SYDNEY: Lexus Australia is set to launch the LX 700h performance hybrid powertrain in the first half of 2026.
This means the flagship LX luxury off-road SUV range in Australia will have three distinct powertrain offerings, alongside the LX 600 and LX 500d twin-turbocharged petrol and diesel variants.
Lexus customers will be able to select the LX 700h powertrain on either the dynamically focused F Sport or the opulent Sports Luxury grades, the latter available in both five- and seven-seat configuration.
The LX 700h represents the most powerful hybrid offered by Lexus to date, which teams the same 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine from the LX 600 with a front module comprising an integrated electric motor generator and clutch placed between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
The LX 700h features a one-motor parallel hybrid arrangement similar to the RX 500h F Sport Performance, designed primarily to offer increased output via the electric motor during firm acceleration, while also providing EV-only propulsion at low speeds to aid fuel economy.
Using the instant torque made available by the electric motor, the LX 700h offers superior linear acceleration.
Alternatively, when the LX’s sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select off-road traction control system is set to Rock, Dirt or Deep Snow mode, the hybrid system provides smooth and precise throttle control and low-speed torque.
The LX parallel hybrid system also comprises a PCU, DC/DC converter, hybrid water pump, AC inverter and nickel-metal hydride battery, in addition to the existing 12V auxiliary battery, starter and alternator which allow the LX 700h to continue operating even if any of the hybrid system components fail.
Both the hybrid battery and AC inverter are reinforced with additional waterproofing measures.
The AC inverter also brings a 1500W auxiliary power supply to LX 700h variants.
The 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 in the LX 700h produces 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque, while the permanent magnet synchronous motor contributes 36kW/250Nm.
Its combined 341kW output is the greatest of any Lexus hybrid vehicle to date, while 790Nm of makes the LX 700h the most torque-rich Lexus ever.
The LX 700h achieves a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 10.0 litres per 100km — a 16 per cent improvement over the LX 600.
The LX 700h F Sport and Sports Luxury models offer similar specification as the equivalent LX 600, adding a shift-by-wire shift lever, 1500W inverter and further active safety features including vehicle approach notice and intelligent park assist.
Sports Luxury seven-seat grades provide 833 litres of storage with the third-row seats folded and features a flexible deck board which can be laid down to provide a flat cargo floor, or folded up to maximise storage volume.
The four-seat LX 600 Ultra Luxury will also be discontinued in Australia.
