Autotronics
From The Factory:Lexus LX 450
From the August, 1996 issue of Motor Trend
By R.M. Truesdell
The premium-SUV category became a bit more crowded with the introduction of the LX 450. More than simply a dressed-up, the LX 450 has a Pioneer-supplied audio system that establishes new benchmarks in sport/utility factory sound systems.
Typical of all Lexus audio systems, the standard control center for the LX 450 is a double-DIN 7x4-inch AM/FM/cassette deck, featuring built-in controls for a dealer-installed six-disc CD changer ($1050 plus dealer installation charge). The standard package also includes a separate five-channel, 195-watt amplifier. Following the lead established with the LS 400, Lexus engineers have brought the optional CD changer into the cabin; it's mounted in the center console with rear access. As CD changers become increasingly smaller, other manufacturers hopefully will switch to in-cabin installations.
The center console holds an additional surprise: a 4.75-inch, separately amplified woofer. Although Lexus doesn't refer to this speaker as a subwoofer due to its diminutive size, it's designed to augment low bass system performance. This woofer is powered by a dedicated 55-watt amplifier channel. The front and rear speakers are amplified by 35 watts from the underseat-mounted amplifier/ crossover. The front speakers follow current practice, with 2.5-inch tweeters mounted in the dash and 5.5-inch full-range speakers mounted in the doors. Extended-range 4-inch speakers are mounted in each rear door.
The receiver controls are laid out exceptionally well, with a dominant green LCD displaying tuner, tape, and CD functions. FM tuner performance is quite good, though high-frequency response seems restricted, thus masking interference-a technique many manufacturers employ for cleaner sound.
Overall, this is a thoughtfully designed control center. The audio controls, however, are some distance from the driver and should be angled a bit more toward the driver. Steering-wheel-mounted controls or a separate remote control would be a welcome addition.
Because the LX 450's interior is so ample, massive amounts of amplifier power are required. Lexus engineers spent long hours attacking the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues unique to the Land Cruiser platform. Even with the Lexus' improved acoustics, however, the Pioneer system still would benefit from more power and a real subwoofer. This is a strong stereo package, and installed in a conventional vehicle it would perform well, but Lexus owners, especially if they're accustomed to the exceptional sound reproduction in the LS 400, may be a bit disappointed.
The system sounds rich and full at moderate volume levels. The dash-mounted tweeters are aimed so that both front passengers receive a pleasing, well-defined stereo image. By design, there's a sound-imaging overlap between the tweeters and the full-range speakers mounted in the door. In this application, it works well.
For a sport/utility vehicle, the LX 450 is exceptionally quiet. Its 71dB sound-pressure level (SPL) at 60 mph is lower than that of many cars. With a maximum weighted level SPL reading of 107dB at full output, our LX 450 scored a 36dB dynamic range differential, an above-average measurement. Because of the sound-system architecture, however, a knowledgeable aftermarket specialist will have to work some magic to bring both bass and SPL levels up to auto-audiophile standards.
It's difficult to measure the value of the audio system in a $50,000 vehicle when it's built in to the base sticker price. Nonetheless, when weighing all considerations, the LX 450 scores well, narrowing the target for competitive SUV makers. It will be interesting to see how all the new, upscale entries in the SUV category attack this issue. For now, the OEM audio crown for SUVs belongs to Lexus.
