Lexus LX Review

In Malaysia's luxury full-size SUV market, the Lexus LX series has always held a unique position with its dual capabilities of "luxury + off-road"—meeting high demands for comfort and configuration from urban users while also tackling complex road conditions in suburban or rainforest areas. This time, we focus on the 2020 Lexus LX 570 SPORT, which is the sport version in the series. Its core selling point lies in retaining the luxury configurations of the base model while enhancing driving dynamics through detailed tuning. This article will evaluate it from three aspects: static design, spatial practicality, and dynamic driving, to see if it truly balances the dual requirements of "everyday comfort" and "occasional off-roading."

From the exterior, the LX 570 SPORT adopts a rugged and bold style, aligning with its positioning as a luxury full-size SUV. The front features Lexus' iconic spindle grille, paired with a mesh trim in a smoked finish, giving it more of a sporty edge compared to the standard version. The sharp-shaped LED headlights on either side, integrated with daytime running lights, offer high recognition when lit. The vehicle's side profile has straight lines, with a length of 5080mm matched with 21-inch smoked multi-spoke wheels, which not only guarantee a commanding presence but also accentuate its sporty attributes with fine details. At the rear, the smoked LED taillights echo the design of the front, and the dual exhaust outlets with a hidden design further support its SPORT identity. The overall proportions of the vehicle are well-balanced, with a high waistline enhancing the SUV’s sense of stability.

Inside the vehicle, the interior style is primarily focused on "luxury + practicality." The center console is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch leather, paired with wooden trim panels. Most surfaces that come in contact feel soft, meeting luxury expectations. The central area is equipped with a 12.3-inch floating screen, supporting both touch and physical button operations. The system operates smoothly but features a relatively traditional interface design that is less avant-garde compared to emerging brands. The front seats offer electric adjustment and memory functions, with thick leather padding that is moderately supportive, ensuring comfort even during long periods of sitting. The multifunction steering wheel includes paddle shifters, and a standard HUD (head-up display) provides real-time information on speed, navigation, and more, enhancing driving convenience. In terms of features, the Mark Levinson 19-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear independent air conditioning, and a 220V power outlet are all standard, catering to various usage scenarios.

In terms of spatial performance, the LX 570 SPORT adopts an 8-seat layout (2+3+3) with a wheelbase of 2850mm. The front row offers ample space, with a passenger of 180cm in height having 1 fist and 2 fingers of headroom remaining after adjusting the seat. The second-row seats support both electric sliding and manual reclining, providing up to 2 fists of legroom. Even the middle seat can comfortably accommodate an adult without feeling cramped. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or short trips; adults may find it slightly tight for long durations but can use it for emergencies without issues. In terms of storage capability, the trunk has a standard capacity of 258L, which can be expanded significantly by folding down the third row, meeting the storage needs of family trips. Additionally, the design of door panel storage slots, central armrest box, cup holders, and other small compartments is practical and able to accommodate daily small items.

In terms of dynamic driving, the LX 570 SPORT is equipped with a 5.7L naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 367PS and a peak torque of 530N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During the initial stage of acceleration, the power output is smooth, and the linear characteristics of the naturally aspirated engine are evident. Even with a vehicle weight of 2740kg, it doesn’t feel "sluggish." During acceleration, the transmission shift logic is clear, and it quickly shifts down when the accelerator is pressed deeply. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.7 seconds, which is impressive for a full-size SUV. There are three driving modes available: Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle response is more sensitive, suitable for urban expressways or highway overtaking.

In terms of handling and chassis, it features a combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear four-link independent suspension, which is tuned for comfort. During daily driving on city asphalt roads, the chassis filters out most minor vibrations, providing smooth road feedback. When crossing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension rebounds quickly without excessive swaying, ensuring passenger comfort. The steering wheel has a heavier feel, in line with the SUV's characteristics. It performs well in terms of stability during high-speed driving, though the large body size requires additional steering input during low-speed parking maneuvers. The inclusion of a 360-degree panoramic camera reduces parking difficulty. With a minimum ground clearance of 225mm and a full-time four-wheel-drive system, it can handle light off-road conditions (such as muddy roads or small steep slopes), although being a luxury SUV primarily designed for urban use, high-intensity off-roading is not recommended.

In specialized performance tests, fuel consumption performance is average. The official combined fuel consumption is 16.8L/100km, with actual measured fuel consumption of about 18-20L/100km in crowded urban conditions and about 13-15L/100km on highway routes, which is typical for a 5.7L V8 engine. In terms of braking performance, the ventilated disc brakes on both front and rear, combined with electronic parking, deliver a tested 100-0km/h braking distance of approximately 42 meters, which is within expectations considering the vehicle's weight.

Regarding driving comfort details, the noise control of the LX 570 SPORT is well-executed. Wind and tire noise are within an acceptable range during high-speed driving, and engine noise becomes prominent only when the throttle is deeply pressed. The seat padding is thick, ensuring no fatigue even after long periods of sitting. However, the comfort of the third-row seats is relatively subpar, making them more suitable for short trips.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2020 Lexus LX 570 SPORT lie in its "comprehensive luxury features, practical space, and smooth power delivery." Compared to models in the same class (such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7), it offers better off-road capabilities and an 8-seat configuration that is more suitable for large families. However, its interior technology feels relatively conservative, and its fuel consumption is higher than that of hybrid models in the same class. Overall, this vehicle is more suited for users who "value luxurious quality, occasionally need to handle light off-road conditions, and have larger families." It ensures both comfort and status for daily urban commuting and can handle complex road conditions during weekend getaways. If you're looking for an "all-around" luxury full-size SUV, the LX 570 SPORT is worth considering.