STIG

I think what spwolf was saying is that Escalade is just another urban SUV and probably can't be taken to off roading course, just like highlanders are only meant for driving on road with higher driving position and more room for cargo. One the other hand, LC/LX is meant to go anywhere and do anything.

But I don't really get Malibu and LS example.

Incendiary

While I would not personally cross-shop an LX/LC and Escalade/Tahoe, I think many potential LX-purchasers DO cross-shop with an Escalade. Or at least they do here in the US.

LexFather

I I think the Escalade and LX are not really cross shopped nor the RR. I think people pretty much have their mind up which one they want or are previous owners.

Threxx

Well I understand that but the LX/Escalade is the closest comparison available at the moment between the two brands.

When the Seq-based Lexus SUV comes out I have no doubt that will be a MUCH better apples to apples comparison. They will both probably be priced comparably and be much more comparable in other areas as well, including the fact that the Seq-based Lexus SUV will almost undoubtedly be using a derivative of the Tundra's frame, just like the Escalade uses a derivative of the Silverado/Sierra frame.

However the Malibu to LS example is ridiculous. The interior looks nicer on the LX than on the Escalade, yes, but not THAT much nicer to say it's anything remotely close to a Malibu/LS comparison.

Threxx

I know this is slightly OT but on the subject of upscale large SUVs there was an Infiniti commercial that I once heard played here on FM Radio - I don't know if it played long or often or what because I only put FM radio on to check local traffic since XM doesn't have Memphis yet.

Anyhow.... the woman had kind of an uppity soccer mom voice and was talking about her shopping experience for a large luxury SUV. I just remember her saying the LX was nice but "not 75k dollars nice" and the Escalade she said something about "reasonable price but not my style if you know what I mean" which I thought was funny because around here 85% of the people that drive Escalades seem to be the 'hood rich' variety. I can't remember what she said about the other ones but of course being an Infiniti commercial she said the QX was 'just right'.

I personally hate the interior on the QX - weak frame, iffy build quality... just about the only thing going for it is that motor.

Trexus

Thanks for posting the LX 570 press conference...

Milla...

I have certain expectations for a 65-70K (LX) SUV and I have certain expectations for a 50-60K (GM) SUV so I don't expect to get everything in a GM as I would in an LX nor vise versa, so I don't get the fus thats going on here in fact its quite silly to compare the two. It should be more like the RR vs. LX or the G wagon vs. LX you know SUV's that break the 60k + at the base.

pemarsh

my worry is now that lexus has added so many gadgets and new features, just how much more $$$$$$$ is this thing going to be more than the LX 470?? Im sure it wont be the same price. I asked my Lexus Sales guy who sold me my first LX, and he told me to expect about $7000-$10000 more---but no more than $1000...that was just his guesstimate though.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

iDrive or COMAND looks good yes but in actual operation makes you want to rip your hair out. Top gear tested the S550 and they literally had 12 steps to change the radio station using COMAND. That is if you memorize the menu order and layout to know where to go. Not to mention the lag b/t each menu as it loads. Or you can just have buttons you and you push a single button for a 1/4 of a second to change the radio station then go back to driving

doug_999

Not true - do you have either BTW?

Read the boards - nobody who has these things says "oh it is terrible!". They all say "why do magazines make such a big deal about this?". The fact is, I prefer I-Drive over the touch screen I had in my GS430 (yea, I've had both). The main issue with I-Drive is the speed - fix that and it would be just about perfect.

Trexus

I'm surprised Lexus didn't carry over the Sequoia over to the Lexus side. Maybe Lexus could introduce a Sequoia based luxury utility vehicle as the LX 570 L. That would be very cool. It wouldn't be the first luxury utility vehicle to have an extended version since GM does have the Cadillac Escalade which is based off the Chevrolet Tahoe and the extended version the Cadillac Escalade ESV which is based off the Chevrolet Suburban.

wETcOASTER

I agree with doug999, I have idrive in my 06 330i and I love it. I immediately took to it and wish my LX470 had it. Its especially useful for navi and I can control so much more without taking my eyes off the road. People who have only read magazines where the tester has used it for 5 minutes have no clue and cannot really appreciate this system.

spiralynth

Ah, Watanabe-san ... sho-sho omatsu kudo-sai

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

It may work for the navi but tell me how Idrive can beat me changing a radio station or AC setting in a 1/4 second by pushing a single conventional button

STIG

I think you can do that in the new BMW, since they have separate buttons dedicated to HVAC controls and radio on them.

iDrive isn't that bad. In fact, I like iDrive and the only problem that I have with iDrive over Lexus navigation is that iDrive interface aren't that pretty to me compare to Lexus'.