The full-size luxury SUV lives and can be found at your Lexus dealer in the form of the 2015 LX 570. Based on Toyota’s brawny body-on-frame Land Cruiser foundation, this plush Lexus sport ute again offers seating for 8 in 3 rows, surprisingly hefty off-road credentials, full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) and, of course, V8 power. Naturally, a cornucopia of princely perks also comes with this big ute’s territory, as does a hefty price tag that goes positively stratospheric with options packages. And then there are those downright dismal fuel-efficiency numbers.

Nevertheless, this handsome hauler brings a single Base trim to the table, not to mention some upgrades to its techno-goodies for the upcoming model year. Infotainment capabilities are now improved with Lexus’ touted Siri Eyes Free mode, which interacts with a touchscreen display to provide standard voice-activated iPhone, navigation and entertainment functions. Additionally, the legendary Enform App Suite is improved with iHeart Radio 4.0 and Slacker for some added entertainment choices for 2015.

Again packed with posh, the 2015 LX 570 will return with standard 20-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, power-opening liftgate, side steps and heated power-folding, power-adjustable mirrors outside, and leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable rear seats and power-folding third-row seats adorning the cabin.

Further comfort and convenience goodies being reprised for the upcoming year include cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, memory for driver’s settings, 4-zone climate control and a rear-view camera.

Entertainment-wise, besides those upgrades to the various multimedia functions, look for the single-CD/DVD player, 9 speakers, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input to return, or you can select an available Mark Levinson premium system boasting 14 Surround Sound speakers and 450 watts of power.

Further optional equipment (and remember the above fiscal alert) includes a Luxury Package with upgraded leather, genuine mahogany accents, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. The Luxury Package with Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, meanwhile, adds in adaptive cruise control with pre-collision braking assistance.

Still need more stuff? Check out the available rear-seat DVD entertainment, remote engine start and the Intuitive Park Assist feature with front- and side-view camera placement, all of which are offered as standalone options.

Again for 2015 the LX 570 totes a 5.7-liter V8 powerplant that mates with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. Alas, mileage ratings remain estimated at 12 mpg city/17 highway, but hey, towing capacity is once again a fairly decent 7,000 pounds with the proper equipment installed.

As mentioned, this posh people-hauler sports some surprisingly competent moves off-road, doubtless due to the 4WD’s hill-start assist, crawl control and dial-in terrain selector functions. Oh, and an adaptable suspension will adjust ride height to suit your selected terrain anomalies.

Finally, noteworthy standard safety features returning to the 2015 LX 570 include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Also coming back are standard daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, self-leveling high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. And of course the improved Enform technology will again stand ready with emergency services and communications, as well as stolen-vehicle tracking.