Lexus LX470 continues segment leadership

Lexus was the first automaker to enter luxury 4WD market when it introduced the LX series in 1996. Today more than a decade later it continues the domination of this segment.

The LX 470 has been tuned to provide a serene and forgiving ride. Unlike many competitors, though, the LX retains substantial off-road capabilities and can take on seriously gnarly 4x4 trails should you care to use it that way. Most owners do not, of course, and the Lexus LX 470 is an easy vehicle to like even in the confines of suburbia.

In fact, off-road capability is among the best available. The LX 470 comes with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which allows the driver to adjust the damping between soft or firm settings. It's controlled electronically using feedback from various road sensors; the system constantly adjusts the semi-active shock absorbers through 16 valve settings according to conditions. It's a sophisticated system and it works extremely well. The LX 470 rides smoothly over unpaved trails, but inspires driver confidence with taut response on winding country roads.

The LX470 uses a true full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center differential that splits the power 50/50 front/rear. The system is always engaged and requires no intervention from the driver. Throw in a locking center differential, a rear limited-slip differential and lots of suspension articulation. The system is adept at handling the rigors of slippery winter weather or deep mud. The driver can shift into low range for driving on steep off-road inclines.

Step into its cabin, and there's no denying the quality of the materials used to construct it. The leather upholstery is extremely supple, and the wood trim inlays are some of the richest you'll find at any price point. A standard third-row seat allows the LX 470 to accommodate up to eight passengers.

The LX is fully loaded, as amenities like DVD navigation, a rear backup camera and a premium-grade Mark Levinson sound system are all included. The advanced Lexus DVD Navigation System that brings you real time, street-by-street voice guidance through the entire GCC over a 7” Electro Multi Vision (EMV) Touch Screen. That too, in Arabic and English! The vehicle’s interior is elegant and well equipped and can seat up to eight passengers. It is packed with luxury and convenience features. Steering-wheel audio controls make it easy to adjust volume and change pre-set radio stations. Side mirrors retract electrically for parking in tight quarters. Automatic climate controls are integrated into the navigation system. Auxiliary power outlets are provided in the dash, center console and rear cargo area. A trip computer, digital clock, and compass keep the driver well informed.

Motivation for the LX470 comes from a 4.7-liter V8 rated at 250 horsepower and 44 Kg M of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through a permanent four-wheel-drive system. A lever on the centre console allows the driver to switch to low-range gearing for maximum traction in heavy snow or dirt, while a separate button locks the centre differential into a 50/50 power split between the front and rear axles. An adaptive suspension provides both driver-selectable height control and variable shock absorber damping.

Active safety features, including Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Traction Control, work as a team to help the driver maintain control in an emergency handling situation. The side curtain airbags are designed to help provide protection for the four outboard passengers in the front- and second-row seats in certain types of severe side impacts or in case of a severe tilt or roll angle. Windshield wipers adjust for rain automatically, and the windshield is coated with water repellent.

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) operates even in low range and is designed to offer better performance off-road than traditional ABS by avoiding early activation on slippery slopes. ABS intervention decreases as road surface roughness increases or the grade steepens. That's an important feature because traditional ABS can lengthen braking distances considerably on unpaved roads. Big disc brakes offer good response and seem to stop this big vehicle in a surprisingly short distance. Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) helps distribute brake forces between the front and rear wheels under hard braking; this helps improves control under hard braking and can help reduce braking distances.

Three active safety technologies are tied in with the ABS to enhance driver control: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps maintain traction in turns by detecting and correcting wheel slip. When it detects a loss of traction, the system applies the brakes to individual wheels to help the driver maintain control. The system also integrates a Brake Assist function that interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and supplements the applied braking pressure to ensure increased stopping power.

The Traction control system (TRAC) further helps to reduce the chance of losing grip by using brake and throttle intervention to control wheel spin. The system provides some of the traction benefits of locked centre and rear differentials while maintaining the easy steering response associated with open differentials.

In Oman, Lexus vehicles are brought to you by the Saud Bahwan Group – with a whole host of Lexus ownership benefits and privileges such as a 6 years unlimited extended mileage protection – AMAN BAHWAN and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA, shopping discounts from premium outlets and more.

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