REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Too little too late?

The year is 1996. Eager to cash in on the dollars generated by customers smitten with utility vehicles, Lexus adopts the Land Cruiser (Toyota) and attempts to teach it good manners.

Thus was born the LX 450. It was quite a mistake, as proven by its poor performance in the market. So it’s back to the drawing board and in 1998 came the LX 470, an elaborate utility vehicle still based on the Land Cruiser, but with a more clearly defined personality.Is the LX 470 more impressive than its predecessor? The numbers speak for themselves: it is longer, wider and lower than the previous model. Enough said. In addition to giving the LX 470 a more aggressive look, this re-sizing exercise gives more room to the passenger compartment’s eight potential occupants, who are treated to the good looks of leather upholstery and walnut inlays. The driver’s huge bucket seat is fully adjustable, but offers very little lumbar support. And what to say about the large console, home to a host of controls that will have you reaching for the owner’s manual not once, but twice? The third row seat can be folded completely out of the way and can also be removed when not needed. Access to the cargo area is gained via a practical half-hatchback whose lower panel folds down in a jiffy.Unlike the LS 430’s all-aluminum V8, the LX 470’s engine (derived from the first) has an iron block that weighs only 75 pounds more than the 4.3-liter unit that powers the sedan. With its 230 horses at 4,800 rpm and, more importantly, its 320 pounds of torque at only 3,400 rpm, this V8 is extraordinarily smooth, generous with its torque and capable of reaching 100 km/h (60 mph) in a little less than 10 seconds. This leads to fairly significant fuel consumption, but given this vehicle’s selling price, it shouldn’t be a point of contention for most buyers.

The engine is teamed up with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission that is every bit as precise and smooth as the LS 400’s units. Power is supplied to the four wheels via an all-wheel drive system featuring a dual mode transfer box (Low and High). Sensitive to higher speeds, the rack-and-pinion steering system is a bit soft and the four ABS brakes do their level best to stop this monster. The adaptive variable suspension ensures consistent stability when cornering or changing course more or less abruptly. With its energetic V8, high-clearance adjustable suspension (independent in front) and efficient full-time 4×4 system, the LX 470 has strong arguments in its favor as it strives to capture the title of "King of the 4×4 World". That title remains elusive when faced with some of the frequently more gifted competition.

PROS
Extremely smooth engine
Good handling
Comfortable ride

CONS
Allergic to city driving
Hefty price
Some confusing controls

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