What's New for 1999

Review

Lexus has long been known for its emphasis on luxury (the company calls it "The Lexus Touch") and in the ever-booming SUV category, that standard of luxury is being pushed further than ever before. To compete with stylish new sport-utes like the Lincoln Navigator and Infiniti QX4, Lexus replaced its old-tech LX450 with a much-updated LX470 in 1998.

The Lexus LX470 comes with a hefty price tag, but it is also loaded to the gills with standard luxury equipment like heated seats, heated mirrors and a single-feed six-disc CD changer. Engineers also decided it was time for a power boost so the LX470 got a 4.7-liter 230-horsepower V8 in 1998. The engine, which was the first four-cam 32-valve V8 to be offered in a sport-ute, makes 18 more horsepower and 45 more foot-pounds of torque than the LX450 did. Additionally, the LX470 offers an increase in roominess and a decrease in noise over previous generation LX models.

Full-time four-wheel drive, real wood trim, ABS, rear A/C, running boards, enlarged brake pads, adaptive variable suspension, dual airbags, extra auxiliary power outlets and leather seats are all standard equipment on the vehicle. Also standard is Lexus' hydropneumatic adjustable height control suspension system, which allows the driver to choose higher ground clearance for off-roading or a lower ride height for tooling around town.

We have no doubt that this vehicle, with seating for eight and cupholders for nine, is plush, powerful and comfortable for what most people will want it for, driving around town. The amount of time it will spend traversing the Rubicon Trail will be small but, as a twin to the Toyota Land Cruiser, it could certainly handle that unlikely outing as well.