There's a saying that less is more and Lexus is
hoping that rings true as the company has unveiled a five-seat version of the
2018 LX 570 in Los Angeles.
Billed as a more cargo-friendly version of the
luxury SUV, the elimination of the third row allows the model to carry 1,430
liters of luggage behind the second row. For comparison, the seven-seat variant
can only hold 1,265 liters of cargo behind its middle seats.
The difference is minor but the five-seat model
starts at US$ 84,980 which is US$ 5,000 less than the seven-seat variant. Despite
being slightly more affordable, the model comes nicely equipped with leather
seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and a power moonroof.
Other niceties include a power tailgate and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Power is provided by a familiar 5.7-liter V8 engine
that produces 383 hp and 545 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed
automatic transmission which sends power to a four-wheel drive system with a
Torsen limited slip center differential.
The model isn't exactly fast, as it weighs 2,630 kg,
but it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds before hitting an
electronically-limited top speed of 220 km/h). Of course, there's a penalty at
the pump as the LX 570 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 13 mpg city
/ 18 mpg highway / 15 mpg combined.
