More luxury for Lexus

The quad-cam 4.7-litre V8 engine in the new Lexus LX470 is coupled to a new-generation five-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous model's four-speed transmission.

New technological advances include Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS).

This system uses an electric motor to adjust the steering gear ratio - not just the amount of power assistance - according to vehicle speed and steering input from the driver.

When the steering wheel is centred at highway cruising speeds, the ratio is similar to that of normal power steering to ensure excellent directional stability, says Lexus.

The VGRS system provides faster response at low to medium speeds so that LX470 responds with more agility and is easier to handle in city streets and on winding roads.

At extremely low speeds, the VGRS changes to its lowest ratio so that fewer turns lock-to-lock are required when parking and in off-road conditions.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension system has been improved to provide better on-road cornering stability and responsiveness as well as off-road ride.

The LX470 has electronic brake force distribution for more effective stopping power.

The 16-inch wheels have now been upgraded to 17-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior styling changes include a slightly larger grille with aerofoil-shaped chrome horizontal bars.

The front bumper, which has been redesigned for improved engine cooling, gives the LX470 a wider and lower look.

Headlights and fog lights have a distinctive green tint, and there are new tail lights.

Inside, the revised instrument panel is easier to read and a touch-screen electronic information display controls the air conditioning and audio systems.

This display system also has a trip computer with functions such as distance to empty, instant fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed and distance driven.

The new four-spoke, real-wood steering wheel has built-in audio controls. The power tilt and telescopic steering wheel automatically retracts for ease of egress and entry and also features a memory function.

Passive safety has been enhanced with the adoption of front-seat side airbags and curtain-shield airbags for the front and second-row seats to help to protect occupants in the event of a side-on collision.

There is also a rollover-sensing function that will deploy the curtain-shield airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners in the event of the vehicle rolling over. This function can be de-activated if experienced drivers are operating in serious off-road situations.

Rain-sensing windscreen wipers automatically turn the wipers on and adjust their speed according to rain intensity.

A coolbox between the front seats is now standard equipment, and all windows feature one-touch up-down operation.

The recommended price of the new Lexus LX470 is $136,000.