2016 Lexus LX570
Hyper-detailed refresh brings the 2016 Lexus LX570 bang up to date
Imthishan Giado
Strictly speaking, this isn’t an all-new car. Nevertheless, it’s a refresh so comprehensive that Lexus claims only the door panels carry over from last year’s LX570.
The front end is all new with the latest evolution of Lexus’ divisive spindle grille, becoming even more three-dimensional in this iteration. All exterior lighting is now long-life LEDs, while the wheels are 20″ 10-spokers.
So far, so-so…but then you get to the interior and you see where Lexus has been putting in the hours. Gone is the old cliff face style dash and in its place a more car-like fascia with a 4.2″ information display for the driver and an unmissable 12.3″ for infotainment.
As before, the engine is a 5.7-litre V8 good for 383bhp/403lb ft of torque; what’s new is the eight-speed auto replacing the old six speed. Fuel economy goes up 1mpg while the 0-100kph sprint drops by 0.2 seconds. More safety features are available as standard: Lexus Safety System+, encompassing pedestrian detection, lane departure, intelligent high beams, radar cruise control (which can now work down to 0kph). Optional driver aids include a new heads up display feature.
For the er, keen LX570 driver the SUV now sports Drive Mode Select. Like in the GS and RC, it tweaks suspension, throttle response and transmission calibration to deliver a more sporting drive through user-selectable Sport and Sport+ modes; the lazy can opt for Comfort and the unreasonably frugal for Eco.
It’s a fairly comprehensive update for a truck that was starting to feel out of date compared to rivals like the Range Rover.
Do you like the new face of the Lexus LX570? Let us know in the comments below!
