2018 Lexus LX 570 Review

The market for luxury full-size SUVs in Malaysia has long been dominated by models with large engine displacements and high-end configurations. Consumers value both off-road capabilities and a high level of interior luxury and practicality. As an established contender in this segment, the 2018 Lexus LX 570 features a 5.7L V8 naturally aspirated engine combined with full-time four-wheel drive as its core selling points. This time, we conducted a practical test drive to evaluate its overall performance in daily commuting, long-distance travel, and mild off-road scenarios, providing potential buyers with useful insights.

The exterior design of the 2018 LX 570 continues the family-style design of Lexus, showcasing a rugged and imposing overall look. The front features a large spindle-shaped grille filled with chrome accents, paired with sharp LED headlamp clusters on both sides, offering high recognition. The side profile features straight lines, while the 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels matched with 275/50 R21 tires not only ensure good off-road capability but also enhance visual appeal. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED tail lamps echoing the headlamps, and a silver skid plate integrated into the rear bumper to emphasize its off-road character. As for the lighting system, LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and front and rear fog lamps all come as standard. The automatic headlamp function switches on automatically when entering tunnels or dim environments, which is quite practical.

Stepping into the car, the first impression is of its luxurious interior. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, combined with woodgrain panels and metallic trims for an outstanding sense of quality. The 12.3-inch center screen is generously sized, with a clear interface layout and decent operational smoothness. The multifunction steering wheel comes standard with paddle shifters and memory functions, while the HUD (Head-Up Display) shows information such as speed and navigation, reducing the need for glancing down at the instrument panel while driving. The instrument panel features Electroluminescent Analogue displays, providing abundant information and clear readings. Regarding seating configurations, the front driver's seat supports electric adjustments and memory functions. The rear seats feature electric sliding, manual reclining, and folding capabilities, while the third-row seats can be folded electronically, offering great flexibility to accommodate different storage needs. The air conditioning system includes dual-zone automatic climate control, with standard rear-seat air vents ensuring passenger comfort in the back rows. Additionally, the cabin is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, keyless entry/start system, and a 19-speaker sound system to enhance convenience and entertainment.

In terms of space, the 2018 LX 570 has dimensions of 5080mm in length, 1980mm in width, and 1865mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2850mm and a weight of 2740kg. The front row offers spacious seating with ample headroom and legroom, ensuring comfort even for passengers up to 180cm tall. The second-row seats can slide back and forth and recline, providing flexibility in legroom, while the third-row seats are suitable for children or adults on short trips, though they might feel cramped for long journeys. The trunk has a capacity of 258 liters when all three rows of seats are in use, which can be significantly increased by folding down the third-row seats to accommodate family trips or larger items. In terms of storage, the door pockets, center armrest, and glovebox offer considerable capacity for daily essentials.

Powertrain: The 2018 LX 570 comes equipped with a 5.7L V8 naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 367PS/5600rpm and a peak torque of 530N·m/3200rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power output is smooth during initial acceleration. When the accelerator is pressed down, the V8 engine provides ample power reserves, delivering a noticeable acceleration and making overtaking quite confident. The transmission has clear shift logic, and the shifting is smooth, while the addition of shift paddles enhances driving enjoyment. The suspension system employs a double-wishbone independent suspension in the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear. The overall tuning leans towards comfort, effectively filtering out most road bumps. Even on unpaved roads, passengers inside the car will not feel significant discomfort. The steering wheel has moderate steering effort, with decent directional precision. The vehicle demonstrates good stability at high speeds, and the body roll during cornering is average compared to other models in the same class.

Fuel consumption: We tested the fuel consumption on congested urban roads and highways, resulting in an average fuel consumption of about 14.5L/100km. Considering its weight and engine displacement, this fuel performance is within expectations. As for braking performance, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes provide sufficient braking force. The braking process is stable, with no noticeable nosedive. In terms of off-road capability, the full-time four-wheel-drive system is paired with multiple driving modes, making it capable of handling light off-road conditions such as muddy and gravel roads. However, due to the large body size, extra caution is needed when navigating narrow paths.

Driving comfort: The vehicle demonstrates good noise control, with wind and tire noise remaining within an acceptable range during high-speed driving. The seat comfort is high, with good wrapping and support from the front seats, ensuring fatigue-free long drives. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a hill start assist function, which prevents rollback when starting on slopes, enhancing safety.

In summary, the 2018 Lexus LX 570 offers core advantages in its powerful performance, luxurious interior features, and decent off-road capabilities. Compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, the LX 570 holds an advantage in off-road performance and reliability. However, it falls slightly behind in terms of tech features and fuel economy. Priced at RM 1,125,000, it is positioned at a mid-range level in the luxury full-size SUV market, offering a good overall value.

This vehicle is suitable for consumers who value off-road capabilities and luxurious features, such as families who enjoy long-distance road trips or light off-road adventures, or those who need a vehicle for both business occasions and daily use. If you prioritize the smoothness of a large-displacement engine and luxurious interior features while also having certain requirements for off-road capabilities, then the 2018 Lexus LX 570 is worth considering.

Overall, the 2018 Lexus LX 570 is a well-balanced luxury full-size SUV that strikes a good balance between performance, features, and off-road capabilities, catering to the needs of most consumers.