At the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance last weekend, Lexus has taken the wraps off the 2016 LX 570 facelift.
It seems like Lexus left barely any surface of the LX 570 untouched in a sweeping upgrade for 2016, with only door panels carried over from 2015. The restyled front end wears an even bolder rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille, framed by elegant satin chrome trim and complemented by distinctive new standard LED headlights, turn signals and fog lights. The LX 570 design makeover gives it new 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, and new available 21-inch 10-spoke wheels. The taillights and rear bumper also get a new look.
Under the hood, the 5.7-litre V8 engine that produces 383hp and 403 lb.-ft. peak torque remains the same but Lexus has replaced the former 6-speed transmission to an 8-speed automatic for enhanced performance and efficiency.
The LX 570 now comes equipped with Drive Mode Select, that allows the LX 570 driver to tailor powertrain and suspension responses by using a dial on the console. The system also controls responses of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates while driving, helping to ensure optimal comfort even as the road surface changes. Modes include ECO, COMFORT, SPORT S and SPORT S+.
A new standard feature for 2016, the panoramic view camera is an invaluable aid when hitching and maneuvering a trailer, viewing the surround terrain when off-roading, and helping view the area around the vehicle (sides, front and rear) when maneuvering tight spaces. The new, larger 12.3-inch navigation screen can show several view combinations (panoramic/driver’s side, panoramic/passenger’s side, panoramic/rear, panoramic/front, side/side, rear, front/side/side, underfloor/side/side, rear/side/side) to help aid the driver.
In terms of safety, the LX 570 comes equipped with 10 airbags, Lexus Safety System + combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control as well as Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Also with the goal of helping keep the driver’s eyes on the road, the LX 570 puts more information directly in line of sight with the newly available Heads-up Display (HUD). The Heads-up Display shows information such as vehicle speed, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, warnings, information icons, LDA, PCS and Park Assist.
A robust body-on-frame structure gives the LX 570 the foundation to deliver a silky smooth ride on pavement, or to take a pounding off-road. A Torsen limited-slip locking center differential provides full-time four-wheel drive, splitting torque 40:60 under normal driving conditions. The differential responds on the move to changing conditions, automatically adjusting the torque distribution as necessary. Off-road, the driver can lock the center differential for driving over challenging surface conditions.
The four-wheel Active Traction Control system (A-TRAC) helps to control wheel slip, and, using the Multi-Terrain Select system, the driver can match A-TRAC’s performance to the prevailing conditions. Selectable modes include Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand. The transmission’s driver-selectable low range provides low-speed crawling capability for handling steep off-road hills and uneven terrain. Low-range capability gets support from Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Hill-start Assist Control and Variable Gear Ratio Steering.
Those sitting at the rear will be pleased to know that the dual screen Rear Seat Entertainment System now uses bigger 11.6-inch screens in place of the former 7.0-inch screens. Also new, the second-row provides USB ports and the armrest features controls for the air conditioning and audio. Aside from that, there’s new LED ambient lighting in the cabin and cargo area, and the overhead console lighting now operates via touch sensor.
Formerly optional, Intuitive Park Assist and SmartAccess System with card key are now standard. About the size of a credit card, the SmartAccess card key offers all the functions of the SmartAccess key fob but fits easily into a wallet.
The LX 570 is an ideal vehicle for getting away from it all while still staying informed, entertained and connected. A new 12.3-inch display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) heads a list of multimedia and connectivity upgrades that keep the LX 570 on the cutting edge of user tech. With the 12.3-inch screen, Navigation gains full-screen map capability. There are menu shortcut buttons on the side of the screen. The screen can be split into three sections to show different functions, such as navigation, audio and climate control information. The new Remote Touch Interface controller makes it even easier to use to operate climate control, audio, phone, navigation and more.
