Indonesia has welcomed the first-ever electrified Lexus LX with the launch of the LX 700h at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). Unveiled as a new variant of the LX that got updated last October, Indonesia gets the LX 700h in two variants.
The first is the seven-seat LX 700h 4×4 A/T priced at 3.392 billion rupiah (about RM875k), which is followed by the four-seat LX 700h VIP 4×4 A/T at 3.928 billion rupiah (RM1.012 million). Both share the same powertrain based around a V35A-FTS 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
A motor generator (MG) with a clutch is positioned between the engine and transmission, contributing to a total system output of 464 PS (457 hp or 341 kW) and 790 Nm of torque. The electric motor is linked to a 288-volt hybrid battery located in the vehicle’s rear floor near the 12-volt battery.
Completing the powertrain is a full-time four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case, while the alternator and a starter are retained as standard components, which is different from the brand’s previous parallel hybrid models.
The output figures are good for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle that isn’t an EV and has a kerb weight of up to 2,840 kg, while also measuring 5,100 mm long, 1,990 mm wide, 1,895 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,850 mm.
Revisions made to the LX range are present here too, including a more rigid radiator support, strengthened instrument panel reinforcement, revised cab mount cushions and a redesigned valve structure for the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) actuator. The interior gets 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 increased output for cabin wireless charger.
Standard equipment for the base LX 700h with seven seats are 22-inch aluminium wheels in a glossy finish, a leather and wood steering wheel, a head-up display, paddle shifters, powered seats (all rows), leather seat upholstery, a 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a seven-inch air-conditioning touch control panel, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a front wireless charging pad, a digital rear-view mirror, a moon roof and four-zone climate control.
The list continues with heating and ventilation for the front and second-row seats, massaging front seats, a panoramic view monitor, automated parking and Lexus Safety System+ 3. The last is an ADAS suite with lane departure assist, lane trace assist, pre-collision system (with AEB), blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and parking AEB.
Lexus LX 700h Indonesian spec sheet
The VIP is differentiated from the base option by its Ash Open Pore Sumi Black interior trim (vs Artwood Takanoha) and massaging function for the second-row seats. The four-seat layout catered to taukes, with two plush individual seats in the second row that are separated by a centre console that has a dedicated control panel for certain comfort settings. The rear-left seat across from the driver has a “boss mode” that puts the front passenger seat as far front forward as possible to maximise legroom and has a foot rest on its seatback.
Meanwhile, the more family-friendly base variant’s seven seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 layout with a split-folding bench for both the second and third row. It’s not as fancy and you do lose out on boot space because of the third-row seats, but you can bring more people with you.
The Lexus 700h is offered in five colours (Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Manganese Luster, Graphite Black Glass Flake and Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic), while the interior colours are Black or Sun Flare for the four-seater. The seven-seater’s options are Black, Crimson, White and Dark Sepia as well as Hazel.
GALLERY: Lexus LX 700h 4×4 A/T (seven-seater) at 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show
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 series-parallel 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 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.
The big daddy Lexus LX, unveiled globally for the first time in October 2021, has officially gone on sale in Australia. The fourth-generation J310 model is available in five flavours, and can be had either as a five-seater, seven-seater, or the ultra luxury four-seater version.
In terms of pricing, the LX starts from AUD$148,800 (RM466k) for the base seven-seat LX 500d, while the five-seater Sports Luxury and F Sport models range between AUD$165,800 (RM519k) to AUD$175,300 (RM549k). The top Ultra Luxury four-seater model is exclusively available for the petrol LX 600, which will set buyers back from AUD$210,800 (RM658k).
It’s a lot of money for a chunk of metal, but it’s far more sophisticated than the model it replaces. The GA-F platform is still a ladder frame architecture, but has been stiffened using a brand new welding technique. It also weighs 200 kg less thanks to the use of aluminium for the doors, body and roof.
For powertrains, the LX 500d (supposedly for Europe only) utilises the F33A-FTV 3.3 litre twin-turbo diesel mill that generates 309 PS and 700 Nm of torque, while the LX 600 uses the V35A-FTS 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6, making 415 PS and 650 Nm of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard across the range, as is an 80-litre fuel tank. The LX 600 features an additional 30-litre sub-tank.
Features include full LED headlights and taillights, up to 22-inch alloy wheels, performance dampers and rear Torsen LSD for F Sport models, four-zone climate control, 25-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, five USB-C ports, moonroof, finger-print authentication for the push-start button, key card entry, dual rear-seat entertainment with HDMI and headphone ports, as well as a rear Qi wireless smartphone charging tray.
Lexus Safety Sense+ is also standard across the board. Bundled systems include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane tracing, road-sign assist, adaptive high-beam system, and much more. It also has 10 airbags as standard, plus multi-terrain monitor and panoramic view monitor. The reverse camera even has its own washer!
A total of six exterior colours are available – Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Liquid Metal, Onyx, Graphite Black and Khaki Metal. F Sport models, on the other hand, get the exclusive White Nova hue instead of Sonic Quartz. Each LX comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty package. Nice, isn’t it?
Four months after the new Toyota Land Cruiser was revealed, Lexus has pulled the covers off that car’s higher-end sibling, the LX. The luxury off-roader has received its own comprehensive redesign, lifting plenty of innovations from its twin while pampering its occupants to an even greater degree.
Like the Land Cruiser, the LX is built on the ladder-frame variant of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), called GA-F. The utilitarian construction may have been retained, but it has been extensively overhauled, with new welding techniques – including the world’s first use of curved tailored welded blank technology – contributing to a 20% jump in rigidity.
This, together with the increased use of high-tensile steel in the body and aluminium in the doors, body and roof (the latter being a Lexus first), has resulted in a massive 200 kg weight saving over the previous model, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The engine has also been moved 70 mm rearward 28 mm downward for a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution.
Meanwhile, the body’s greater number of spot welds and optimised adhesive application has provided further strengthening, benefitting the LX’s handling responsiveness, ride comfort and off-road performance. To make sure the Lexus gets through even the harshest terrain unscathed, the frame has also received some strengthening, with taller side rails and repositioned cross members; thick steel and high-tensile steel plates have also been fitted to protect the body.
The basic suspension setup is the same – double wishbones at the front and a live rear axle with trailing arms and coil springs. It’s been retuned, however, with optimised geometry and spring constant at the front, revised arms at the back and a 15 mm increase in the rebound stroke length (20 mm at the rear). All this improves stability and comfort and allows the wheels to better maintain contact with the road or terrain.
The rear dampers have also been repositioned, now placed outside of the lower control arms and angled to match the axle’s travel. As they are able to follow the vertical movement of the wheels better, the damping effect has been increased, improving shock and vibration absorption. An electronic differential lock is fitted on both the front and rear axles.
Additionally, the LX benefits from the fitment of revised air/hydraulic Active Height Control (AHC) suspension, offering a greater range of ride height settings and a second spring rate switching device at the rear, instead of only at the front, making it quicker to change the height. Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) dampers are also fitted, now with a linear solenoid valve system for better damping force switching.
New to the LX is electric power steering that replaces the previous hydraulic system, providing speed-sensitive weighting and a more linear and faithful response. There’s also a brake-by-wire system that again makes for more linear braking characteristics, along with the ability to precisely brake any wheel to counteract any slippage or wheelspin in off-road driving.
Aside from the usual hill descent control, the LX also now comes with Crawl Control, essentially Toyota’s version of Land Rover’s All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC). This low-speed, off-road-biased cruise control system automatically operates the accelerator and brakes to minimise wheel slippage and brake lock, so the driver only has to focus on providing steering input.
Depending on the market, there will be up to two engine options available at launch, both carried over from the Land Cruiser. The LX 600 is powered by a V35A-FTS 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V6 that made its debut on the current LS 500, producing 415 PS and 650 Nm of torque.
An oil level sensor fitted to the LX detects a drop in level due to excessive body tilt, although the lubrication system can continue to supply oil up to an incline of up to 45 degrees up and down and side to side. The bearings and oil seals are also water- and dustproof in anticipation of river crossings and dusty environments.
The Europe-only LX 500d, meanwhile, utilises a 299 PS/700 Nm 3.3 litre twin-turbo diesel mill. No, you don’t get a hybrid option, although an LX 750h is rumoured and will likely be offered somewhere further down the line, using the electrified 3.3 litre petrol V6 from the latest Tundra pick-up. A ten-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard across the range.
The basic Land Cruiser structure is visible through the similarly boxy body, squared-off wheel arch flares and shared doors. As usual, the LX differentiates itself through a unique front fascia with the trademark Lexus spindle grille, now featuring a frameless look with seven “floating” slats. The design delivers increased engine cooling in concert with the larger corner air intakes, while the headlights feature six LED projectors and three-dimensional L-shaped daytime running lights.
At the rear, the LX has its own C-shaped D-pillar design, along with full-width L-shaped taillights and “Lexus” script that are both becoming the norm on the latest models. The body-coloured section of the rear bumper also rises upward, baring a blacked-out insert with twin L-shaped chrome corners. The car retains the 2,850 mm wheelbase of past models but the A-pillars have been pushed rearwards for a cab-backward look. The wheels measure up to 22 inches in diameter, the largest ever offered on a Lexus.
Inside, the LX is a step change from its predecessor. Like the new NX, it ditches the much-maligned Remote Touch interface in favour of a new touchscreen-based system utilising the freestanding 12.3-inch centre display. Sitting just underneath it is a second seven-inch touchscreen, allowing drivers to manipulate the climate control, ride height, drive modes and Multi-Terrain Select settings.
Speaking of which, Multi-Terrain Select has six modes to choose from – Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock and a new Auto setting – and is no longer limited to low range. The Multi-Terrain Monitor, meanwhile, uses the 360-degree camera system to give drivers a better view of the surrounding terrain, including a Land Rover-aping under-bonnet view and a world-first Back Underfloor View. The system can be used in conjunction with the off-road display on the lower screen, showing key information such as vehicle inclination.
Other new tech include a start button fingerprint scanner, a “Hey Lexus” voice control system, support for multiple user profiles and preferences, a choice of either a ten-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System or a Mark Levinson system with an astonishing 25 speakers (the most on any Lexus) and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A wireless connection is set to be offered in a future software update.
In terms of design, the LX uses a dual-level structure on the dashboard to make it look thinner, while the centre air vents are placed on either side of the lower touchscreen to make the cabin appear wider. The lower dashboard level also flows seamlessly into the door handles for a more cockpit-like look. The A-pillar grips have also been optimised in terms of thickness and angle to balance form with function.
The seat cushions, on the other hand, feature a new material with high stability and pressure dispersion to improve support and comfort while suppressing lateral hip sway and upper body tilt. The seating position has also been adjusted for a more natural placement of the hands on the steering wheel and the feet on the pedals – which, by the way, have been spaced further apart for more precise operation.
At the rear, the second-row pews offer greater bolstering, while the window sunshades get a black ceramic treatment to better block out the sun. The third-row seats also can be reclined electrically to prioritise either passenger comfort or luggage space; it works in conjunction with a new Multi-Seat Auto Arrange function that folds all the rear seats and pushes the front seats forwards to maximise cargo capacity.
The LX is fitted with the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assistance features, improved with an increased response range for autonomous emergency braking (with cyclist, pedestrian and cross-junction oncoming vehicle and pedestrian detection).
Also included is evasive steering assist, an improved lane centring assist, adaptive cruise control with curve speed control and traffic sign recognition. You can also opt for BladeScan headlights, which uses matrix LEDs and spinning mirrors to block off certain parts of the high beam without requiring a huge number of diodes (i.e. Mercedes’ 64-LED Multibeam lamps).
For the first time, Lexus is offering a new, ultra-luxurious four-seater Executive variant, taking the fight to posh versions of the Range Rover. The plush rear seats come with concave headrests, backrests and cushions to wrap around the body and provide maximum lateral support, as well as soft urethane padding that absorbs vibrations even when the LX is being driven off-road.
To maximise rear seat space, the front passenger seat can be pushed forward and tilted up to 48 degrees at the push of a button to provide up to 1,000 mm of legroom. Also fitted are a footrest, an ottoman, special reading lights, a unique audio system, a control touchscreen, a Qi wireless charging pad and a tiltable rear infotainment touchscreen. The cupholder cover also features a self-healing scratch-resistant finish to enable it to be used as a note table, while air vents have been placed in the ceiling to blow a gentle breeze.
Last but not least, the Japanese market will receive an exclusive Offroad variant, coming as standard with three locking differentials, flat 18-inch tyres and black exterior highlights.
After Lexus promised one more new model for 2021 after the second-generation NX, the premium brand released a video teasing a large SUV. All signs point to it being the new Lexus LX – today’s LX has origins from 2007, and the Toyota Land Cruiser – which the LX has always been based on – went into a new generation this month.
Now, rumours originating from Creative Trend in Japan have revealed possible powertrain details, purportedly from info obtained from a Lexus dealer. The next generation of Lexus’ flagship SUV will be based on the new Land Cruiser with the lighter GA-F platform, but with added luxury and Lexus design. There are even some changes under the hood and new model names.
At the top of the tree will be the so-called LX 750h, which will use the Land Cruiser 300 Series‘ 3.5L V6 engine. In the Toyota, the twin-turbo engine is good for 409 hp and 650 Nm of torque, but the flagship LX 750h will add on hybrid assistance (hence the ‘h’ in the name) for a combined 480 hp and 871 Nm of torque.
The report adds that there will be an LX 600 variant with the Land Cruiser’s 409 hp engine intact, without the additional battery and hybrid hardware. Both LX 750h and LX 600 will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission, just like the Land Cruiser. The 300 Series also has a 3.3L turbodiesel V6 engine (305 hp/700 Nm), but fittingly, there’s no mention of the oil burner for the Lexus.
The report also mentions a more luxurious interior than the Land Cruiser, along with the brand’s new infotainment system seen in the 2022 NX. The latest system sees Lexus ditch the Remote Touch Controller, the much-maligned mouse-like contraption, in favour of a big touchscreen. The screen maxes out at 14 inches in the NX, but rumour is that the LX will have one as large as 17 inches. It certain has the size to accommodate such a wide landscape screen.
Lastly, it is said that the next LX will have a fingerprint scanner for starting the engine. The internal info says that the LX is set for a September 2021 debut and will go on sale in December in some markets. The Land Cruiser is not destined for the US market, but the big Lexus is a thing there and Americans can opt for the equally off-road capable but more luxe LX.
New LX aside, Lexus is said to be developing a seven-seater crossover called LF. Unlike the LX, which is based on one of the most capable off-roaders in the world, the LF will have unibody construction and will focus on luxury and on-road comfort.
Back to some official news. Lexus has already stated that by 2025, it plans to introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 electrified models such as full EVs (BEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and regular hybrids (HEV), in line with the needs of each market and region. By 2025, Lexus also aims to offer electric variants of all its models, with the sales ratio of BEVs exceeding that of ICE vehicles.
While Lexus and Toyota were hybrid pioneers, they’ve been slow starters in the PHEV and BEV races, having bet on hydrogen fuel cell tech as “the future of driving”. Lexus is making up for lost time now. The brand launched its first BEV late last year with the UX 300e, and the new NX 450h+ is Lexus’ first PHEV. The next step comes in 2022, when the brand will reveal its first dedicated BEV model.
Dedicated BEV means that it will be a stand-alone electric car, and not a regular model repurposed to be an EV like the UX 300e. In March, Lexus revealed the LF-Z Electrified concept, and the showcar could very well be a preview of that dedicated BEV.
