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LX570

Although the Range Rover, launched in the mid-1970s, can lay claim to being the first premium SUV, large premium SUVs only appeared in the late 1990s. However, the two Japanese premium brands – Lexus and Infiniti – had developed their own versions of luxury SUVs based on existing 4×4 models of their parent brands, Toyota and Nissan, respectively.

As the volumes are relatively small, it has not been viable to develop their own models so up till today, the large SUVs are still adapted from the models of the other brands. Unlike the newer models, these two original ones retain the greater degree of ruggedness and capability for off-road driving. This year, both companies are using the Rebelle Rally to demonstrate this.

Lexus J201 Concept
Lexus, Toyota’s premium luxury brand, has a range of SUVs today but before the RX came out in 1997, its only SUV was the Land Cruiser-based LX. The model line continues up till today, offering a large premium SUV which is also pretty rugged.

The LX has gone through the usual evolutionary improvements over the years being launched in 1995 and to remind people how rugged it is, the company has developed the J201 Concept which uses the current LX570’s platform. The ‘J201’ designation is even derived from the internal Lexus chassis code of the LX470 – URJ201.

The inspiration for the J201 project came from seeing how a growing number of Lexus SUV owners are going off-road with their adventurous activities. The concept SUV, which has a supercharged 550-bhp engine, is for what Lexus calls the ‘Experiential Adventurer’ and has been built by overlanding experts, Expedition Overland.

The J201 Concept will demonstrate its capabilities in the 10-day Rebelle Rally, an all-female event covering over 2,000 kms of off-road terrain in the US states of California and Nevada. The crew will be defending Rebelle Rally champions, Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley of The X Elles.

Infiniti QX80 Rebelle
Infiniti, Nissan premium luxury brand, also has a big flagship SUV, the QX80 which has been around for the past 16 years and is based on Nissan’s Patrol model. Like Lexus, Infiniti has also prepared a special QX80 for the Rebelle Rally. The crew of the 5.6-litre 400-bhp SUV consists of Nicole Wakelin and Alice Chase (Team Wander Women).

Infiniti worked with off-road specialists CALMINI Products to prepare the QX80, installing off-road suspension components, custom front and rear bumpers suited for demanding approach and departure angles, heavy-duty control arms, thicker skid plates, and chunky all-terrain tyres.

The red QX80 also has Off-Road Monster 18-inch wheels, a PowerTank air-up tank and digital air-down kit, plus a unique and secure custom safety cage.

About the Rebelle Rally
The Rebelle Rally was started a few years ago by Emily Miller, 51, who is very active in adventure events. Apart from being only for women, the event is unique in that the participants cannot use modern devices – no smartphones, no GPS systems – and must find their way from point to point using maps and compasses… and maybe following the sun. Yes, the old-fashioned methods of navigation that adventurers used.

Lexus, like most carmakers, saw the SUV trend surging upwards in the 1990s and to quickly have a representative in the growing segment, it introduced the LX in 1995. Largely adapted from the Toyota Land Cruiser, a well-proven model, the LX had all the qualities of a Lexus, especially luxury, and also off-road capability.

Meanwhile, Lexus was also developing an entirely new SUV which, like the Toyota RAV4, would start a new segment almost overnight. It was the RX and it introduced the premium SUV and other premium manufacturers would quickly follow.

2020 Lexus LX570

However, the LX remained as part of the Lexus range, continuously being improved and refined. Lexus has found there were still customers who wanted larger SUVs with up to three rows of seating, and the LX was an ideal product to offer.

“The Lexus LX 570 raises the level of sophistication of a very competent platform, ensuring that each journey you take, you remain ensconced in the pinnacle of automotive engineering. The Lexus logo on the characteristic spindle grille ensures you arrive in fashionable comfort and elegance,” said the Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia, Akio Takeyama.

The third generation of the LX has been part of the Lexus SUV range in Malaysia since 2015, complementing the RX, NX and more recently, the UX.  For 2020, the model has received updates and an additional variant – the LX 570 Sport – is also available. Prices are expected to start from RM1,225,883 (excluding insurance with sales tax exemption applicable until the end of 2020) and bookings for the new model are now being accepted at all 6 authorised Lexus Centres nationwide.

Cosmetic updates
The LX570 has a clear brand identification with its spindle grille, appropriately sized to match the traditional SUV form. Measuring 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width, it is obviously a large vehicle and the engineers have done whatever is possible for aerodynamic efficiency.

2020 Lexus LX570

For 2020, the turn signals glancing the LED headlights now have sequential illumination, a feature usually found on premium models. When activated, the driver’s intentions are more clearly relayed rather than just flashing amber lights.

Customers have a choice of exterior colours that now include Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic. The interior colours of Garnet, Sun Flare Brown and Ocher are used according to the choice of exterior colour.

LX570 Sport
The LX570 Sport has sportier bumpers and the spindle grille gets a different L-shaped block mesh design. Its 21-inch forged rims are also exclusively styled with a more open pattern for a sportier look.

2020 Lexus LX570

2020 Lexus LX570

Inside, the Lexus LX 570 Sport also gets an exclusive illuminated scuff plate, aluminium sports pedals with rubber inserts and door courtesy lamps with logo projection.

Biggest Lexus engine
The 3UR-FE engine is similar for the LX 570 and LX570 Sport. At 5.7 litres, it is the largest engine in the Lexus range and has a V8 configuration with advanced Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i). At its peak output, the engine generates 362 bhp with 530 Nm of torque and can reach up to 210 km/h, it is claimed.

2020 Lexus LX570

2020 Lexus LX570

The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which delivers power to all 4 wheels via a robust 4×4 system. The driver has a choice of up to 6 driving modes to suit personal preference or driving conditions.

2020 Lexus LX570

With the LX 570 Sport, there is also a Front Performance Damper. This additional accessory enhances body rigidity for better handling and stability without sacrifice to the overall comfort of the vehicle. The Adaptive Variable Suspension adjusts the ride according to terrain and has four electronically-controlled off-road modes.

Lexus Safety System Plus
The LX 570 has Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) as standard and the active safety features now included as standard include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert (LDA).

2020 Lexus LX570

2020 Lexus LX570

“The Lexus LX 570 is truly an understated SUV. It is impressive in every aspect of its capability, be it as a people-mover, rugged explorer, safe tourer or a luxurious city dweller. It performs remarkably well everywhere and does it with the true finesse of a Lexus product,” said the President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.

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2020 Lexus LX570

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Lexus Malaysia expands range with the introduction of new Lexus LX570 luxury SUV priced at RM923,960.60 (OTR without insurance). (more…)

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