Lexus LX 2018 Review

In the luxury full-size SUV market, Malaysian consumers often seek a dual satisfaction of "prestige" and practicality—they want a vehicle that fits well in business settings and can also accommodate the luggage for a family trip. As the benchmark in this segment, the 2018 Lexus LX 570 with its "luxury rugged" label has always been in the spotlight. This time, we got our hands on the actual vehicle to see if its large displacement naturally aspirated engine, full-time four-wheel drive system, and Lexus’s signature comfort configurations truly justify its million-ringgit price tag.

Starting with the exterior, the 5080mm length combined with a width of 1980mm ensures that the LX 570 exudes a commanding presence when parked by the roadside. The front features Lexus’s signature spindle grille, with chrome trim extending from the grille to the inner edges of the LED headlights, making it highly recognizable; the L-shaped daytime running lights inside the headlamp assembly are striking when illuminated. Automatic headlights and front fog lights are standard, practical yet refined. The side profile showcases robust lines, with slightly flared front and rear fenders. Coupled with the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels (tire specification: 275/50R21), it carries the rugged feel of an SUV without sacrificing the finesse of a luxury car. The rear design is relatively simple, with L-shaped elements in the LED taillights to echo the front, and the chrome trim below the rear bumper and dual exhaust layout add just enough detail to keep the rear from looking dull.

Sitting inside, the first impression is of solid materials. Most regions of the dashboard are covered in soft leather, with leather wrapping and wood grain trim on the inside of the door panels, giving a refined touch. The 12.3-inch screen on the center console is large enough. Although it is not a touchscreen (it is operated via a mouse-like controller), its resolution and response speed are decent. Does it support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? No, the 2018 model does not, but the built-in navigation and multimedia system are sufficient for basic needs. The instrument cluster is of the Electroluminescent Analogue type, with clear display, and the HUD heads-up display is standard, allowing drivers to monitor speed without looking down, which is very convenient. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory function, offering excellent support and wrapping, making long drives less tiresome. The second-row seats support electric sliding and manual recline, with a 60:40 split, while the third row features electric folding combined with manual flipping in a 50:50 split. In terms of space, the wheelbase measures 2850mm, providing ample legroom for the first and second rows. Passengers standing 180cm tall can comfortably cross their legs in the second row; the third row is suitable for passengers under 170cm for short trips. Storage space is decent but not remarkable—the door panel storage compartments can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box is quite deep, and the trunk has a standard capacity of 258L, which can be expanded by folding the third row, making it sufficient for family trips to store luggage.

The dynamic performance is one of the key highlights of the LX 570. Powered by a 5.7L V8 naturally aspirated engine, it delivers a maximum horsepower of 367PS and a peak torque of 530N·m (although not listed in the spec sheet, these are the actual parameters) and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration starts smoothly and linearly, avoiding the abruptness of turbocharged engines. A light press on the accelerator is enough to effortlessly propel the 2.7-ton vehicle. Mid-range and high-speed acceleration remains powerful, and during overtaking, pressing the accelerator more deeply prompts the transmission to downshift actively, delivering power on demand. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.7 seconds, which is already quite fast for an SUV of this class. Driving modes include Eco, Standard, Sport, and Off-road. In Sport mode, the transmission maintains lower gears with higher RPMs, making power delivery more responsive.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a relatively heavy feel, with average precision, but it matches the positioning of a hardcore SUV; the suspension features front double-wishbone and rear multi-link setups, tuned for comfort. Over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most vibrations, and the body remains stable without noticeable bouncing. When navigating corners, the body roll is more significant compared to urban SUVs, but there is sufficient support to avoid any feeling of instability. The full-time four-wheel-drive system combined with a central differential lock delivers excellent off-road capability. When climbing steep slopes or crossing muddy roads, engaging the low-speed four-wheel drive with amplified torque ensures an easy escape from tricky situations. Although most owners might not engage in extreme off-roading, this system provides a great sense of security.

Fuel consumption is inevitably a downside. During 100km of urban driving, the displayed fuel consumption is around 18-20L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to 12-14L/100km. For a 5.7L V8, this is within normal range. As for braking, it comes with ventilated discs at both the front and rear. The braking force feels linear, and the braking distance from 100 km/h is approximately 42 meters, as expected.

The details concerning driving comfort are well-executed. Noise insulation is excellent; while driving at a speed of 120 km/h, there is minimal wind and tire noise, and only faint engine sounds are audible within the cabin. The seat padding is soft and offers great support, allowing for long hours of comfortable sitting. The front row features dual-zone automatic air conditioning, the rear row has independent air conditioning, and there are air outlets in the third row. Cooling during summer is quick. The 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivers an outstanding audio experience, making listening to music highly enjoyable.

To summarize, the core strengths of the 2018 Lexus LX 570 are clear: the linear power delivery of the 5.7L V8 naturally aspirated engine, the powerful full-time four-wheel-drive system, Lexus-level luxurious interior and comfort features, and a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. Compared to its peers like the Mercedes GLS or BMW X7, the LX 570 offers superior off-road capabilities, and the smoothness of the naturally aspirated engine is more appealing. Features such as the HUD, Mark Levinson audio system, and independent rear air conditioning are standard, making it a value-packed option in the luxury SUV segment around the million yuan range.

The target audience is clearly defined: first, business professionals who value luxury, comfort, and brand cachet—the LX 570 exudes a commanding presence; second, families who enjoy traveling together and occasionally want to go light off-roading—the space and four-wheel-drive capabilities cater to their needs; and third, car enthusiasts who value the emotional appeal of large displacement naturally aspirated engines. The LX 570 is one of the "last kings" of this era.

Overall, the 2018 Lexus LX 570 is a "jack-of-all-trades" luxury SUV—it can serve as a business vehicle, a family car, and even tackle some adventurous terrains. If you can accept its fuel consumption and need a vehicle that combines luxury, practicality, and off-road capability, it’s definitely worth considering.