Not content to present information on the Lexus LX 570 in a normal sort of way, The Driver’s Seat decided to spice up their video with an overwhelming amount of text and strobe effects:
I actually had to turn away while watching, though I stuck it out just to hear what Charles Hubbard had to say.
Save for the short appearance by Charles Hubbard of Lexus College, this Bumper2Bumper TV video profile of the Lexus LX 570 doesn’t really have much to it, except for one thing — it shows that this vehicle looks absolutely spectacular in movement (around 45 seconds in, to be precise):
I think my devotion to the LX 470 made me lukewarm to the LX 570, but between this little glimpse and the videos released by Lexus, I’m definitely starting to come around.
The Lexus LX 570 went on sale today in China today, retailing with the rather extraordinary price tag of 1.3 million yuan, which translates to $179,000 USD, or roughly 242.5% higher than the USA’s retail price of $73,800.
Frankly, an increase of over $100,000 is astounding, yet it’s hardly out of place when looking at the competition. Let’s take a Mercedes GL450, which starts at $56,725 USD stateside. A chinese buyer would have to pay 1.348 million yuan, or $185,600 USD, a whopping 327.2% increase. The BMW X5 4.8i is even worse, though not by much. It retails for $54,500 USD in the States and costs 1.336 million yuan ($184,000 USD), an increase of 337.6%.
Put into this context, it could be said that the Lexus LX 570 is the best deal, but that’s hardly an argument I’d be willing to make.
[Source: GasGoo]
Mentioned in the Lexus’ LX 570 marketing presentation, the Driver Empowered LX mini-site is now live.
The site’s jam-packed with video footage extolling the SUV’s capabilities. Of particular note is the 360° tour, which manages to inject an infusion of character and presence that has been lacking in images seen so far.
An interesting sidebar, some of these videos have been posted on Youtube by Lexus, using its brand-new, three-day-old account. I’ve included them here, but would recommend watching the much larger versions on the site itself.
I’m not sure how much stock you can put in an award given to an unreleased vehicle, but that didn’t stop WealthTV viewers from awarding the 2008 Lexus LX 570 “The Most Luxurious SUV” award. There wouldn’t be much to see here if the Lexus spokesman Paul Williamsen hadn’t pull the engine cover off :
The award given at the end is a hoot, as well. I can’t say I’d ever heard of WealthTV before this, but one thing’s for sure, they don’t skimp on their trophies.
The GS 450h was also recognized in the Most Advanced Use of Hybrid Technology category, but really, what kind of category is that?
[Source: The Automotive]
The Auto Network has posted up the full LX 570 presentation given by Lexus to the press in late 2007, and it’s a incredible collection of facts and information, detailing every aspect of the vehicle, from its technical specifications to its marketing plan.
The first part is a general overview of the LX 570, presented by Nancy Fein, VP of Customer Service:
The second part is a presentation by Charles Hubbard, and is a highly detailed 20 minute technical breakdown of the new SUV, including a demonstration of the Crawl Control feature. (The sound’s a little low so be sure to turn up your speakers):
There’s a bit of a sarcastic bent to AutoWeek’s preview of the 2008 Lexus LX 570, but it still manages to fill in some blanks, including the differences between the LX 570 and the Toyota Land Cruiser:
Hey, wait a second, you say, is this just a Land Cruiser with a Lexus badge on it, the way the first ES was way too much of a Camry? Oh, ye of little faith and long memory. No, it’s not. Look at the spec sheet. It has more acronyms than a quartermaster’s RFP-at least 13 standard features not found on the Land Cruiser.
“I’m amazed at the technology in this vehicle,” said Lexus chief Mark Templin. Hey, he works there, and he’s amazed!
Some are unquestionable assets, such as the VVT-i that controls the dual overhead cams, the acoustic control induction system (ACIS) that tunes the intake runners, the new transmission-fluid temperature control that warms or cools the fluid depending on conditions and active front headrests that reduce neck injuries. Luxury technology abounds, too, including a “sub-cool accelerator system” to get cold air flowing more quickly in the four-zone climate-control system and second-row seat heaters.
As I said, a touch too sarcastic, but this is a vehicle that elicits a wide range of reactions. All in all, the preview is positive, going as far as to say this is the vehicle you want to have should civilization ever collapse. Now that’s some heavy praise!
Next up with a LX 570 test drive article is Popular Mechanics, who shower the new SUV with praise, and include some detailed information how exactly Crawl Control works:
One of the technologies introduced on the LX570 is Crawl Control, which takes hill descent control several steps further. With the rollover sensing system turned off and 4-Wheel-Low range engaged in the two-speed transfer case, the driver can then activate the Crawl Control system by choosing from one of three speeds the system will allow…The vehicle will maintain in the preset speed (1, 2, or 3 mph) going downhill or uphill, in Drive or Reverse, and will stop working whenever the brake or throttle pedal is touched, but comes right back on whenever the pedal is released.
For now, this is the best there is in luxury SUVs.
In my mind, the LX 570’s design doesn’t stand out like the LX 470, but it’s hard to fault the vehicle’s capability. It will be interesting to see if this level of approval keeps up as more reviews come in.
As the Lexus LX 570 gets closer and closer to the dealerships, the test drives are starting to come in. First one to the press is Motor Trend, and it’s heavy in praise:
This largest Lexus has no more business vamoosing through chicanes than it does scaling 45-degree slopes, fording two-foot-deep streams, or straddling nine-inch-tall rocks, and yet it’s capable of doing all the above.
In fact, it seems to have been optimized for such bushwacking, with innovations like Crawl Control (think three-speed downhill-assist that also works uphill), Active Height Control (which can tip-toe three inches above or kneel camel-like 2.4 inches below normal ride height. “What percentage of your buyers go off-road?” a colleague asks. “Um, I don’t think we have numbers on that,” the presenter dodges.
Cute answer by the Lexus representative.
I’m not sure why the article’s writer is so surprised at the offroading capability, this certainly isn’t the first LX suitable for the trails. Still, I suppose it would be hard to equate the luxury inside with its performance on the outside.
The newly-redesigned 2008 Lexus LX 570 will start at $73,800, according to a dealer announcement that made it’s way to Autospies.
It’s a $6,405 jump up from the outgoing LX 470, but there’s some significant new features (Crawl Control and front/side cameras, for example) that no doubt added to the production cost.
Also included in the dealer announcement were some journalist comments on the LX 570:
At the recently conducted Long Lead Press Preview, journalists commented on the ride and comfort, improved performance and capabilities of the new LX 570.
- “It has a very nice ride. Sometimes you forget you’re in an SUV”
- “… almost like driving an LS.”
- “Great suspension. Really impressive. A big improvement from the LX 470.”
- “Off-road ABS is a nice feature.”
- “The Crawl Control is pretty cool… couldn’t believe how easily it went down the steep hill…”
- “The LX really is a capable vehicle, it can do everything you said and go anywhere.”
Nothing all that surprising, but interesting nonetheless.
[Via AutoSpies]
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