LEXUS LX700h

Introducing the long-awaited hybrid model

The Lexus LX is a flagship SUV that combines the driving performance to withstand any road in the world with the high-quality ride that is characteristic of Lexus, based on the concept of “ease and quality on any road in the world.” It is currently sold in over 50 countries around the world, including Japan, but it is the only Lexus that does not have an electric model in its lineup.

With the introduction of the LX700h, a dedicated parallel hybrid system was newly developed, with the primary goal of maintaining the reliability, durability, and off-road capability that the LX has cultivated for generations, even in electrification. In addition to providing the driving experience that is characteristic of Lexus, making the most of motor torque, the system also significantly reduces annual CO2 emissions during vehicle use for all global vehicles.

This partial improvement includes improvements to the basic features, including models equipped with an internal combustion engine, and an upgrade to the Lexus-like driving experience, “Lexus Driving Signature.” The “interactive driving” that responds without delay to the driver’s operations has been refined. Furthermore, the safety equipment has been updated to the latest “Lexus Safety System + (LSS+)” for even greater safety and security.

Takami Yokoo, chief engineer at Lexus International, gave the following explanation about the recent improvements:

“The LX, which underwent a full model change in 2021, has been so well received by customers around the world that we cannot keep up with supply. However, as Lexus aims to realize a carbon-neutral society, we were faced with the dilemma of not having an electrified vehicle option. For Lexus, and for me, who has been involved with the LX for a long time, electrifying the LX, which is used in harsh environments all over the world, was both a seemingly impossible hurdle and a long-cherished dream.”

“The first thing we decided upon in development was our strong will and determination to never sacrifice the reliability, durability, and off-road performance that all previous LX models have maintained, even in an electric vehicle. How can we ensure that LXs can be used safely? How can we ensure that they return alive? How can we achieve the driving performance that is characteristic of Lexus? The development team came together and arrived at the answer: a newly developed parallel hybrid system and improvements to the GA-F platform.”

“Now, nearly three years after its launch, we have further pursued the Lexus Driving Signature and enhanced safety and comfort features in the gasoline and diesel models. We have generously applied the knowledge gained through our activities to refine the driving experience, further enhancing the interactive driving experience, and have made improvements that make the drive even more enjoyable than ever before, such as updating the LSS+ with an updated electronic platform. We have also introduced a new OVERTRAIL package, creating a lineup that caters to a variety of lifestyles.”

Newly developed parallel hybrid system

The newly developed “Parallel Hybrid System” introduced in the LX700h places a motor generator (MG) with a clutch between the 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain’s “Full-time 4WD,” “Lower transfer range,” and “Torque converter automatic transmission” have been maintained even in the electrified version. This system reliably transmits the high output and torque of the engine and motor to the road, and the hybrid control system optimally controls the engine/motor switching depending on the situation.

The car comes standard with an alternator and starter, which are not available on conventional parallel hybrid vehicles. In the unlikely event that the hybrid system stops, the starter will start the engine, and the alternator will generate electricity and supply it to the 12V auxiliary battery, making it possible to drive the car on engine power alone. This is a first for Lexus.

The hybrid main battery, mounted on the rear floor, is packed in a waterproof tray divided into upper and lower sections, employing a special waterproof structure. By preventing water from entering deep waterways, the vehicle has the same fording ability of 700mm as an internal combustion engine vehicle. In the unlikely event that water does enter the waterproof tray, a water damage sensor located inside the tray will detect it, and the driver will be alerted by the meter display.

The combination of a highly responsive motor and a large-displacement twin-turbo engine enables responsive, linear starts and acceleration even at low throttle openings at low speeds.When stepping on the accelerator or at high speeds, the large torque makes possible powerful, sustained acceleration.

For off-road driving, the Lexus is the first to use motor drive in the “Lo” range, rather than just the “Hi” range of the transfer case. Combined with the various modes of the Multi-Terrain Select, it is now possible to drive on motor power alone in some areas, such as on rocky terrain, dirt roads, and deep snow, where delicate throttle operation is required.

The AC inverter (with a waterproof structure) located under the center console can supply up to 1500W or 2400W (varies by region). Convenience has been greatly improved by locating outlets at the rear of the center console and on the deck. The power supply function can be used for various activities or as an emergency power source in the event of a disaster.

Image of a “professional tool”

Following some improvements, the exterior now features a special gloss black painted spindle grille and matte gray painted aluminum wheels. The fog lamps, roof rails, window moldings, wheel arch moldings, door handles, outer mirrors, and rear bumper side chrome moldings are coordinated in black and dark tones, expressing the car as a “professional tool” that can withstand harsh environments.

There are six body colors in the lineup. The “Moon Desert” color, which has a solid color with metallic shading that accentuates the three-dimensional effect, is available exclusively for the “OVERTRAIL.”

The addition of the motor generator has increased the weight of the powertrain, and to accommodate the increased overall length, a dedicated cross member (Cross Member No. 3) has been newly installed. By optimizing the cross section and thickness and creating a thin shape, the same ground clearance as the internal combustion engine model has been ensured. In addition, to accommodate the increased weight of the powertrain, the material of the rear engine mount has been changed to one with higher durability.

To accommodate the installation of the hybrid main battery on the rear floor, the spare tire mounting position has been changed and a new spare tire cross has been installed. By optimizing the mounting angle, the mounting position has been lowered while maintaining the departure angle, achieving both off-road performance and serviceability. In addition, the mounting position of the 12V auxiliary battery has been changed from the engine compartment to the side of the rear deck.

Introduced a large 12.3-inch full LCD meter

A large 12.3-inch full LCD meter has been installed in the cockpit, displaying driving assistance information in an easy-to-understand manner, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving. In addition to the LX’s traditional auxiliary battery voltage and engine oil pressure gauge, the screen can also be customized to display a boost meter and hybrid battery charge status. In addition, the animation displays when switching between Drive Mode Select and Multi-Terrain Select modes have also been completely redesigned.

This is the first Lexus off-road 4WD model to adopt the Electro Shiftmatic. A shift knob exclusive to the LX, which combines a comfortable feel with high operability, has also been introduced at the same time. In conjunction with the adoption of the Electro Shiftmatic, the Advanced Park switch has also been placed in an easily visible position on top of the center console.

The interior color is “OVERTRAIL Monolith.” The main part of the seat upholstery and the door trim are a low-saturation monolith, coordinated with the Ash Burl Ink Black ornament trim. This creates a high-quality off-road scene that is characteristic of Lexus.

Additionally, “Refresh Seats” with an air bladder massage function have been adopted to reduce fatigue for front passengers. The function can be turned on and off and five massage modes can be selected from two for the whole body and three for specific body parts using a switch in the center display. There are also five levels of massage intensity to choose from.

SPECIFICATIONS

Lexus LX700h

Overall length: 5100mm

Overall width: 1990mm

Overall height: 1895-1885mm

Wheelbase: 2,850mm

Vehicle weight: 2780kg

Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 twin turbo + hybrid

Drive system: Full-time 4WD

Check out the Lexus LX700h in the video!

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