|
|
Search | Site Map | Newsletter | RSS | About CD | Contact Us | Advertise |
|
| Canada's Online Auto Magazine |
|
 |  |
Inside Story:
2008 Lexus LX 570
2008 Lexus LX 570 There's something lacking this week on Canadian roads. It isn't work crews, law enforcement, or sketchy hitchhikers: it's traffic. A buck and a quarter for unleaded might have something to do with it. Bump that up a dime for Premium, throw in a petrol diet in the neighbourhood of an observed average of 17.5 litres per 100 K, and you'll find yourself behind the wheel of this week's Inside Story tester; the Oh-Eight Lexus LX 570. If that isn't enough reason to pick your jaw up from the floor, factor in a retail sticker price of $84,600. (Okay, scoop up your eyeballs while you're at it.) While the obscene girth and intake of this upscale Sequoia is enough to make even a motoring Larry Flynt blush, the question being asked is simple; do the innards justify the regular wallet dent to your jeans? Let's grab a sturdy passenger assist handle and find out. The Cockpit
The Centre Stack
It's not just the navi that's got savvy for this touch-screen. Maps are clear and concise, with street script that never looks pixelated. You'll prefer the touch screen mode for the four-zone climate control system, which also provides access to the electric windshield heater. The info section includes user-set service intervals, Lexus Park Assist tuning, even calendar and reminder/memo functions.
Cubbies!
There is one advantage to the obvious Toyota relations; cubby carryover. The front and rear door side pockets are ample, with bottle holder provisions. A coin bucket is found ahead of the driver's left knee. The locking glove box has a two-level shelf system, while the centre console gets a cold box fed by the HVAC. The lid of the console incorporates dual sliding armrests, with four-step elongation.
The front seatbacks employ vinyl-backed hardcase pockets, with fabric tension bands. The rear seat centre armrest has a pull strap to release it into position. Inside, there's a flip-up C-clamp dual cupholder, with a rear stuff compartment. I thought I'd tell you about the good cupholder first. The front dual cupholder is a colossal letdown, which may explain the door hiding it. The only cinch system is a movable bar with thin rubber tabs. Add to all this an extreme oversight in depth, and you'll be using the patio at the Starbucks, instead of the drive thru for your Caramel Mac. The third row seat fares better, with deep dual cup pockets on each side.
The overhead
Sunroof controls confuse the best of us, so Lexus keeps their functions obvious, and separate. There's an integrated Homelink transmitter, plus a drop-down flock-lined sunglasses holder. The rear view mirror gets auto dimming. Speaking of dimming, the dual visor array keeps Mr. Sunshine at bay.
Seat treat
It's the hour of power for the seating surfaces within the LX, with 10-way glide for the driver, and 8-way for the front passenger. Even the second row bench gets in on the game, with power servos for fore and aft movement. The front seats get heat and cooling functions, while the second row gets two-step toasting, found on the rear HVAC controls. The 60/40 split second row bench folds forward easily for cargo, as well as access to the third row bench. This seating system uses a unique collection of cable-fed pulls and servos to put the seat in place, or to stow it against the side walls. Maximum occupancy is 8 guests within the LX.
Spare care
It's a full-size, wind-down, spare tire surprise for the LX. Good news; Lexus will change that tire for you for the first four years of ownership, with no kilometre limit. Jack stowage is found on the right-hand wall of the cargo compartment, with jacking tools concealed in the tailgate.
Cargo embargo
The mill
There's a 383 horsepower 5.7-litre V8 hiding under all that plastic. Outside of washer fluid top-ups, this engine bay is hands off to the backyard mechanic.
The Verdict
I can't recall who made the comment, but it had something to do with recent history regarding the Lexus marque. It appears to have hit a rut. As opulent as the rear walnut trim and the leather wrap may be, the LX 570 fails to inspire, becoming more and more an obvious facsimile of other Lexus models - which explains my critical rating, this week sitting at two-and-a-half stars.
Next week: Audi A3
Michael Clark is a Winnipeg-based freelance automotive writer |
 | |
|
|
|
| ||||||
|
| ||||||
