LX570 (Mk2)

ON SALE in Australia from April 10, when it became only the second generation of the most capable Lexus off-roader ever, the all-new LX570 is based on parent company's Toyota's redesigned 200 Series LandCruiser.

Bringing more technology, refinement, safety and performance, as well as being bigger and more expensive, the new 2.75-tonne LX is powered by a new 270kW/530Nm 5.7-litre alloy V8, matched with the LandCruiser's new six-speed automatic transmission - easily eclipsing the relatively paltry 170kW and 410Nm outputs of the previous LX470's cast-iron 4.7-litre V8.

The 90-degree 32-valve V8 is the largest-displacement engine ever fitted to a Lexus, returns claimed average fuel consumption of 14.8 litres/100km (an eight per cent improvement on the LX470's16.1L/100km) and hauls the 2740kg LX to 100km/h in a claimed 7.8 seconds – making it significantly quicker than the LX470's 12.0s.

The new LX improves the LandCruiser 200's new double-wishbone front, live-axle rear all-coil suspension by offering new four-wheel hydro-pneumatic technology with improved Adaptive Variable Suspension(AVS) three-mode damping adjustment and Active Height Control (AHC) spring-control systems as standard, along with the ground-breaking Crawl Control off-road cruise control system fitted as standard to petrol 200s. Ground clearance is a generous 225mm.

As well as electronic stability control and multi-terrain ABS, the LX offers the same 10-airbag safety protection that's offered in the LandCruiser from the mid-range VX grade upwards (up from six in the LX470), including twin full-length side curtain airbags.