LEXUS LX700h “EXECUTIVE”

Introducing the long-awaited electric model of the “LX”

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 a popular model sold in over 50 countries around the world, but it is the only one in the Lexus lineup that does not have an electric model.

This time, Lexus has introduced the LX700h, the first electrified model in the series, in conjunction with some improvements. The company has developed a new parallel hybrid system with the goal of maintaining the reliability, durability, and off-road performance that previous LX models have cultivated, even in an electrified version. The LX700h, equipped with a parallel hybrid system, boasts not only the driving experience typical of Lexus, making the most of the motor’s torque, but also a significant reduction in CO2 emissions in terms of environmental performance.

Improvements to basic performance, including the LX600 engine-equipped model, have raised the level of the Lexus Driving Signature, a driving experience unique to Lexus. The car has been refined to provide an interactive driving experience that responds without delay to driver inputs. Safety equipment has also been updated to the latest Lexus Safety system+ (LSS+) for a safer and more secure drive. In addition, a new grade, OVERTRAL+, has also been introduced to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers.

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

“The LX underwent a full model change in 2021, embodying the concept of ‘Easy and high-quality driving on any road in the world,’ and 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 faced the dilemma of being the only model in the lineup that did not include an electric vehicle.”

“The electrification of the LX, which is used in harsh environments all over the world, was both a seemingly impossible hurdle and a long-cherished wish. In the development process, the first thing we established was a strong will and determination to never sacrifice the reliability, durability, and off-road performance that all LX generations have maintained, even in an electric model. The development team came together and arrived at the answer: a newly developed parallel hybrid system and improvements to the GA-F platform.”

Hybrid system designed for rough roads

To support the LX’s reliability, durability, and off-road capability, and to maintain its full-time 4WD, low-range transfer case, and automatic transmission with torque converter even in the electrified version, a parallel hybrid system has been adopted, with a motor generator (MG) positioned between the 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. The high output and torque from the engine and motor are reliably transmitted to the road, while the hybrid control system optimally controls switching between engine-only and motor-only driving depending on the situation.

The vehicle is also equipped with an alternator and starter, so that in the unlikely event that the hybrid system stops, the engine can be started using the starter. By supplying electricity generated by the alternator to the 12V battery, it is possible to drive the vehicle on engine power alone, a first for Lexus.

The hybrid main battery, mounted on the rear floor, is waterproofed by being packed in a waterproof tray divided into upper and lower halves. By preventing water from entering when driving on deep waterways, the vehicle has the same fording ability of 700mm as an internal combustion engine vehicle. In the unlikely event that water gets into the waterproof tray, a water damage sensor inside the tray detects it and alerts the driver via the meter display.

The AC inverter (with a waterproof structure) located under the center console can supply power up to 1500W or 2400W. Convenience is enhanced by the provision of outlets at the rear of the center console and on the rear deck, making it suitable for a variety of activities and as an emergency power source in the event of a disaster.

The GA-F platform has been improved to accommodate the electrification. The addition of a motor generator has increased weight and the overall length of the powertrain has been increased, so a dedicated cross member has been newly installed. The cross section and thickness have been optimized to create a slim shape, ensuring the same ground clearance as the engine model. Furthermore, to accommodate the increased weight of the powertrain, the material of the rear engine mount has been changed to one with higher durability.

The spare tire’s mounting position has been changed to accommodate the installation of the hybrid main battery on the rear floor. In response to this, a new spare tire cross has been installed and the mounting angle has been optimized to lower the mounting position while maintaining the departure angle, achieving both off-road performance and ease of service. In addition, the mounting position of the 12V auxiliary battery has been changed from inside the engine compartment to the side of the rear deck. A dedicated metal tray and removable battery brace have been installed to make battery replacement easier and improve body rigidity around the rear quarters.

Adopts a large 12.3-inch full LCD meter

The cockpit features a large 12.3-inch full LCD meter that clearly displays driving assistance information, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving. In addition to the LX’s traditional auxiliary battery voltage and engine oil pressure gauges, the screen can also be customized to display a boost meter and the hybrid battery charge status. In addition, the vehicle animation display when switching modes in “Drive Mode Select” and “Multi-Terrain Select” has also been completely redesigned.

The LX700h is the first Lexus off-road 4WD to feature the Electro Shiftmatic. A new LX-specific shift knob has been introduced, offering both a comfortable feel and high operability, with the aim of making it easier to operate and grip when driving on rough roads. The Advanced Park switch has also been moved to a more visible position on top of the center console.

To reduce fatigue for front passengers, a new air bladder-type refresh seat (massage seat) has been introduced. The switch in the center display allows the function to be turned on/off, and five massage modes (two for the whole body and three for specific body parts) can be selected, and the intensity can be set to five levels.

New exclusive interior and exterior “OVERTRAIL+”

Following on from the RX and NX, the OVERTRAIL+ is available with exclusive interior and exterior finishes. The exterior features a gloss black spindle grille, matte gray aluminum wheels, and various components (fog lamps, roof rails, window moldings, wheel arch moldings, door handles, outer mirrors, and rear bumper side chrome moldings) coordinated in black and dark colors.

The exterior color lineup includes six colors, including the exclusive “Moon Desert” (pictured), which has a solid color look but accentuates the three-dimensional effect with metallic shadows. The interior color “Monolith” is also available exclusively for the “OVERTRAIL+”. Monolith combines a low-saturation monolith for the main part of the seat upholstery and door trim, and coordinates with ash pearl black ornament trim.

Vehicle price (tax included)

Lexus LX700h “EXECUTIVE”: 21 million yen

Lexus LX700h “OVERTRAIL+”: 15.9 million yen

Lexus LX700h: 15.9 million yen

Lexus LX600 “EXECUTIVE”: 20 million yen

Lexus LX600 “OVERTRAIL+”: 14.9 million yen

Lexus LX600: 14.5 million yen

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[Related Links]
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Related reading

Introducing the newly developed parallel hybrid model “LX700h” with “improved interior, exterior and equipment” [Video]

Lexus has made some improvements to its flagship SUV, the LX, and added the LX700h, the first in the series to feature a hybrid system. The new LX is scheduled to be released in various regions from the end of 2024. The timing of its introduction to the Japanese market and pricing will be announced in the future.