Lexus has dropped the 3.5 V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine from their LX SUV line-up and in line with their carbon-neutral policy, introduced the LX 700h fitted with a new hybrid system.
Also new to the range is the Overtrail.
It’s aimed at the outdoor and adventure market with unique equipment, design and colour options.
Fear not though, with South Africa’s propensity towards diesel, the diesel drivetrain with 225kW and 700Nm is still available.
The range now consists of the LX 500d Urban F-sport (five seater), the LX 500d Overtrail (five seater), the 700h F Sport (five seater), the 700h Overtrail (seven seater) and the 700h VIP (four seater).
Pricing ranges from R2 557 500 for the Diesel F Sport and R3 092 100 for the top-spec 700h VIP.
New hybrid system
As the world moves ever closer to new energy vehicles, it’s interesting to note how Lexus customers have adopted the change from 15% in 2019 to 55% currently.
The new hybrid system features a parallel hybrid configuration, integrating a motor generator with a clutch positioned between the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
It delivers peak system power of 341kW, with the engine alone providing 650Nm and total system torque of 790Nm, and it is said to improve consumption by 1.3l/100km over the outgoing model.
The hybrid control system manages the transition between engine-only and electric motor-only modes, based on driving demands.
It is the first Lexus system to incorporate both an alternator and a starter as standard components.
In case of hybrid system failure, the starter enables independent engine ignition with the alternator powering the 12V auxiliary battery, allowing the car to continue driving on engine power alone.
Should the system fail, off-road features such as the transfer case’s Lo-range, ride height adjustment via active height control, and active traction control continue to function.
To handle the additional weight and length from the motor generator, the LX 700h’s GA-F platform has been upgraded with a specially designed cross member to ensure optimal ground clearance and enhanced durability to support the increased weight.
Meanwhile, a new spare tyre cross member and the relocation of the 12V auxiliary battery helps balance off-road capability.
It also has a fording capability of 700mm but should things get a bit out of hand, the hybrid main battery is in a sealed tray.
Overtrail
But back to the Overtrail which gets a black gloss spindle grille, matte grey 18-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres, an enhanced interior with a ‘monolith’ colour scheme, including ash burl black ornamentation, front and rear differential locks and exclusive to the range, ‘Moon Desert’ paintwork.
It’s also the only one to feature seven seats.
The interior has been upgraded and now features a 12.3-inch fully customisable digital instrument cluster, front air bladder-based refresh seats in VIP models (the F-Sport and Overtail have standard massage seats) and the wireless charging pad has been upgraded for faster charging with the VIP gaining a rear charging pad.
Safety-wise, Lexus Safety Sense +3 replaces the +2.5 version and includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, pro-active driving assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beams.
The Lexus LX comes with a seven-year/100 000km warranty and maintenance plan. The 700h models come with an additional eight-year/195 000km hybrid battery warranty.
Pricing (March 2025)
500 Diesel F Sport – R2 557 500
500 Diesel Overtrail – R2 577 400
700h F Sport – R2 666 500
700h Overtrail – R2 703 600
700h VIP – R3 092 100
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