London, October 10, 2024, (Oilandgaspress) –––Lexus brings new enhancements to the LX and introduces the LX 700h, featuring the brand’s newly developed hybrid system, which was announced on October 10th. A phased rollout across various regions is scheduled to begin in late 2024.
Since its founding in 1989, Lexus has consistently upheld a spirit of innovation, continually striving to provide customers with new technologies and value. With the aim of achieving a carbon-neutral society and the desire to enrich automotive lifestyles with one’s car, we will continue to provide a diverse range of options to meet the needs of customers around the world.
The LX is a flagship SUV based on the concept of “effortless and refined driving on any road around the world.” It combines driving performance that can handle any road in the world, while still providing the signature refined comfort of a Lexus. It is now beloved by customers in over 50 countries across the globe.
At the same time, it was also the only model in the Lexus lineup that did not have an electrified vehicle option.
Introducing the LX 700h, Lexus has developed a new parallel hybrid system that prioritizes preserving the “reliability,” “durability,” and “off-road performance” that the LX series has cultivated over generations, even amidst the shift to electrification. By utilizing motor torque to achieve the signature Lexus driving experience, annual CO2 emissions across all global vehicles will be significantly reduced, further improving environmental performance.
Lexus has further refined its distinctive Lexus Driving Signature by enhancing the core fundamentals, including the engine model. The “engaging driving dialogue” that reacts instantly to driver inputs has been further refined while the vehicle has been upgraded with the latest Lexus Safety System + (LSS+) for enhanced safety and peace of mind.
To further meet the diverse needs of our global customers, we have added the new OVERTRAIL series. With the early launch of the GX and NX OVERTRAIL models, we will continue to expand the lineup of the LEXUS OVERTRAIL PROJECT.
Newly designed parallel hybrid system
To preserve the LX’s legendary reliability, durability, and off-road performance during the transition to electrification, we have adopted a parallel hybrid system that integrates a motor generator (MG) with a clutch positioned between the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This configuration maintains key features like full-time 4WD, a Lo-range transfer case, and a torque converter-equipped automatic transmission, ensuring that the combined high output and torque from both the engine and motor are effectively transmitted to the road. The hybrid control system intelligently manages the transition between engine-only and motor-only modes, optimizing performance based on driving conditions.
Additionally, this is the first Lexus system to feature both an alternator and a starter as standard components, a departure from previous Lexus parallel hybrid models. In the event of a hybrid system failure, the starter enables independent engine ignition, while the alternator powers the 12V auxiliary battery, allowing the vehicle to continue driving using only the engine. Even in this emergency driving mode, essential features such as the transfer case’s Lo-range, ride height adjustment using Active Height Control (AHC*1), and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) remain fully operational, ensuring continued off-road capability.
Water fording capability equivalent to that of traditional engine vehicles
The vehicle features a waterproof structure that encases the hybrid main battery, located in the rear floor, within a waterproof tray divided into upper and lower sections. This design effectively prevents water ingress during deep water crossings, ensuring a fording capability of 700 mm, comparable to that of conventional engine vehicles. In the unlikely event that water does enter the tray, a water sensor positioned inside will detect it and alert the driver through a meter display.
Performance that harnesses motor torque
The vehicle combines the responsive torque characteristics of the motor with a high-displacement twin-turbo engine, resulting in linear acceleration and responsive starts from low throttle operation at low speeds. At higher speeds or during full throttle, it delivers robust acceleration that leverages high torque, embodying the Lexus pursuit of “engaging driving dialogue with the car.”
In off-road conditions, the vehicle expands its capabilities beyond Hi transfer case range by adding motor-driven power to the Lo-range for the first time in a Lexus. This feature, in conjunction with the various modes of Multi-Terrain Select, enables motor-only driving in scenarios requiring precise throttle control, such as rocky paths, dirt roads, and deep snow, achieving exceptional off-road performance while ensuring ease of handling.
External power supply function
The vehicle is equipped with a waterproof AC inverter positioned under the center console, allowing for an external power supply of up to 1,500 W or 2,400 W, depending on the region. To enhance user convenience, power outlets have been installed at the rear of the center console and on the deck. This feature can be used for a range of activities or as an emergency power source in case of disasters.
GA-F Platform Upgrades
To accommodate the added weight and extended length of the powertrain resulting from the addition of the motor generator (MG), an exclusive cross member (Cross member No. 3) has been added. This design optimizes the cross-section and plate thickness, achieving a low profile while ensuring a minimum ground clearance comparable to that of the engine models. Additionally, the material used for the rear engine mount has been upgraded to a more durable option to support the increased powertrain weight.
Furthermore, a new spare tire cross has been designed to reposition the spare tire in order to facilitate the installation of the hybrid main battery in the rear floor. This adjustment optimizes the mounting angle, lowering the installation position while maintaining the departure angle, thereby balancing off-road capability with serviceability.
The 12V auxiliary battery has been relocated from the engine compartment to the side of the rear deck. A dedicated metal tray and detachable battery brace have been added to enhance ease of replacement while improving body rigidity around the rear quarter area.
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