Lexus's LX570: A road-going revelation

Yochanaan Coetzee - The Stand Bank Auto Show is approaching fast and dealers are getting ready to wow potential customers with their latest models and newest innovations in personal motoring.Republikein visited Pupkewitz Lexus last week to get a feel for their mighty fine flagship SUV, the low-key, yet lavish LX570.With a powerful V8, sophisticated 4WD chassis, and seating for seven, the Lexus LX570 is one of the few luxury utility vehicles that has more than just brawn and is so much more than just a bling-mobile. Thoroughly updated, a point made even more apparent when I parked next to a 2014 version, which itself was stellar and underscores Lexus's obsessive approach to refining their already exceptional products. The front of the new LX570 wears an even bolder rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille, framed by elegant satin chrome trim and complemented by distinctive new standard LED headlights, indicators and fog lights. The design includes roof rails, new 20-inch wheels and a sharpened take on their L-finesse creative language which clearly expresses the LX570's power and strength with incredible finesse. Its bold styling coupled with sharp accents make the LX570 incredibly pleasing on the eye, in a manner that is both distinguished and somewhat imposing.With a sumptuous interior crowned by an analog timepiece, the LX570 sets itself apart with its mix of innovation, timeless style, comfort and as contrasting as it sounds, sophisticated simplicity. While behind the wood-grain wheel, you'll notice how the ergonomic cockpit surrounds you for a really relaxed and supremely comfortable drive. A 12.3-inch display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) through an ergonomically exquisite control panel between the front seats, makes accessing the different menus simple and intuitive.There's premium grade leather as far as the eye can see and even your knee is pampered, thanks to soft padding along either side of the centre console.The seats are extremely comfortable and have extra lateral support, that comes in very handy when heading off-road.While this is very much a driver's car, passengers may end up fighting to sit in the rear. Besides an incredibly comfortable and cavernous little universe back there, it offers top class entertainment with the LX 570's Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system, with screens mounted at the back of the front seat headrests. Operated by remote control, the monitors can show a different film or video game and offers the choice of playing audio through headphones or the 750 W, 19 speaker Mark Levinson sound system.Like the split tail gate, last row of seats can be deployed with a touch of a button. Heart of the beastThe LX570 is powered by the largest engine ever fitted to a Lexus. Delivering 270 kW of power and 530 Nm of torque, it works seamlessly with a very flexible 8-speed 'paddle shift' automatic transmission for both dynamic and smooth gear changes. The LX570 will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds up to a electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h.With its V8 cylinder block die-cast in lightweight yet strong aluminium alloy, it is also an engine that will last. During development, Lexus engineers tested the drivetrain for 1.3 million kilometres, the equivalent of 32 times around the globe.THE LEADING EDGEThe list of standard features on the LX570 is astonishing. Ten standard airbags feature in the LX570, and a wide array of driver-assist technologies help the driver to avoid hazards. On steep slopes or uneven terrain, crawl control automatically works the throttle and brakes to help keep the vehicle steadily moving forward.Automatic High Beam (AHB) adjusts high- and low-beam illumination automatically when it detects oncoming traffic or the taillights of the vehicle travelling in front.Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) makes city driving a breeze, while the newly available Heads-up Display (HUD), allows you to keep both eyes on the road at all times.A new standard feature, the panoramic view camera, is an invaluable aid when hitching and manoeuvering a trailer, viewing the surround terrain when off-roading, and helping view the area around the vehicle (sides, front and rear) when manoeuvering tight spacesThe Lexus LX570 is a special vehicle. While there are others that tick the boxes in terms of comfort, luxury and performance, very few do it with this level of thought going into every detail. So no just cruising to a luxury lodge on low profiles and scaring off the wildlife with your exhausts dramatics, with the LX570 you're in a luxury lodge, and you are capable of going where most cars couldn't and probably shouldn't dare to, and most importantly, you're doing it on what feels like a magic carpet with smooth V8 strapped on to it.Another major plus is the fact that where similarly esteemed luxury SUVs would come nearly stock standard at this price point, with the LX570 you're getting a fully spec'd future proof (except mostly from themselves and the Germans) hyper-luxury SUV that can “vas-byt” up a mountain and offer you something from its built-in chiller when you reach it. At N$ 1.6 million, it's a steal.Contact Chad at Pupkewitz Lexus on 061 291 6500 and make sure to visit their stand at the Standard Bank Auto Show to see this beauty in person.

Lexus's LX570: A road-going revelation

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Republikein 2025-11-04

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Lexus's LX570: A road-going revelation

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Republikein 2025-11-04

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