Lexus unveils LX 700h hybrid with 2025 upgrades

11 October 2024 - 09:25
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The Lexus LX 700h in off-road Overtail Edition guise and painted in the Moon Desert hue.
The Lexus LX 700h in off-road Overtail Edition guise and painted in the Moon Desert hue.
Image: Supplied

Japanese luxury marque and Toyota subsidiary Lexus has announced enhancements to the LX SUV, introducing a new LX 700h concept featuring the first-time fitment of the brand’s hybrid drive system in the model since its launch in 1989.

The LX flagship is based on the Toyota LC300 but tweaked with more premium touches by Lexus “Takumis” — the brand’s master craftspeople.

The company says it developed the new hybrid system and upgraded to the GA-F platform to accommodate the added weight and extended length of the power train resulting from the addition of the motor generator. Newer and more durable rear engine mounts have been added to support the increased power train weight while the 12V auxiliary battery has been moved from the engine compartment to the side of the rear deck. 

The hybrid system comprises a motor generator paired to the 3.5l V6 twin-turbo engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Lexus doesn’t share power outputs yet, but the company says this configuration maintains the full-time 4WD system with a low-range transfer case, ensuring the effective transmission of torque from the engine and motor to the road.

The cabin can be upholstered in single or dual-tone leather.
The cabin can be upholstered in single or dual-tone leather.
Image: Supplied

The hybrid control system manages the transition between engine and motor generator-only modes and it’s the first Lexus system to feature an alternator and a starter as standard components, a departure from previous Lexus hybrid systems.

The new hybrid system also debuts the first-time capability of silent, electric only driving under off-road conditions. Precise throttle control is promised in scenarios such as driving on rocky and dirt paths and deep snow.

The LX 700h also features a waterproof structure that encases the hybrid main battery in the rear floor in a waterproof tray divided into upper and lower sections. The design prevents water ingress during deep water crossings for the model with a fording capability of 700mm, comparable to that of conventional engine LX models. In the unlikely event of a water breach, a sensor positioned inside detects the seepage and alerts the driver through a meter display.

In the event of a hybrid system failure, the starter enables independent engine ignition, while the alternator powers the 12V auxiliary battery, allowing the vehicle to continue driving using only the engine. Features such as the transfer case’s low-range, ride height control and active traction control remain fully operational in emergency driving mode function.

A new digital screen incorporating hybrid and off-road drive graphics is part of 2025 upgrades, including faster wireless charging pads.
A new digital screen incorporating hybrid and off-road drive graphics is part of 2025 upgrades, including faster wireless charging pads.
Image: Supplied

Range Enhancements & LX Overtail 

The latest LX models were launched in South Africa in 2023, available in five and seven-seater guise, in LX500, LX600 and LX600 VIP derivatives. Lexus says it has further refined the large SUV for 2025 and beyond and introduces the new Overtail series.

Enhancements include better body rigidity for a more linear steering feel, smoother dampening force control, a new 12.3" full LCD meter to accommodate hybrid and terrain mode graphics, better seats with massage function and faster wireless charging front and back.

The newly introduced Overtail edition features exclusive looks, paint choice and equipment dedicated to outdoor lifestyles. These include a black gloss spindle grille and matt grey aluminium wheels, black fog lamps, roof rails, window mouldings, wheel arch mouldings, door handles, outer mirrors and rear bumper side garnish.

A schematic of the new hybrid system adopted in the Lexus LX 700h.
A schematic of the new hybrid system adopted in the Lexus LX 700h.
Image: Supplied

Moon Desert is a paint option exclusive to the Overtail model. It features a solid-like hue enhanced by metallic shading for a three-dimensional quality and is part of a line-up of six colours available to the model.

Inside, the Overtail gets a monolith colour theme complemented by ash burl black ornamentation. Exclusive off-road equipment includes front and rear differential locks, 265/70R18 all-terrain rubber, another first for the LX series. Lexus says the tyre offerings will vary by region. 

Lexus SA confirmed the enhanced LX and Overtail specification will be marketed locally. Projected release is the first quarter of 2025.


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