Lexus not only builds the refined luxury cars seen in any wealthy UK suburb, but Toyota's luxury division also produces a massive SUV based upon the Land Cruiser platform. For the 2008 model year, Lexus has redesigned its luxurious barge and given it a slew of technological improvements.

Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the new LX 570 has been completely re-skinned. The car features a more rounded and car-like appearance than its LX 470 predecessor, revealing Lexus's new grille (first seen on the LS flagship saloon) and more sculpted body panels than its boxy forebear. Though it maintains the same wheelbase as the model it replaces, its length has grown 102mm and width has increased 25mm.

Under the bonnet is a new 5.7-litre V8 powerplant - developed initially for use in the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck - that creates 381bhp and 401lb.ft of pulling power. The new engine is good for 111bhp more than the previous 4.7-litre and creates 73lb.ft more torque, boosting its tow rating to 3855kg.

Other improvements include a revised electro-hydraulic suspension that continuously adjusts to match road conditions and is claimed to reduce roll by 30 per cent. The targeted result is a supple ride with increased comfort levels, but the suspension also features active height control that lowers the vehicle 25mm at the front and 13mm at the rear for improved stability at motorway speeds. Lexus also claims that this enables the LX 570 to return better fuel economy thanks to reduced drag.

Transferring engine power to the road is a full-time four-wheel drive system fed by a six-speed automatic gearbox, the sole transmission option. For off-road driving, Lexus has fitted a new 'crawl control' feature and terrain-sensitive ABS.

Inside, the Lexus LX 570 has all the luxurious appointments you'd expect in a premium saloon, including four-zone climate control, a touch-screen navigation system, and ten airbags; but it also adds power-operated second and third row seats for an eight passenger occupant capacity. Options include climate controlled seats, sonar park assist and adaptive cruise control.

Though Stateside sales of SUVs have declined in recent months (due largely to rising petrol prices), sales of premium segment models like the Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade have remained steady. Lexus plans to shift 8,500 units of its new LX 570, up from the 5,500 it sold last year, but we don't expect this model to make it across to European showrooms.

Eric Gallina - 20 Apr 2007