Lexus has introduced the first-ever electrified LX model in the form of the new LX 700h. The hybrid offering has been anticipated ever since a trademark for it was filed earlier this year, and it joins the existing LX 500d and LX 600 models.
The LX 700h features a parallel series hybrid system that Lexus says preserves the “reliability, durability and off-road performance” that the LX is known for. To start, there is a 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
A motor generator (MG) with a clutch is positioned between the engine and transmission, with a dedicated hybrid control system responsible for managing the transitions between engine-only and motor-only modes.
Lexus says this configuration allows features such as full-time four-wheel drive and low-range transfer case to be maintained, while ensuring effective transmission of torque to the road. Additionally, the company notes that this is the first Lexus system to feature both an alternator and a starter as standard components, which is different from previous parallel hybrid models.
This is to ensure that the car can still be driven in the event of a hybrid system failure, with the starter enabling independent engine ignition, while the alternator powers the 12V auxiliary battery. Even in this mode, essential features such as the low-range transfer case, ride height adjustment using Active Height Control (AHC) as well as Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) remain fully operational.
As such, the hybrid system in the LX 700h is similar to the one found in the Toyota Tundra pick-up truck with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which also comes with a conventional 12V starter. Lexus didn’t provide output figures for the new LX model, but the i-Force Max delivers 443 PS (437 hp or 326 kW) and 790 Nm of torque for reference.
Even with the hybrid system, the LX 700h’s battery is encased in a waterproof structure so it has a water fording capability of 700 mm. There’s also an external power supply that can deliver up to 2.4 kW (some regions get 1.5 kW) to power devices or serve as an emergency power source.
Some changes have been made to the GA-F version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that underpins the hybrid model, including the addition of a cross member to ensure a minimum ground clearance comparable to that of non-hybrid models.
Elsewhere, the material used for the rear engine mount has been upgraded to a more durable option to support the increased powertrain weight (the vehicle weighs 2,780 kg). There’s also a new spare tire cross that was designed to reposition the spare tire in order to facilitate the installation of the hybrid main battery in the rear floor, while the 12V auxiliary battery has been relocated from the engine compartment to the side of the rear deck.
In addition to adding a hybrid model to the line-up, the LX range also sees some upgrades like a more rigid radiator support and the instrument panel reinforcement has been strengthened. The cab mount cushions used to attach the body to the frame have also been completely redesigned with more rigid joints, while the valve structure of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) actuator gets redesigned to better manage body movement.
As for the interior, there’s now a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a new Electro-Shiftmatic system (a first for a Lexus off-road 4WD vehicle), new air bladder-based front seats and a wireless charging pad with increased charging capacity.
Moving on the safety technology, the LX’s Lexus Safety System+ has been improved with Proactive Driving Assist that provides semi-autonomous driving. Buyers can also get Pre-Collision Safety, Radar Cruise Control with all-speed follow function, Lane Departure Alert and the Driver Abnormality Response System. Lexus Teammate, which is an advanced driving assistance technology, has also been adopted and includes traffic jam assist as well as assisted parking with remote function.
To round off the updates to the LX, Lexus is also introducing an Overtrail variant that features a gloss black spindle grille, matte grey aluminium wheels, black exterior accents, an exclusive Moon Desert paint finish as well as seat upholstery and door featuring a low-saturation monolith complemented by ash burl black ornamentation. The Overtrail also gets front and rear differential locks to join the standard centre differential lock, along with 265/70R18 all-terrain or 265/65R18 mud and snow tyres.
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