup first then look beyond to other brands. If it’s good enough, it’s obvious that Mercedes is gonna win.
As a Lexus fan, I am very sad to admit that because it’s true and very disappointing, and I want Lexus to know and understand that this car isn’t that much of a success. I am one of the few potential buyers of this vehicle that already owns a previous generation LX…many other customers probably agree that looks mean a lot…and this car is a “DUD”!
To KREW: You have my permission to delete this comment, because I believe I’ve graffiti-ed your wonderful website enough. Sorry, sir…I’m just really frustrated with this car.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:40 am
You hit it big time WorldofLuxury. I totally agree on you… Lexus needs an overhaul design with their SUV… Range Rover Sport or Porsche is better lookin than Lexus…
October 1st, 2008 at 7:44 pm
WorldofLuxury: Comparing it to the older version, I have to agree with you. The LX 470 exterior design was something special.
I remember being especially disappointed until I saw the 570 in person, which resulted in an almost 360° change of opinion. Then again, I didn’t have a 470 to compare it to!
Is it just the LX you dislike or are not a big fan of L Finesse in general?
(BTW, I’m not in the habit of deleting comments unless it’s something vulgar & slanderous. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.)
October 1st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
IMO the LX 570 is an advancement in every way except for the exterior design. I feel like the mechanics of the car dictated the look, and the styling was more utilitarian than anything else–save the front end. The looks are reminiscent of the GX 470 but updated somewhat. I wish they had done something to make the side profile more interesting, and the rear end more modern. But how to make this big beast ’sleek’ is a challenge.
In person, i do feel that it looks better, but my expectations for what Lexus can do are high. If anything were possible, I’d like to see a hybrid LX 600h, with a more ostentatious and modern look that catapults it to the top of the SUV cachet crowd.
As it stands though, the C&D review is excellent–and it made Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” list for luxury cars.