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2008 Lexus LX570 - More Than just a Land Cruiser With a Lexus Badge

admin December 31st, 2007

OK, so the 2008 Lexus LX570 is almost here. Perhaps the question on everyones mind is, “is this just another Land Cruiser dressed up in Lexus trim?”

In a word: NO. Forget those Toyota Camry / Lexus ES comparisons. This SUV has the credentials to be differentiated from its stablemate, the Toyota Landcruiser.

For starters, let’s clarify what IS the same. Both the 5.7 liter, 383 horsepower engine and six-speed automatic are off the same parts shelf as the Land Cruisers.

The LX570, however, has some nifty features unique to the Lexus brand. For starters, there’s the Mark Levinson Reference Surround system, a 19-speaker, 450 watt system adapted from the Lexus LS line that features world class sound and noise dampening.

In addition, the LX 570 offers a novel “Pre-collision system” incorporating adaptive cruise control. In essence, the vehicle can sense when it is approaching another vehicle (when cruise control is engaged) and slow itself to avoid a collision. When the other vehicle has sped up (or moved out of the way), the Lexus can resume normal cruise speed.

The LX570 also has cameras mounted in the grill and under the passenger-side mirror to enable a wide view of forward surroundings. The idea is that such cameras (traditionally employed in back-up scenarios) can help drivers get an additional view in hard-to-see areas such as parking garages by pressing a button and watching the navigation system screen.

Finally, the 2008 LX570 sports what is perhaps the finest SUV cabin next to the Range Rover. interior materials are top-notch, a vast improvement over previous LXs, and include Bubinga wood trim and top-grade leather. In addition, Lexus offers power-sliding second row seats (with and optional power-sliding third-row seat), four-zone climate controls, and XM satellite radio with traffic updates. What’s not to love?

While you may not be able to climb Pike’s Peak in the new LX570, you certainly get all of the ruggedness of a Toyota Landcruiser in a much more refined and polished package. Prices aren’t yet available, but we’d suggest considering spluring for the Lexus given its unique features.