Lexus LX570

Lexus LX is a full size SUV that has been in the automobile market since 1996. There have been three generations of LX till date- first generation LX 450, second generation LX 470, and third generation LX 570- all of them are based on the platform of Land cruiser.

First Generation (1996-1998)

The first generation of LX series- LX450 made its debut in the year 1996 in US, being the first entry from the series. It was completely based on the 80 series of 6th generation Cruiser.



LX450 had a refreshed, more lavish interior and less rigid suspension settings. LX450 was equipped with a 4.5 liter 4-valve inline-6 engine to generate 212 horsepower and 275 lb-ft torque. The exterior was largely similar to Land Cruiser except for the side body cladding, wheels, and grille.

The interior of LX450 could provide enough room for four passengers in its three rows of seating arrangement. The main competition for the first generation LX was from Land Rover Range Rover.

Second Generation (1998-2002)

The second generation- LX470 was available from 1998 and shared the body panels as well as floor plan with 100 series Land Cruiser; however, it differed with respect to a more lavish interior and front appearance.

The exterior changes in design included different wheels and quad-headlamp front fascia with a bigger grille. This generation was outfitted with a 4.7-liter V8 engine certified by LEV, which was later developed further to generate 268 hp. This version was rated to tow around 6500 pounds.

From 2002 to 2006, minor changes were incorporated in its exterior and features that were offered.

Third Generation (2007-Present)

The third generation- LX570 is the latest in the series and made its debut in April 2007 at the New York International Auto Show with a complete redesign. Offered as a 2008 model, LX570 was powered by a new 5.7 liter V8 engine that was certified by ULEV-II to deliver 383 horsepower and 403 pf torque, mated to a 6-speed auto transmission with sequential shift.



The more powerful engine helped in increasing the towing capacity to 8500 pounds. The latest models of LX do not have the plastic lower body side cladding, thus exposing the paint.

The interior of LX570 includes all the essential amenities for luxury. The exterior dimensions are 4 inches longer and 1 inch wider than its predecessor; however, the length of the wheelbase remains the same.



The front suspension does not make use of torsion beam anymore; instead it uses double wishbones. The rear suspension uses the same multilink suspension with solid rear axle for durability and strength.

Some of the important performance features that are offered are Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Crawl Control, multi-terrain anti-lock braking system, and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

The latest version of LX570 is targeted to compete with Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX56, Cadillac Escalade, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The new LX will not be offered in European and Japanese markets. For 2011, Lexus LX570 comes with more technology and comfort to substantiate its position at the top.

Safety

The new LX 570 features standard airbags that include front-passenger and driver knee airbags, third-row curtains, and 2nd -row side airbags. Among many safety amenities, the new LX has active front headrests, tire pressure monitor system, and second row belt pretensioners.

Pricing of Lexus LX 570 is $10,000 higher when compared to the previous generation vehicles. Sticker base price is $77,755. The overall price is around $20,000 higher than Escalade on par with Benz GL550.

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