The engine and the six-speed automatic are pulled straight from Toyota's Tundra and Land Cruiser. The old LX 470 made only 268 hp from its 4.7-liter V8, barely enough to move the 5590-pound SUV around. The new 5995-pound LX 570 goes up to 5.7 liters and 383 hp. Torque increases roughly 23 percent, to 403 lb-ft, enough to tow 8500 pounds. Go ahead, buy that bigger boat. We towed 8000 pounds at the press intro, and the 570 handled it with dignity and aplomb.

Hey, wait a second, you say, is this just a Land Cruiser with a Lexus badge on it, the way the first ES was way too much of a Camry? Oh, ye of little faith and long memory. No, it's not. Look at the spec sheet. It has more acronyms than a quartermaster's RFP--at least 13 standard features not found on the Land Cruiser.

"I'm amazed at the technology in this vehicle," said Lexus chief Mark Templin. Hey, he works there, and he's amazed!

Some are unquestionable assets, such as the VVT-i that controls the dual overhead cams, the acoustic control induction system (ACIS) that tunes the intake runners, the new transmission-fluid temperature control that warms or cools the fluid depending on conditions and active front headrests that reduce neck injuries. Luxury technology abounds, too, including a "sub-cool accelerator system" to get cold air flowing more quickly in the four-zone climate-control system and second-row seat heaters.

Other technology that competitors have had for years, such as a power liftgate, adaptive front lighting and power third-row folding seats (though they don't go into the floor, only up and to the side, and they don't come out easily), finally appears on the LX.

Then there is some technology whose worth is arguable, such as electro-hydraulic active height control, variable gear ratio steering and wide-view front and side monitors.