- Refined 4.7-litre 2UZ-FE V8 engine
- High standard of fit and finish
- Generally comfortable ride…
- … but independent front suspension limits suspension travel and compliance
- Weight blunts dynamics and fuel-efficiency
- Steering lacks precision
- Gearshift quality lacks refinement
Review: Lexus 100.I LX 470 (1998-02)
Overview
Released in April 1998, the Lexus 100 Series Mk.I (100.I) LX 470 was an eight seat, four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Tahara, Japan, the Lexus LX 470 was powered by a 4.7-litre petrol V8 engine which was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with a two-speed transfer case.
2UZ-FE Engine
The 4.7-litre 2UZ-FE V8 petrol engine had a cast-iron block, aluminium double overhead camshaft cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder (with bucket tappets), a one-piece camshaft, a cast aluminium intake manifold and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.
Suspension
The Lexus LX 470 had independent double wishbone front suspension and five-link trailing arm rear suspension. The LX 470’s suspension system also included:
- Adaptive Variable Suspension (‘AVS’) which constantly varied damping at each wheel and had four selectable settings ranging from ‘Comfort’ to ‘Sport’; and,
- Hydro-pneumatic Active Height Control (‘AHC’) with selectable ‘Lo’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Hi’ ride heights.
Dimensions
Compared to the 100-Series LandCruiser on which it was based, the LX 470 had the same length (at 4890 mm), width (1940 mm) and wheelbase length (2850 mm), but was 40 mm lower (1850 mm).
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 470 | 4.7-litre petrol V8 (2UZ-FE) | 4sp auto | 170 kW at 4800 rpm | 410 Nm at 3400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the LX 470 included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. From August 1999, the LX 470 was equipped with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and electronic stability control.
Features: Lexus LX 470
Standard features for the LX 470 included 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a five-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, cooled storage compartment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, high intensity discharge headlights, remote central locking, power windows and retracting mirrors, automatically dipping door mirrors on reverse, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver memory settings (seat and door mirrors), a power sunroof, an electrochromatic rear view and door mirrors, bronze tint windows, side steps, rear privacy glass and an immobiliser.
Review: Lexus 100.II LX 470 (2002-07)
Overview
Released in September 2002, the 100 Series Mk.II (100.II) LX 470 introduced a five-speed automatic transmission, variable gear ratio steering and improved Adaptive Variable Suspension.
Visually, the 100.II LX 470 could be identified by its larger grille with thicker frames and aerofoil-shaped chrome horizontal bars, restyled front bumper, new rear combination lamps and reversing lights within the licence-plate housing. Inside, there was a revised dashboard, instrument cluster and touch screen display for the air conditioning, audio, satellite navigation (a new feature) and trip computer controls.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 470 | 4.7-litre petrol V8 (2UZ-FE) | 5sp auto | 170 kW at 4800 rpm | 410 Nm at 3400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its predecessor, safety equipment for the 100.II LX 470 was improved with the addition of front side airbags and curtain airbags for the front and second row occupants.
Features
Standard features for the 100.II LX 470 were extended to include 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, satellite navigation, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a four-spoke wood steering wheel with audio controls.
October 2003: LX 470 update
In October 2003, the LX 470 was updated with an improved satellite navigation system, rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with Bluetooth buttons, UV-reducing glass and upgraded leather seat upholstery.
June 2005: LX 470 update
From June 2005, the LX 470 was fitted with an eleven speaker Mark Levinson sound system, illuminated side steps and roof racks. Visually, these models could be identified by their new radiator grilles with four horizontal bars and LED tail-lights.
Related links
- Press Kit: Lexus 100-II LX 470 (September 2002)
- Press Release: Lexus 100.II LX 470 update (October 2003)
- Press Release: Lexus 100.II LX 470 – premium audio (June 2005)
- Wikipedia.org: Lexus 100 LX
