On October 10, 2024, Lexus officially launched the LX 700h. This model features a hybrid power system. It enhances the brand’s lineup of electrified vehicles. Lexus continues its efforts toward carbon neutrality.
The LX serves as the flagship SUV for LEXUS. It combines excellent driving performance on all terrains with LEXUS’s signature comfort and luxury. It has sold well in over 50 countries and regions, gaining customer favor. Now, the LX 700h debuts as the first hybrid model in the LX series. It features a new parallel hybrid system. This system maintains the brand’s renowned reliability, durability, and off-road capabilities. It cleverly utilizes the electric motor’s responsive torque to enhance the driving experience. This innovation also reduces CO2 emissions, boosting environmental benefits. The unique LEXUS driving signature aims for a smooth, powerful, and safe driving experience. The new LX offers a more agile driving feel, responding accurately to the driver’s intentions. It seeks to connect the driver and vehicle seamlessly. The vehicle includes the latest active safety technologies and advanced convenience features, embodying the brand’s human-centered philosophy. The LEXUS Safety System LSS+ 3.0 provides a range of advanced safety technologies, ensuring efficient collaboration with the driver. The new LX also introduces the “OVERTRAIL” edition, promoting an outdoor lifestyle to meet diverse user needs. Chief Engineer Takumi Yokoi states that under the vision of “LEXUS Electrification,” they continuously evolve their electrified product lineup. Creating an electrified model for the LX that can perform in harsh global conditions has long been their goal. During development, they pursued the LX’s renowned reliability, durability, and off-road performance. Their aim was to ensure safe and reliable vehicle handling while preserving LEXUS’s authentic driving feel. Through the collaborative efforts of the development team, they created a new parallel hybrid system and upgraded the GA-F platform. All-new parallel hybrid system maintains exceptional reliability, durability, and off-road performance. 1. All-new parallel hybrid system To ensure the LX series retains its outstanding reliability, durability, and off-road capabilities, LEXUS adopts a parallel hybrid system. This system combines an electric motor with a clutch, positioned between a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It retains full-time four-wheel drive, a low-range transfer case, and an automatic transmission with a torque converter. This setup ensures powerful and efficient output from the engine and motor. The hybrid control system intelligently manages the mode switching between the engine and motor, optimizing vehicle performance based on driving conditions. This marks LEXUS’s first standard inclusion of both an alternator and a starter. Unlike previous parallel hybrid models, if the hybrid system fails, the starter can independently ignite the engine. The alternator supplies power to the 12V auxiliary battery, allowing the vehicle to continue driving solely on the engine. Even in this emergency driving mode, core functions such as low-range transfer case, active height control system (AHC), and active traction control system (A-TRAC) remain operational, ensuring consistent off-road performance. 2. Excellent wading capability The vehicle features a waterproof structure. The main hybrid battery sits in a waterproof tray, layered above and below, effectively preventing water ingress during wading. The wading depth reaches 700 millimeters. If water intrusion occurs, built-in water damage sensors detect it and alert the driver through the instrument panel. 3. Superior performance enhanced by motor torque characteristics The motor’s responsive torque enhances the performance of the large-displacement twin-turbo engine. At low speeds, the driver achieves linear acceleration and agile starts with a light press of the accelerator. At high speeds or full throttle, the vehicle delivers rapid acceleration through strong torque output, accurately responding to the driver’s intentions. To tackle off-road conditions, LEXUS applies electric motor power to the transfer case’s low gear for the first time. This enhances performance beyond the high gear range. The all-terrain control system allows for electric-only driving on rocks, mud, and snow, providing precise throttle control and exceptional off-road capability. The vehicle features an external power supply. It includes a waterproof AC inverter located beneath the center console. Depending on the region, it offers various power outputs. For user convenience, power outlets are available behind the center console and in the trunk. These outlets support various outdoor activities and can serve as emergency power during disasters. The GA-F platform upgrades accommodate the extra weight of the electric motor and the longer layout of the powertrain. A new crossbeam optimizes the cross-section and sheet thickness. This achieves a low vehicle stance while maintaining ground clearance comparable to gasoline models. The rear engine mount now uses more robust materials to support the increased weight of the power system. To facilitate the installation of the hybrid system’s main battery in the rear floor, the spare tire carrier has been redesigned. This optimizes the spare tire’s position and angle, lowering the installation height while maintaining departure angles. It balances off-road performance with easy maintenance. Additionally, the 12V auxiliary battery moves from the engine compartment to the side of the trunk. It now includes a dedicated metal tray and a removable battery bracket. This enhances battery replacement convenience and increases body rigidity in the rear area. LEXUS continuously refines the driving experience. The new LX development incorporates past experiences and conducts multi-terrain testing at the Shimoyama Technical Center. This ensures drivers enjoy thrilling performance on both highways and off-road conditions. The new LX features an upgraded radiator bracket, enhancing rigidity and improving linear response. 1. Reinforced components help maintain wheel tracking. They enhance the vehicle’s immediate response to driver steering. This creates an excellent steering feel, allowing the car to move as desired. The dashboard adds supports to increase steering rigidity and optimizes support thickness. This effectively improves handling stability. 2. The adaptive variable suspension system (AVS) evolves again. Engineers redesign the valve structure of the AVS actuator. It smoothly controls damping force during quick compression on bumpy roads. This ensures a smoother ride. Additionally, engineers improve damping force control during low-speed braking in the transfer case. This enhances vehicle stability and boosts driver confidence on rough terrain. 3. The 12.3-inch LCD display shows essential driving assistance information. It enhances driver focus. In addition to standard info like battery voltage and engine oil pressure, drivers can customize the display. They can add a boost gauge or hybrid battery charging status. The driving mode system and multi-terrain select (MTS) mode switch animation also receive updates. 4. The electronic shift system debuts in the LEXUS off-road models. Under the guidance of off-road experts, it improves vehicle grip and ease of operation on rugged surfaces. The exclusive gear lever offers a pleasing touch and excellent practicality. The Advanced Park intelligent parking system works in tandem with the electronic shift system. Its switch is prominently located above the center console. 5. The front-row comfort seats help reduce driver and passenger fatigue. Users can control the seats via the central display. There are five massage modes, and users can adjust the intensity across five levels. This provides a tailored, personalized experience. The OVERTRAIL edition opens up rich outdoor experiences. LEXUS commits to contributing to a carbon-neutral society. It actively promotes the harmonious coexistence of people, nature, and mobility. To meet diverse customer needs, LEXUS promotes the “OVERTRAIL PROJECT.” The new LX offers an exclusive “OVERTRAIL” edition with special colors and configurations. It provides a rich luxury outdoor lifestyle experience.
1. Exclusive Color Scheme The “Moon Shadow Sand” exterior color features a black-themed package. It includes a glossy black front grille, smoked door handles, exterior mirrors, side window trim, and roof rack. The matte gray aluminum wheels showcase the LX OVERTRAIL’s off-road spirit. Inside, the “Wilderness Khaki Two-Tone” combines low-saturation khaki green and black. Black ash wood trim adds a touch of elegance. 2. Exclusive Equipment Front and rear differential locks: In addition to the standard central differential lock, the “OVERTRAIL” model includes front and rear locks. This feature enhances off-road performance. Drivers can engage the locks when needed to improve vehicle recovery. 265/70R18 all-terrain tires: This is the first use in the LX series. These tires, developed for Lexus’s body-on-frame models, balance performance on-road and off-road. The tread design boosts mud recovery capability. The rugged style and innovative shoulder design optimize airflow, improving fuel efficiency. Advanced Safety Technology 1. LEXUS Intelligent Safety System LSS+ 3.0 To achieve zero traffic casualties, LEXUS continually improves integrated safety measures for vehicles, people, and traffic environments. The brand focuses on practical safety innovations. The new LX features the latest LEXUS Intelligent Safety System LSS+ 3.0. This system provides intelligent operational assistance based on diverse scenarios. It optimizes control according to driver conditions and works with the driver monitoring system to ensure safety on the road. 1. Predictive Active Driving Assistance System (PDA) The system predicts traffic risks based on driving conditions. It identifies situations like “pedestrians crossing” or “vehicles potentially losing control.” It responds to the dynamics of the vehicle in front or upcoming curves. It assists drivers in slowing down to ensure safety. At traffic signal-controlled intersections, it helps with deceleration during turns. It provides continuous steering assistance while driving in lanes. This system offers comprehensive support for various driving scenarios, enhancing safety and reliability. 2. Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) The system detects when drivers lose focus while driving. It issues timely warnings to help avoid collisions or reduce impact injuries. 3. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC) With the driver monitoring alert feature activated, the system alerts the driver when necessary. It provides operational assistance to ensure safety during regular driving. Once the driver regains normal driving status, they can take over smoothly. 4. Lane Departure Warning System (LDA) The system warns drivers when it detects a loss of focus while driving. It activates lane departure prevention features. 5. Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) When the Intelligent Lane Tracking System (LTA) is active, it assesses the driver’s ability to maintain control. If the driver shows signs of physical distress, the system activates hazard lights to alert other road users. It gradually reduces speed until the vehicle stops. After stopping, it unlocks the doors, connects to emergency services, and sends a distress signal to provide timely assistance. 7. LEXUS Teammate Driving Assistance System The new LX features the LEXUS Teammate Driving Assistance System. It includes the Advanced Park smart parking system. This system supports traditional reverse parking, forward parking, and remote parking. Users with a smart key can easily operate it from outside the car using a mobile app.