It’s expensive. It’s big. And frankly, if you are buying it to save money on fuel, you have made a catastrophic financial error.
The new Lexus LX700e luxury 4WD SUV hybrid line-up consists of three variants, they’re all significantly more expensive than the standard petrol or diesel versions. You might be surprised by my findings in review – and not necessarily in good way.
Price and value proposition
Lexus has added three versions to its range. We are testing the LX700h Sports Luxury. That translates to well over $200,000 in your driveway. It is a huge $16,20,000 dearer than the equivalent Lexus LX600.
You might wonder about recouping that extra cost based on official fuel economy claims. You are going to be shocked.
The official consumption for the LX600 petrol is 11.9 L/100km. The hybrid claims 10.0 L/100km. Based on yearly mileage of 15 -000 km it will take 28 years to recover that extra outlay.
What?
But this isn’t about maths. Clearly, if buying a huge monster SUV from a luxury brand you are not necessarily concerned about costs.
Find your perfect new car. Even so it is reasonable to expect the 70,00h hybrid variants to hold value a little better.
There are alternatives. Consider the significantly cheaper Denza D8 from $91,000 or even a GWM Tank 300 PHEV from $79,999 D/A. Toyota also offers the same drivetrain the related LandCruiser 500 Series branded Performance Hybrid. The most plush Sahara ZX starts at $156 -000 plus on-road costs though you lose the third-row.
What is the LX like on inside?
The only clue that is electrified version is small badge otherwise it looks much same any other LX from outside. Inside there are notable differences.
Because of the hybrid battery packaging there are some compromises in cargo area. Lexus retained full-size spare wheel under vehicle though. The boot is where you notice changes. In seven seat guise the raised third-row arrangement eats into space means rear seats up quite high.
I reckon the five seat version makes a lot more sense if practicality priority. If insist on three rows spacious seating there are better options. Lexus persists with electrically folding third-row seats. Sounds luxurious. I’m still not convinced. Time a luxury. Motors take own sweet time compared manual release. With all seven seats place cargo capacity fairly limited.
There is a new 150W inverter in rear. Allows vehicle-to-load functionality. Useful camping trips or powering accessories grid. There are tie-down points bag hooks though hooks aren’t positioned well. Won’t stop loose shopping bags from sliding.
Up front LX remains every bit premium SUV expect. Layout familiar. Lower touchscreen for functions climate. Upper display handles media navigation. Physical controls for seat heating ventilation. Plenty storage spaces. USB ports cupholders wireless phone charger all off-road hardware. Height adjustable suspension centre differential lock included.
Also refrigerated cool box front seats. Digital instrumentation. Head up display. Surround-view camera system lets keep eye things useful viewing angles.
Front-seat comfort levels excellent. Electrically adjustable front seats. Memory settings heating cooling functions. Mark Levinson sound system one highlights. Love music.
Second-row occupants well catered for. Window sunshades. Rear entertainment screens. Quad-zone climate control. Heated ventilated outboard seats. Plenty USB outlets. Fold down armrest.
However because second-row bench doesn’t slide taller adults might find accommodation tight expected vehicle size. Limited space legs. Fitting three adults across squish. Pair ISOFIX points second row three top tethers. Cabin space not broad as’d think fitting multiple child seats back could be squeeze.
Access to third row electrically assisted flip fold second-row seat. Getting in isn’t difficult space best described adequate rather generous. Knee room acceptable. Taller occupants find headroom foot room limited.
Overhead air vents USB-C ports cupholders reclining seatbacks help comfort. I would argue ‘sometimes’ seats full-time options. Unless occupants age gap. Can back without child seats. Still small enough fit.
No ISOFIX anchor points top-tether mounts third row. Limits utility cabin.
Powertrain and driving dynamics
Unlike most Lexus hybrids LX700h doesn’t e-CVT setup. Sticks 3.5 litre twin-turbo petrol V6. Paired 36kW/2Nm electric motor sandwiched between engine 10-speed automatic.
I Lexus retain strength capability expected big body-frame four wheel drive. Max towing capacity. Proper low range capability. Combined outputs 341kW 790Nm. Permanent four-wheel drive transfer case completes package.
Fuel consumption? I saw similar figure when drove LX600 petrol. Real tangible improvements?
To see how Lexus LX lines up competition check out comparison tool
Drive feel
It doesn’t drive like Lexus hybrids. Low speeds electric motor propel LX near silence. No dedicated EV mode no visual indication running electrically. Transition petrol battery power feels abrupt.
V6 fires life quickly. Noticeable thrum. Lose some seamless refinement hallmark many hybrid SUVs. Lexus hybrid models generally.
Unlike other Lexus hybrids this thing more focused performance. Everything on tap absolutely hauls. Massive very heavy SUV LX700h seriously quick. Loads effortless overtaking performance. Drivetrain feels situation. 10-speed automatic smooth intelligent. Manual shift controls want take matters own hands.
Powertrain itself excellent. Just expect silky smoothness something RX hybrid won’t find here.
Beyond feels every bit an LX. Ride comfort superb. Hydraulic height-adjustable suspension lowers vehicle easier access. Raises rougher terrain. Fantastic job ironing road imperfections. Still notice odd lump bump never uncomfortable.
Sheer size LX remarkably easy drive. Steering light. Predictable easy place. Shrinks once behind wheel. Confident driver never intimidating. Tighter streets parking areas.
Regenerative braking help feed battery lost energy. Not assertive other hybrids. Brake pedal feel relatively predictable.
Safety systems generally pretty well judged. Driver monitoring camera intrusive. Speed sign recognition doesn’t constantly chime warnings. Relaxed vehicle live lane-keeping assistance occasionally overzealous. Compared rivals relatively easy get along.
Those planning tow hybrid setup offer benefits over regular petrol V6. Particularly fuel consumption under load. Biggest drawcards buyers considering 700h.
Officially LX700h claims 10.0L/00km combined.
Week mixed urban highway freeway driving wasn’t able get near figure. Expecting much 14.2 litres 100km. Without towing off-roading heavy loads viewing super-efficient giant four-wheel might temper expectations.
Standard equipment highlights
2026 Lexus LX Luxury equipment.
22 inch forged alloy wheels. Height adjustable hydraulic suspension. Soft close doors. 5 seats standard 7 optional. Tri beam LED headlights adaptive high beam. 12.3 inch touchscreen. DAB digital radio. Satellite navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay Android Auto. 7.0 lower screen. 12.3 digital instrument cluster. 6 x USB-C. Head-up display. “Hey Lexus” natural speech recognition. 25 speaker Mark Levinson system. Four zone climate. Centre console cool box. Leather upholstery. 10 way driver 8 way passenger power adjustment. Heated front seats. Ventilated front seats. Massaging front seats. Heated ventilated second-row. Heated steering wheel. ‘Takanoha’ wood veneer. Wireless phone charging. 360 degree camera. Multi terrain monitor. Trailer wiring harness towing hitch. Digital rear view mirror. Fingerprint push button start. Premium leather accents. Dual 11.6 rear screens. Sunroof. Hands free power tailgate. Connected Services stolen vehicle tracking collision notification SOS.
LX F Sport changes include:
5 seat layout. Darkened 22 inch alloys. Blacked mesh grille. Hadori aluminium. Aluminium pedals scuff plates. Perforated seats bolsters. Flare Red interior optional. Torsen rear LSD. Performance dampers. Adaptive Variable Suspension.
Safety and running costs
ANCAP Euro NCAP never assessed LX based Toyota LandCruiser 00 awarded five star rating 2022. Standard features include autonomous emergency braking. Pedestrian cyclist motorcyclist detection intersection assist. Parking support brake. Blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise. Lane departure keep assist. Traffic sign recognition. Emergency steering. Safe exit. Emergency driving stop.
10 airbags. Dual front driver passenger knee side curtain coverage.
To see how LX lines up competition check out our tool.
Lexus covers range with standard five year unlimited kilometre warranty. Servicing requirements big expensive. LX requires maintenance every 6 months 10000km. First 10 services $795. First five years 1000km set $7950.
Lexus offers five years free roadside assistance. Complimentary loan cars servicing concierge collect return car when due.
CarExpert take on LX700h Sports Luxury
LX700h delivers expectation from flagship Lexus SUV. Effortless twin-turbo performance. Exceptional comfort. Genuine long distance cruising ability.
Don’t expect hybrid system transform fuel-sipper. Not luxe-barge about that. Simply isn’t efficient as should be based experience. Asking pay hefty premium hybrid driveline.
Still good luxury SUV. Just doesn’t beyond that all things considered.
CarExpert can save thousands on new Lexus LX. Click get deal.
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