Daily Slideshow: Scoping out the Lexus RX L at the 2017 LA Auto Show

1. The LA Auto Show: Capping off 2017 on a high note

The Los Angeles Auto Show is a high mark each year for automotive fans. Depending on which brand you follow, the big reveals and surprises can end up something of a bonus holiday treat. The 2017 LAAS' greatest highlight may have been the reveal of Corvette's latest ZR1. With a presentation focusing heavily on SUVs, fans of Lexus may not have been privy to that same newsworthy excitement...

Then again, we never expect Lexus to be so radical. We know what to expect from a new Lexus reveal: The ever-present focus on luxury, the sharp modern styling, the refined performance specs. In other words, we simply expect Lexus to build upon the sharp excellence they've already delivered time and again. This time, however, they've pushed themselves a little farther. 

>>Join the conversation about the three-row RX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

2. Introducing the Lexus RX L

Even if you're not a fan of SUVs, it may be interesting to see how they've reinvented themselves here. Put in short, Lexus has innovated their SUVs by making them bigger, while retaining all of the things that made their cars otherwise great in the first place.

Piggybacking off the success of the Lexus RX SUV, the Lexus RX L tries to one-up its predecessor with three-row seating. Seats for seven. There you have it, the big Lexus reveal of LAAS 2017!

Lexus' current styling and design are strongly imprinted on the brand, so it makes sense they would stick to it; what the RX L innovation does is simply boost the physical practicality to new heights. The RX L is clearly family-oriented and came presented at the expo with a range of additional options such as intuitive parking assistance.

While the ZR1 and other speed demons may have gotten the spotlight, fans of Lexus shouldn't discount the strides they've taken with these recent LAAS reveals; the RX L is arguably the biggest change they've made to their flagship crossover since the introduction of a hybrid option. 

>>Join the conversation about the three-row RX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

3. The LX 570 also got a fresh reveal

In addition to the RX L, there's the LX 570 for those who want it something more spacious. The LX 570 has been a traditionally bigger SUV from the get-go, but this new 570 will reportedly add 15% to the working cargo space, with a 7000-pound towing capacity to boot. If the RX L didn't catch your eye, this one seems just as suitable to match roles as a recreational vehicle and daily driver.

>>Join the conversation about the three-row RX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

4. What is it that made SUVs such a hot topic?

Between the automakers and consumers, the popular choice of vehicle says a lot about the state of the culture and economy at large. If gas prices are high, for instance, people are going to value fuel economy. Likewise, in a case where the US economy has been enjoying a general rise, automakers such as Lexus turn to marketing SUVs. It's not just because these "family sportsters" have gone more in vogue; manufacturers tend to cut a wider profit selling SUVs compared to other types of car. It would be easy to feel cynical towards the SUV buzz if Lexus weren't putting such a sharp spin on it this year. 

>>Join the conversation about the three-row RX right here in the ClubLexus forum.

5. The RX L wasn't the only 3-row crossover getting a debut

As it happens, the RX L will have itself stiff competition right off the bat. The LA Auto Show was large enough for 3-row crossover debuts. In addition to Lexus' contribution, Subaru made a splash with their Ascent crossover; Infiniti did the same with the QX50. SUVs were a major focus for the show in general. Among other brands, Ford notably revealed their 2018 Ecosport SUV. Suffice to say, there's a wide variety for prospective buyers to choose from. However, if it ever comes to seating seven for our money, we'll be looking for something affixed with a classy spindle grille.