Topic: Test Drive: 2010 Lexus GX 460

[Autos_Editor]

Replacing the GX 470, the “heavily reworked” GX 460 has “go-anywhere ability” and “tows up to 2,948 kg” says reviewer Brian Early, but its luxury features and Lexus build quality are probably bigger factors for most potential customers, he says.

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[bluelines]

The Land Rover LR4 is not a unibody vehicle, but rather has what they call an Integrated Body Frame (IBF). From Wikipedia:

Land Rover developed an all-new method which they called Integrated Body Frame (IBF). The previous Discovery models had used a traditional, strong ladder-frame chassis. Whilst being specifically designed for off-road use, ladder-frame chassis are heavy and detract from the on-road handling of the vehicle. Monocoque vehicles are more rigid, giving improved high-speed handling, but can be damaged by the stresses involved in heavy off-road use. In the IBF the body, the engine bay and passenger compartment is built as a monocoque, which is mated to a basic ladder-chassis holding the gearbox and suspension.

[ktm525]

Some first thoughts. Front footwells look very cramped, center stack is very wide for this width of a vehicle. Interesting that they kept the 2 ratio transfer case and swing out rear cargo door. This engine should be available in the 4Runner.

[Dan]

If i had that kind of money i would go for the Land Rover which is better looking both inside and out and known world wide for its off road abilities.

[carcarcar]

the back end looks like the last gen 4runner's

[Ace]

No wonder LEXUS forecasts only around 600 of these mastadons. They are oversized, overweight, luxury gas guzzlers that hardly ever see a dirt road. I reckon 90% are used to transport city slickers up the 400 to cottage country

[Factual]

If i had that kind of money i would go for the Land Rover which is better looking both inside and out and known world wide for its off road abilities.

That's ironic, given the new GX is based on the Land Cruiser Prado, which is on a totally different level when it comes to being known world-wide for off-road ability compared to a Land Rover LR4.

[ktm525]

No wonder LEXUS forecasts only around 600 of these mastadons. They are oversized, overweight, luxury gas guzzlers that hardly ever see a dirt road. I reckon 90% are used to transport city slickers up the 400 to cottage country

Mastadon? That would be the LX.

[Lumpy1]

blueline,

It appears that you're right about the LR4. My understanding was that it was a unibody with subframes for the engine and suspension, but your information contradicts that. Until I've been under one and can argue otherwise, I'll tip my hat to you! Thanks for keeping us sharp...

[bluelines]

No problem. I guess it explains why the LR4 is so ridiculously heavy. Drives me crazy that we don't get the new Jaguar V6 turbodiesel. With the 5.0 V8 the fuel "economy" is horrific.

blueline,

It appears that you're right about the LR4. My understanding was that it was a unibody with subframes for the engine and suspension, but your information contradicts that. Until I've been under one and can argue otherwise, I'll tip my hat to you! Thanks for keeping us sharp...

[htwo]

Too bad production stopped, temporarily of course!

I'd pick one up in an instant. It's just the thought of plunking a cheque down for $65K is a bit extreme for the performance, but the utility it provides is worth while. two speed transfer cases are very rare these days, outside of landrover of course. Lexus has better long term reliability than any land rover owners I know of. Parts are a bit less as well. I will agree that if LR came out with a decent diesel, I'd be all over it like a fat kid in a candy store.

[ktm525]

No problem. I guess it explains why the LR4 is so ridiculously heavy. Drives me crazy that we don't get the new Jaguar V6 turbodiesel. With the 5.0 V8 the fuel "economy" is horrific.

blueline,

It appears that you're right about the LR4. My understanding was that it was a unibody with subframes for the engine and suspension, but your information contradicts that. Until I've been under one and can argue otherwise, I'll tip my hat to you! Thanks for keeping us sharp...

People are always harping on the LR3(4) weight.  You have to remeber this is a vehicle capable of pulling almost 8000lbs.. Compared to it's german competitors it is in the middle. They are all fatties of course.
 LR3 HSE   GL-Class GL320     BlueTEC Q7 TDI quattro Premium
Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) 5426   5313    5512