The outgoing LX 570’s dealing with may greatest be described as faculty bus-inspired. Its huge proportions created a floaty driving expertise that felt able to tip over at each off-ramp. Lexus went again to the drafting board with the LX 600, enhancing each flaw with out ruining what made this SUV really feel distinctive. A brand new digital energy steering system replaces the previous hydraulic unit, giving drivers much more confidence to put the entrance finish when approaching a nook. With as much as 440 kilos shaved from the curb weight due to in depth aluminum use for items just like the doorways, fenders, hood, doorways, and roof, the brand new LX contains a decrease middle of gravity that does wonders for the dealing with traits. It not looks like a mid-2000s dinosaur lumbering round within the fashionable period.
The drive modes within the outgoing LX felt utterly superfluous, however the LX 600’s drivetrain noticeably modifications between Eco, Consolation, Regular, Sport, and Sport + mode. The latter tightens up the steering significantly and prompts the transmission to carry gears longer. That is nonetheless an infinite car, however the tighter electrical steering rack makes it really feel smaller when in movement. Lexus managed to eradicate the LX’s ponderous nature whereas conserving the experience easy and stress-free. We might rank the consolation proper up there with the Escalade, Navigator, and Grand Wagoneer.
Lexus did not simply enhance the on-road dynamics, the brand new LX 600 stays a complete beast off-road. Our restricted time driving the automotive at altitude in New Mexico proved this SUV ought to stand as much as proprietor abuse. The usual crawl management system allows the LX to crawl up and coast down steep elevations with out the motive force needing to the touch the throttle or brake pedals. There’s additionally a cool trail-turn function that brakes an inside wheel to assist the LX get round tight corners. The Multi-Terrain monitor exhibits helpful info, together with a surround-view monitor that may present what’s beneath the automotive. The LX made such brief work of the off-road course, we did not make use of the LX’s Multi-Terrain Choose system, which tunes the drivetrain for sand, mud, rock, grime, and deep snow. Even essentially the most novice off-roader can conquer difficult terrain within the LX with out worrying about breaking it.
