Just like the RX->ke496 crossover, the LX->ke497 full-size SUV->ke145 has helped define the Lexus->ke47 brand in terms of luxury and capability. And the recipe was pretty much simple, blending the off-road potential and reliability of the Toyota Land Cruiser->ke1298's platform with a sumptuous and comfortable interior and rounding things off with a commanding exterior design.

Sure, the third-generation LX is getting a little old compared to its rivals, but no serious manufacturer really wants to dismiss it just yet. Its more recent facelift came for the 2013 model year, which means we're stuck with the current layout for another couple of years, but the company's Kuwaiti dealer decided the LX 570 needs yet another update.

You might be tempted to think we're talking about a more luxurious version of the SUV->ke145, with gold-plated cabin inlays and maybe some Swarovski crystals here there, but that's not the case. The appearance changes were actually done in good taste, but the most important improvement took place under the hood, where a supercharger was fitted to increase output beyond the 400-horsepower mark.

It sounds exciting yes, but don't start dreaming just yet. This special edition LX isn't likely to come to North America. However, that didn't stop us from having a closer look at the vehicle and highlight all of its brand-new features.

Click past the jump to read more about the Lexus LX 570 Supercharger.

2014 Lexus LX 570 Supercharger

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Lexus LX 570 Supercharger
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 450
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Auto
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Exterior modifications aren't extensive, but they do suggest the Supercharger isn't your regular Lexus LX 570. For starters, most of the chrome elements fitted around the body, including the imposing front grille, have been blackened for a meaner look. To further improve its sportier character, the model also gained a subtle rear spoiler and a unique set of 20-inch, twin five-spoke wheels.

Although none of these updates are out of this world, they do improve the SUV's looks, giving it a more dramatic, yet elegant appearance that comes with a triple-black suit. It's actually frustrating that Lexus hadn't said anything about offering it in the United States as well.

Interior

The SUV's interior has been kept mostly back, but the seats benefit from a Crimson Red wrap for a nice contrast, with the door panels inserts finished in the same hue. Also new, but less noticeable, are the floor carpets adorned with red edges. The aluminum door sills have been updated as well and now spell "Supercharger".

Nothing is really new other than that, but this special LX 570 comes with an extensive list of features, including wood inlays for the dashboard and the steering wheel, navigation, parking sensors and a Mark Levinson audio system. Needless to say, without all these amenities Lexus would have a difficult time in selling this vehicle in the Middle East.

"Supercharger" aluminum sills

Drivetrain

This is where this particular SUV becomes truly special, thanks to that wonderful, power-increasing method known as forced induction. As the name suggests, this LX 570 has has a supercharger mounted atop its 5.7-liter, V-8 engine for a new output figure of 450 horsepower -- 67 horses more than what U.S. customers usually get. Power goes to the wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

There are no performance specs available, but the Supercharger version should be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. The regular LX 570 needs 7.5 seconds to complete the same sprint. Top speed is likely to remain the same at 137 mph. On the other hand, fuel economy will drop below the standard 12 mpg city estimate, but we don't think anyone in the Kuwait really cares about that.

2014 Lexus LX 570 Supercharger - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

Supercharged 5.7-Liter V-8

Output (HP)

450

Transmission

Six-Speed Auto


Price

Pricing for the Lexus LX 570 Supercharger isn't available at the time of this writing, but we'll be back on the matter as soon as we find out.

Competition

Cadillac Escalade

The brand-new 2015 Cadillac Escalade is not quite as powerful as the supercharged LX 570, but its iconic status and crest enable this GM-developed SUV to be a strong competitor for the Lexus, especially in the Middle-East region. The large Escalade is powered by a huge 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that sends 420 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque to the wheels via a six-speed automatic.

The oomph is enough to propel the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds and to a top speed limited at around 130 mph. Despite being quicker, the 2015 Escalade is more fuel efficient than the LX 570, with EPA estimated promising 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

What's more, the new-generation Escalade is likely to be more appealing against direct competitors due to its brand-new exterior design and overhauled interior. And unlike the LX 570, the Escalade can also be had in a slightly longer ESV version. The standard Escalade is priced from $72,690, while the ESV version wears a $75,690 sticker.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Introduced for the 2013 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is nearly brand-new when compared to the LX, which is on the market for six years now. Second-generation updates included a new grille and headlamps with LED technology, two-piece taillights, redesigned spoilers and AMG-sourced aprons. As with most Mercedes upgrades, the interior gained more high-quality materials and improved cabin space.

Engine-wise, the GL-Class can be ordered with three different powertrains, but only the range-topping GL550 is suited to take on the LX 570 Supercharger. The said model hides a twin-turbo, 4.7-liter, V-8 unit under the hood with 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque on tap, an increase of 47 horsepower and 125 pound-feet over the previous model.

Fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the GL550 sprints hits 60 mph from a standing start in 5.4 seconds and returns 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. Pricing for this SUV begins at $88,600.

Conclusion

"Too much power is never enough" is an old saying that goes with anything from sports cars to SUVs, including the LX. 450 horses and a supercharger whine are more than welcome to this large, body-on-frame vehicle -- if you ignore the low mpg ratings, of course -- but Lexus needs to sell it in more than just one country to make it matter.