Lexus LX700h

Will orders resume soon?

The full details of the Lexus LX's first hybrid, the LX700h, which was announced in October last year, have now been revealed. The test drive was of the North American model. The addition of the "F Sport" and off-road model "Overtrail" to the lineup is also a topic not to be missed. — The Overtrail has a strong outdoor feel with blacked-out window frames and door handles.

The fourth-generation Lexus LX is the brand’s flagship SUV. The current model has proven so popular that orders were halted less than six months after its launch in 2022. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to parts procurement and distribution, the company is finally seeing progress on the backlog, and there is information that orders may be able to resume from this spring onward.

In line with this, the LX received its first minor change. Based on the knowledge gained from running on the Shimoyama test course, improvements were made to the chassis, including patch reinforcement on the upper edge of the radiator support, the addition of brackets to the instrument panel and increased plate thickness to improve the support rigidity of the steering unit, structural changes to the body-on-frame body mount to reduce low-frequency vibration, and changes to the valve structure and retuning of the electronically controlled variable dampers.

In terms of equipment, the shift knob has been made smaller to accommodate the adoption of an electric shifter, its shape has been optimized for ease of use off-road, seats with massage functions have been made available in the front seats as well, the meter panel has been converted to a full LCD screen, and wireless charging has been made compatible for fast charging.

The photo shows the interior in the new "Stone Brown" color. The seating arrangement is the same as before, with 2-2 for four, 2-3 for five, and 2-3-2 for seven. In addition to the rear seats, massage functions are now available for the front seats as well. — [1]

The biggest talking point about this minor change is the addition of a hybrid powertrain. The previous 600’s 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with sub-transmission remain, but a parallel system has been created in which a motor is placed between the engine and transmission and drive is controlled by a clutch. As can be inferred from the grade name “700h,” the drive motor’s role is to add power rather than to reduce fuel consumption, and in fact, the maximum output is 457 PS and maximum torque 790 Nm. These are 48 PS and 141 Nm more, respectively, than the 600.

The hybrid system is a parallel type with a motor generator sandwiched between a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The nickel-metal hydride battery is waterproof and has the same fording ability of 700mm as an internal combustion engine vehicle.

That being said, Toyota hybrids are always built with the THS, which takes advantage of the advantages of both series and parallel systems. The reason they went to the trouble of building a new system is because of the reliability and robustness that ladder frame vehicles offer. Taking into consideration the ability of four-wheel drive, which requires precise torque delivery and can handle heavy loads such as towing and transporting, the simple parallel system was deemed optimal.

Incidentally, this system is also used in the Chinese version of the new GX, which is about to be fully launched in Japan, and in the Tundra and Sequoia, Toyota’s North American models. Because the ability to return alive without breaking down is required, the fail-safe system is elaborate, with emergency cells and generators being installed so that in the unlikely event of a breakdown, the motor drive can be disconnected and the internal combustion engine can be used alone to evacuate.

The motor also contributes to improved off-road performance

All vehicles are equipped with a center differential lock as standard, but the Overtrail also has one at the front and rear, which can be locked as needed to improve escape performance on rough roads.

The test drive in Napa Valley in northern California focused on the Overtrail grade, a new addition exclusive to the 700h. Equipped with three differential locks, it’s tailored for the most off-road conditions. Being the rainy season, the weather wasn’t great, and the rough road course was muddy and slushy, creating a challenging environment. However, the 700h effortlessly navigated the rocky, log-ridden, moguls, and other slippery sections. On-road, the motor, which provides a powerful torque boost when accelerating from low to mid-speed ranges, not only offers precise control of driving force in low-mu situations, but also effectively suppresses torque fluctuations caused by engine operation, resulting in a natural response to throttle work on rough roads.

This is the sporty F Sport, which comes equipped with a number of driving-conscious features, including a special front grille, 22-inch wheels and tires, a rear Torsen limited-slip differential, and red leather seats.

In terms of evolution, the improvement in on-road riding quality cannot be overlooked. The clean ride feel is likely the result of strengthening the frame and revising the damper settings, as well as the reduction of small lateral vibrations due to changes to the body mount characteristics. The new LX, which offers a ride quality that stands out from the rest for a ladder-frame four-wheel drive, should be able to fully appreciate its maturity even on Japanese roads.

REPORT / Toshifumi WATANABE

PHOTO / Lexus International

MAGAZINE / GENROQ April 2025 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

Lexus LX700h Overtrail

Body size: Length 5094mm, Width 1990mm, Height 1885mm,

Wheelbase: 2850mm,

Vehicle weight: 2780kg

, Engine: V6 DOHC twin turbo,

Total displacement: 3445cc,

Maximum output: 336kW (457PS) / 5200rpm,

Maximum torque: 790Nm (80.6kgm) / 2400rpm,

Transmission: 10-speed automatic,

Drive system: AWD,

Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link,

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs,

Tire size: Front and rear 265/70R18,

Top speed: 209km/h,

Acceleration from 0 to 96km/h: 6.4 seconds,

Vehicle price: —