The 2020 Lexus LX 570 disguises its truck-based roots well with brash lines balanced by a calming interior, but be prepared for prodigious thirst.
Pros Bold sytle Plush confines Healthy V-8 power Comfy ride Off-road capable
Cons Bold style Drinks so much fuel Outdated controls Cramped third row Frustrating infotainment
Lexus's largest SUV rolls into 2021 with a few changes. A new Sport package is available on the three-row model, which adds unique exterior styling, 21-inch wheels, and either an Eminent White Pearl, Black Onyx, or Atomic Silver paint job. Also available on the three-row model is the Inspiration Series #2 package, which blacks out most of the LX's exterior trim and adds 21-inch black wheels, smoked lenses for the exterior lighting elements, black badging, and Rioja Red semi-aniline leather upholstery.
Pros Legit off-roading chops, posh interior, plenty of space for people and cargo.
Cons Fuel efficient it is not, trucky on-road driving demeanor, steep entry price.
Limited-production LX Inspiration Series.Updated LX Sport package.Amazon Alexa compatibility.
PROS Exceptional off-road capability for a luxury SUV Beautifully crafted cabin
CONS Second and third rows lack space and versatility Tech interface is distracting and not intuitive Poor fuel economy, even for a luxury SUV
Ballistic-resistant SUV offers protection against 'violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime. BMW has revealed the new X5 Protection VR6, an armoured version of its popular luxury SUV. According to the Bavarian marque, the X5 Protection VR6 "offers private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime".Power in the X5 Protection VR6 comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine borrowed from the xDrive50i variant. Maximum power is rated at 390kW between 5500 and 6000rpm, while a peak torque figure of 750Nm is on tap between 1800rpm and 4600rpm.
The X5 Protection VR6, named in reference to its certified protection rating, is almost indistinguishable from the standard X5, but is clad all over in high-strength steel armour plating, which overlaps at each panel and trim gap to maximise coverage. Underneath, a thick aluminium splinter shield protects the powertrain and floor from explosive devices such as hand grenades, while the standard X5’s windows have been replaced with 33mm thick, polycarbonate-reinforced glass. The glazing features what BMW calls ‘post-blast protective technology’, which offers protection against secondary attacks in the wake of an explosion. Only the driver’s window is electric as standard, although an electric passenger window is an option.
We know what you want out of your luxury crossover. You want comfort. You want performance. You want protection against anti-infantry hand grenades. Well, BMW has the ride for you! Although it looks like the standard model, the new X5 Protection VR6's armor-plated bodywork protects against attacks by handguns and firearms, including AK-47s. The armored passenger compartment withstands blasts of up to 15 kilograms of TNT from a distance of 13 feet, and its Post Blast Protective Technology protects against secondary attacks; even following a blast, all windows remain firmly in position.The vehicle is fitted with high-strength steel panels in the doors, side frames, roof, and firewall. Overlapping armor plating within the door gaps and bodywork joints prevent penetration by bullets or fragments. Oh, and your suitcases will be safe as well, thanks to aluminum pieces guarding the underbody and luggage compartment.
