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Lipstick On A Dinosaur? Lexus LX570 Test Drive

Agent009 submitted on 2/13/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 10:40:07 AM

54 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.detnews.com

For 2009, Lexus made its vastly improved top-of-the-line SUV more luxurious.

Lipstick on a dinosaur? Far from it -- no matter what some groups may shout in an overly shrill voice. SUVs still serve a purpose. They still have unmatched capabilities and still can do things crossovers and cars can only dream about.

During January's heavy snowfall, I hopped into the new Lexus LX 570 and burrowed my way down the road without a problem. The full-time four-wheel drive ate up snow and ice like "Survivor Man" in the Canadian Rockies. Detroit's unplowed streets were a mild urban safari that might have disabled lesser vehicles. But this SUV provides confidence in bad weather and can easily handle much more dire conditions. From behind the wheel of the LX 570, you can hum "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" all day long.

While it has the raw power to muscle its way through most problems, it uses a much more sophisticated approach.

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Lipstick On A Dinosaur? Lexus LX570 Test Drive

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In this realm, the Escalade is King. Long live Cadillac.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 11:06:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -15

The Escalade doesn't even have a proper 4WD system. It lacks a low range, and the first generation (not sure about the current) would get stuck if one more more wheels left the ground. I'd hardly consider that worthy of royal status.
— Foreigner (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 11:49:16 AM | | Votes: 9

Maybe if you are referring to being King of garishness and looking like a rap star or looking like you are from NJ. I never understood the appeal of the Escalade. You are paying a huge premium for a glorified Tahoe/Suburban that is extremely ostentatious. The Mercedes GL is a far better alternative and far more advanced "truck" in my opinion.
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 11:51:46 AM | | Votes: 9

wow how insulting looking like you are from NJ, thats pretty ignorrant the funny thing is if only rappers and people from NJ were buying escalades GM would have stopped making them along time ago. THe bottom line is they were the best selling cars in its class, and while the LX is nothing more than a Landcruiser with some extra chrome bits, a slightly different interior and detail changes people refuse to knock it yet that has all its always been nothing more than an overpriced glorified Landcruiser and in fact it gets just as bad gas mileage as an esacalade yet it recieves nothing praise. In fact the Lancruiser has ran the same price as an escalade for years just another point of why the big 3 have done so horrible "perception" if Toyota does it its fine, people honestly believe they dont make gas guzzling waste of space, yet all GM makes is gas guzzlers in many people's eyes. The mercedes GL a stretched ML that costs thousands more with the same interior just with more space and a new name, isnt a waste? yeah right.
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:09:11 PM | | Votes: -10

BMWDRVR,

Your post would be taken much more seriously by individuals such as myself if you adhered to the rules and standards of English language punctuation and grammar. Your post is nearly incomprehensible, as far as I can tell.
— Foreigner (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:19:13 PM | | Votes: 7

Well most purchasers of Escalades are executives and their wives so enough of the type casting. Just look at average Joe upscale neighborhood and truth will be told. As far as all of the over the top options that most individuals will never use ( i.e, AWD or 4WD) does not make a LUXURY SUV. These vehicles will NEVER go off road or go anywhere to get stuck outside of Big Bear or Colorado Alps. Plus the Hybrid version of the Escalade has more tech than the LX by far.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 1:09:08 PM | | Votes: -8

And to mention isn't the LX on the platform of a truck? The Tundra, which is a glorified Land Cruiser aka Lexus LX. The joke is this; the Land Cruiser MSRP is $63,88. Cadillac Escalade $56,890 and Lincoln Navigator $49,330. Now the glorified LX a whopping $73,108. Now I owned a pre-owned 2000 LX and would go for a Escalade Hybrid now in a minute if I was in the market for an SUV, but that was eons ago.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 1:22:51 PM | | Votes: -6

I wonder how BMWDVR feels about the X6. It's just an X5 with a different look, right? Moron.
— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 3:27:00 PM | | Votes: 7

Escalade = GMC Denali with more chrome. They drive like crap and make weird noises, noises that a 60K dollar truck shouldn't make. Go buy a Tahoe and save a buck. A Landcruiser is a better rig than the Escalade.
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 5:18:58 PM | | Votes: 1

When you mean the Escalade do you mean the Chevy Tahoe with a body kit?
— veyron1001 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 6:00:08 PM | | Votes: 0

Moron? oh really, i love the insults all you idiots do is back my claim of how ignorrant you are. Its the reason why Lexus sells so well, and not so well in other places ignorrance. The X6 doesnt hide its X5 roots in anyway and neither does BMW. lol yet Lexus charges thousands more for an already overpriced "tundra" based SUV with lexus badges a chrome grill chrome door handles and voila a new vehicle...lol marketing to fools at its best. You fools applaud this car, yet you call cars that are the EXACT same concept trash. The LX is no different in concept, than any other car in this class especially the Escalade, or Navigator or even the QX. Bad gas mileage a car that looks IDENTICAL to the car its based on and there you have it a whole new vehicle that sucks gas like there is no tommorow. You and most of the buying public hasnt figured that out yet Im the Moron. While were at it lets also praise the gas guzzling ugly Sequoia i mean seriously despite its tundra roots, it is so much better than the tahoe, when toyota creates a full size gas guzzler, oh wow its perfect......idiots....
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 8:43:36 PM | | Votes: 1

HSCenterconsole agree with on GL450 is much better...lol
— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 9:40:37 PM | | Votes: 1

I still like it, but I aknowledge it doesn't make sense today.

LX should have been discontinued, and replaced with a revamped (and hybrid-only)GX.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 11:19:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Hybrid GX......c'mon. If you can't afford the gas, don't buy it. Look at how well GM's Hybrid Tahoe is doing? Anytime you gotta put a big sticker down the side to explain why you bought it.....something's wrong.
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 5:21:28 PM | | Votes: 0

What makes me laugh about this is that no one has looked back at Toyota in 2008 and said, "hey that's a pretty domestic strategy!". I know this will put the Lexus/Toyoa Fan boys at alert on this site but oh well. Let;s take a look at the prodigious strategy of Toyota and how 'smart' they have been in the US market recently...OK for starters, let;s take a 5.7L displacement V8 and a new factory to build it in. Smart? Then let;s take a look at the Bigger, Badder and finally full sized Tundra. Too late. Smart? Then why don;t we take a look at the Land Cruiser/ LX570. Efficient, no. Ridiculous, yes. Toyota has been ramping up their large vehicles to take on the domestics and have finally caught up right in the middle of the efficiency revolution. I do not see any direct injection technology? I see no clean diesels state-side? I see Hybrid in the form of a Prius that seems to make everyone forget about the other side of the Toyota house that has been running on huge displacement V8. The LX570 is the answer to a question only the rich are asking, how do I get a big enough Lexus to fit my kids in? if you think this vehicle will ever darken an unpaved road, shake your head. Whatever, I was picking up a friends child the other day a posh private school and saw 3 of these in the line-up, which is where I expect to see more.
— THESCOOTER (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:08:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Funny how someone like you makes moronic comments like that, but then likely swoons over every new AMG Benz or M BMW which hardly are gas sippers.

And yeah, 99% of these won't go off pavement. A fact shared by Merc's G, GL, M and BMW's X SUVs. Oh, and don't forget Land Rover's vehicles.

You question how smart Toyota is, but in doing so you've shown how smart you aren't.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:17:50 PM | | Votes: 7

OK answer, thanks for the comment but did I mention AMG? Nope. Did I mention M. Nope. I am talking about a larger vehicle strategy perspective here. I did not rip on Toyota for their performance divisions, etc. I am talking about where they invested in their volume vehicles, like trying to play catch up in truck? how about the billion spent in San Antonio? Good move or not? I am saying they do not have a crystal ball and have certainly stepping in it given the current environment. The Prius makes everyone look the other way. As for automotive ignorance Answer, take a look at my comments and you will see that I am not a Euro fan boy at all. Answer, certainly an interesting name for replying to comments and not sharing your personal insight. If you have the Answer, please enlighten the rest of us.
— THESCOOTER (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 6:52:45 PM | | Votes: 2

Hey answer!

Might be your name on this site but good answers are not something you have.

How many AMG's and M Division vehicles are sold compared to Toyota SUV's, "gees" what a lame argument.

Fact of the matter is, there's nothing new or exciting about this vehicle except gadgets. Yes it's probably still relatively reliable and all, but hardly anything newsworthy.

Next article please!!!
— mmeecc (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:28:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

My point being was the usual anti-Japanese-Euro-only-fanboys such as yourself seem to make a habit of bashing Lexus while at the same time worshiping BMW/Benz for doing the same things.

I've been coming to this site since 2002. Every now and then the faulted logic of you and your bretheren such as "TheScooter" needs to be called out for what it is: ignorance.

I cannot make you more intelligent nor can I increase your limited knowledge of automobiles. What I can do by posting however is remind others that not everyone here is as narrowminded as some make it seem.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:49:59 PM | | Votes: 6

Answer,

It's nice to know that others find hypocrisy here too. Good call.
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 3:55:19 PM | | Votes: 4

After a year of owning an LX, it continues to impress me and my passengers. It really can't be beat for what it is. It's a tank, but not at all unmanageable. My wife drives it with ease, never a complaint. Only one single minor problem to date...a glitch with the Lexus remote starter: the outside mirrors did not automatically fold out after a remote start. This was known at the time of delivery, so there were no surprises and was fixed at the 1st service. Lexus reliability is still quite impressive...any bad publicity of late is not warranted. The only other vehicle I test drove it against was the GL550 which was also very impressive as anything in this price range should be...I chose the LX because my prior experience with Lexus was 99% positive.
— Ricks2Dogs (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:28:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

08 Lexus LX570 is my daily driver for more than 3 months now. As usual it's great, feel very solid, very luxurious and very comfortable. It's actually two cars in one. LS460 pasted on Landcruiser(best of both cars). Very happy with new LX570 and i don't think i am going to change it soon.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 12:51:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

KING OF THE SUV'S.
— truthpursuit (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 3:20:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

According to who, Lexus fanboys?
— FillorKill (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 3:23:19 PM | | Votes: -5

Fast?
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 9:04:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Fake ID!
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 2:57:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Not as smooth as the X5. The X5 and actually the X6 are like the most amazing SUVs on the planet. Who cares that the X6 is ugly, it it still a BMW and that is convincing enough for me. BMWs all the way FOREVER!! Long live the propeller....and by the way, they are fabulous, just like me!
— BMWGino (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 1:06:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

When the dust settles after The Great Recession, Toyota/Lexus will clearly be the leader of the free automotive world...What do you think of that...haters?...fans?
— Ricks2Dogs (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 4:37:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Who cares? Everyone knows they have the financial reserves to survive this crisis.
— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 5:38:13 PM | | Votes: 1

I think GM is offering 0% for 96 months to "anybody interested" in the Escalade!!!
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 5:24:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

If you drive the Landcruiser and LX back to back, you'll immediately feel the $10,000 difference or at minimum, a noticable difference. The obvious: materials, sound system, power options, etc...the not so obvious: ride, quietness and overall fit and finish. All the glass is different on Toyota vs. Lexus...the side windows being thinner. So side to side, there really is quite a difference...which there should be.
— Ricks2Dogs (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 6:07:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

i thot i saw some sales figures, either for last quarter (maybe all of 2008?) where the LX actually outsold the land cruiser! must be a lot of people are also seeing that the extra $10,000 is WELL SPENT.

critics also tend to ignore the fact that the Land Cruiser itself has a worldwide reputation going back at least 1/2 a century, as being THE go anywhere and get back without breaking down vehicle. it seems to be THE vehicle of choice in deserts, mountains, and most of the less developed world where roads are sometimes just imaginary.

the LX takes all that as a great base to work from, and adds the Lexus touch.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 11:59:42 PM | | Votes: 2

I have been in the new Lexus LX570 and it is basically a really nice leather sofa living room on 4 large tires. The best feature was the remote control for the DVD screen for watching movies from the back seat. I think they should offer a lower displacement engine to save fuel or bring over some of the diesels they sell with the Land Cruiser overseas.
— 3pointstar (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 7:54:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

good to see a Benz owner who is NOT above praising Lexus too. i agree the worst that can be said about the LX is the fuel consumption rate.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 12:06:04 AM | | Votes: 4

Thank you Lexus for offering a REAL 4WD suv, the wonderfully capable off-road. Bravo!
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2009 9:03:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I only just noticed that the back lines of the LX look like the original Landcruiser. I guess real SUV butts for real SUV guts.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 12:20:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I've noticed since Oboomy has been Presidente gas prices are beginning to soar.

In the words of Lieutenant Dan, "where's this God of yours?"
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 1:52:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Now that your buddy GWB is gone you must be happy that a real president is in the oval office.
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 2/16/2009 10:08:11 PM | | Votes: 3

The bottom line is this is the best luxury SUV out there.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 2:50:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Not even close. Subjectively sure, but sale wise, not and the look has gone over the years. A bloated domestic wannabe just without a GM logo on it.
— inspirion7 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 5:46:55 AM | | Votes: -2

The Escalade is twice as good
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2009 4:24:59 AM | | Votes: -4

ever been in a range rover? any sane person would choose it over the LX on looks ALONE.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/16/2009 1:08:38 PM | | Votes: -3

looks, shmooks!

put both to REAL workouts in deserts or backcountry, and the rover will reveal itself to be the trailer queen it is. likely TOWED BACK on a trailer (given its reliability record)!
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2009 2:08:20 AM | | Votes: 4

Is this really a debate? You guys are actually comparing those luxury SUV's to the Escalade? WTF!!! Do we all live in the same world? I am a TRUE Cadillac fan but I will be the FIRST one to admit that the Escalade is NOT AT ALL "CAPABLE" (other than towing) or "HIGH TECH".

A true car enthusiast will give credit where its due and admit that the Escalade is the true king of one thing when it comes to luxury SUV's and that thing is sales. In my opinion, I think its one of the most handsome luxury SUV's to see coming down the road (especially at night) even if its just a reskinned Tahoe. I believe that its "looks", and the fact that it wears a Cadillac badge, is why it sells so well. Like I said though, JUST MY OPINION. If I had 80K to spend on luxury utility, it would be one of these: Range Rover, GL550, X6, LX570, or even a GLK350 (last one was strange, I know). Those are to name a few in no particular order.

KINDA OFF SUBJECT

***How come no one ever mentions how capable this thing is???
Porsche Cayenne - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ps0QNZoYW4
— LACMAN (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 9:16:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Range Rover is a lot better:D
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 2:27:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

the toyota land cruiser is the real deal. the lexus LX is for the ladies who drive to lunch--these cars never get off road.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 5:00:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

however, if money is no object, NOTHING beats a ranger rover.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 5:01:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

The LX570 is one hell of a vehicle for what it is. It was not built to go round the Nurburgring door handle to door handle with Ferrari's or Lambo's. It's not meant to compete in the Paris to Dakar Rally traversing great dersert floors and mountanous canyons. It's not meant to do the quarter mile in under 10 seconds while pulling the family's 30 foot caravan. It was built to isolate the family from the noise, vibrations, and harshness of the city during the week, and then traversing the snow and dirt roads of the mountains for a little skiing and boarding at weeks end. It arguably does this better than most vehicles listed above.
— Kthorn (View Profile)

Posted on 2/16/2009 3:44:15 PM | | Votes: 5

Good advice moron, Range Rover has been in last place in reliability forever.
— truthpursuit (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2009 7:00:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Biggest pos out there!
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2009 4:07:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The 08 Lexus LX 570 is the best made large Luxury suv. The Range Rover is still a good choice if money is'nt an issue and you have to be seen in it. But please be warned!!....The rich have been lately purchasing Lexus cars and suvs.
— lexworld (View Profile)

Posted on 2/16/2009 4:35:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

with the Prestige of the LandCrusier, by far the best SUV out there, off road plus luxury...FACT
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2009 11:32:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

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Lipstick On A Dinosaur? Lexus LX570 Test Drive

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