"A model that can go anywhere and come back safely."
It is hard to find a phrase that better describes the Lexus flagship SUV 'LX 700h.' The distinctive characteristics of the LX 700h are all captured in this sentence.
"There are quite a few off-roaders that meet the slogan of 'can go anywhere.' But finding candidates that meet the conditions of 'must come back safely' and being an 'electrified model' is quite difficult.
The condition of "must return safely" can lead to some performance sacrifices in terms of 'rigidity.' A vehicle cannot perfectly satisfy both on-road and off-road conditions; to ensure it can return safely under any conditions, the focus inevitably shifts more towards off-road performance. The LX 700h is a body-on-frame vehicle with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The rigidity on the road starts from the frame body, but conversely, there isn't a more solid background for off-roading. The advantages are so clear that it cannot be denied the evaluation of being 'the car most devoted to the mission of protecting the most precious things in the world.'
In the global market, the first generation was launched in 1996 and evolved to the fourth generation, but the fourth-generation facelift model was released in the domestic market in October 2024 and has entered this spring.
In Lexus model names, 'L' is special. It is a lettering that is only applied to the top luxury models. The Lexus brand, which launched in 1989, gained fame with the LS in the sedan segment, and the model developed to establish the status of 'luxury' in the SUV area was the 'LX 450' unveiled in 1996.
The LX, as the first SUV of Lexus, solidified its position with robust off-road capabilities and luxurious driving. Combining craftsmanship-based reliability and durability with elegance and off-road driving performance, the LX pioneered the luxury SUV market unique to Lexus and continues to be beloved today.
The LX, which is being introduced to the Korean market for the first time, had to meet the demands of the times. It is electrification, which is shaking up the global automotive market. Lexus Korea, which has maintained hybridization for all models, could not make an exception for the LX. It was quite natural for the first LX to land in Korea to be a hybrid.
However, the hybrid system featured in the 'LX 700h' differs from the approach that Toyota has focused on so far. Toyota's hybrid strategy is based on the 'series-parallel drive system.' This system uses two motors, one for driving and the other for generating electricity and starting the engine.
However, the all-new LX 700h is equipped with a parallel hybrid system.
The parallel hybrid, adopted by Hyundai Motor Group, uses one motor to perform both vehicle drive and generation. At start or during low-speed driving, the clutch disconnects the engine power to drive with the electric motor, and at high speeds, it utilizes the engine's power. This system allows for easier integration with conventional automatic transmissions or DCTs, delivering a driving experience similar to that of internal combustion engines.
The all-new LX 700h developed a new parallel hybrid system to realize electrification while maintaining reliability, durability, and off-road driving performance. The internal combustion engine mounted in this vehicle is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine, achieving a high performance output of 415 horsepower. The hybrid must also deliver strong driving power and high engine torque while ensuring good fuel efficiency. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo parallel hybrid system of the all-new LX 700h is designed to deliver maximum torque at low speeds and easy vehicle control in all on-road and off-road situations.
In other words, the all-new LX 700h, which requires powerful driving force and high engine torque, is more suited to have a parallel hybrid. For 'a model that can go anywhere and come back safely,' a motor generator (MG) and clutch are integrated between the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine and the direct shift 10-speed automatic transmission.
Most of Toyota's series-parallel hybrids use an e-GVT (electronic continuously variable transmission) that implements virtual gear ratios through motor control, but the LX 700h had to incorporate a 10-speed automatic transmission. Therefore, it can be inferred that this choice was made to better implement the low-range mode essential for off-road use.
The 10-speed automatic transmission is characterized by optimized gear shifting timing. Coupled with the high-torque twin-turbo engine, it maintains low engine RPMs, achieving quiet driving and high fuel efficiency. The closely spaced gear ratios enable rhythmic and appropriately timed shifts, creating a tidy and comfortable driving performance while providing a stable ride over rocky terrain.
While reducing the engine RPM through the transmission and final drive gear, the all-new LX 700h uses the low-range function to further decrease engine RPM via the transfer case, resulting in very high driving power. This background allowed for slow yet precise driving even on steep slopes or rocky surfaces.
The new LX 700h supports full-time four-wheel drive and a transfer case with low and high-range modes, ensuring that high output and torque from the engine and motor are effectively transmitted to the road. The hybrid control system intelligently manages the transition between engine-only mode and motor-only mode, optimizing performance according to driving conditions.
Additionally, the generator (alternator) and starter are equipped as standard, allowing the starter to independently ignite the engine in case of a hybrid system failure and supplying power to the 12V auxiliary battery to ensure the vehicle can continue operating solely on the engine. Essential functions such as low-range features of the transfer case, active height control suspension (AHC), and active traction control (A-TRAC) continue to function during emergency driving mode, enabling off-road driving.
The fact that it was prepared for potential hybrid system failures is significant. This is another point to mention the descriptor of 'a model that can go anywhere and come back safely.' The LX 700h must be able to return safely from desert regions with no repair shops or icy hollows in the Arctic.
Sometimes, the vehicle must serve as a means of survival, and it is equipped with such functions.
Naturally, the all-new LX 700h maximizes its performance off-road. The electric motor seems to play a greater role in luxurious off-road driving rather than just improving fuel efficiency.
Due to the immediate torque characteristics of the motor combined with the high-displacement twin-turbo engine, linear starting and acceleration can be achieved with slight accelerator pedal input even at low speeds. Under off-road conditions, the LX became capable of EV mode driving for the first time in Lexus history. Along with the various modes of multi-terrain select, it is now possible to drive solely with the motor in situations requiring precise control, such as rocky paths, unpaved roads, and deep snow. This sets the conditions for improved handling ease.
Depending on road conditions, six modes can be selected: AUTO, DIRT, SAND, MUD, DEEP SNOW, and ROCK. Most of them are for off-road use. The integration of braking, driving force, and suspension optimizes movement according to the selected mode. It operates not only in low-range (L4) but also in high-range (H4), assisting in easy and high-quality driving across any type of road from ultra-low speed on rocky paths to high speed on unpaved roads. Each mode is illustrated with animations on the instrument panel.
When off-roading, the vehicle utilizes a total of four cameras positioned at the front, sides, and rear, allowing the driver to visually confirm the surrounding road conditions that may be difficult to see. The video can be switched through the camera switch and is displayed on the entire 12.3-inch display, showing the road conditions surrounding the vehicle in the driver's blind spots. In particular, the underfloor view synthesizes the footage of the point just passed while driving so that it appears as if the area below the vehicle is transparent, allowing the driver to check the condition around the rear wheels and estimate the distance to obstacles, which proves useful when trying to escape from a stuck position or a dead end.
The active height control suspension makes the all-new LX 700h feel lively.
Depending on the driving environment, the vehicle’s ride height can be adjusted automatically or manually by the driver, which can enhance aerodynamic performance or improve off-road drivability. The hydraulic system, suitable for off-road use, boasts higher durability and faster response compared to air suspension. Ultimately, the durability led to the adoption of the hydraulic method.
The vehicle's height can be set to four levels, adjusting down 27mm at the lowest and up to 103mm at the highest. The suspension automatically adjusts the vehicle height based on speed, transfer case, and driving mode selections while in motion. During city driving, it softens for a comfortable ride and stiffens on curvy roads for stability. The vehicle height is automatically adjusted when entering and exiting inclines. The fording capability is 700mm.
The hybrid main battery is housed in a waterproof tray that is divided into upper and lower sections. This structure prevents flooding even in deep canals. If water intrudes into the waterproof tray, the flooding sensor within the tray will detect it and alert the driver.
When driving off-road or on slippery surfaces, the function allows extreme low-speed driving using only steering control without any acceleration or brake input, surprising even those with extensive off-roading experience. It replicates on-road cruise control behavior in rough terrain through a feature called Crawl Control. This function minimizes wheel spin and lock-up on slippery terrains or steep inclines, ensuring excellent vehicle stability by maintaining one of five very low speeds. The operation status of the Crawl Control can be monitored on a 7-inch utility display.
When multi-terrain select (MTS) is set, it reflects the selected driving characteristics and provides a turn assist feature to enhance turning ability in very tight and difficult corners. Turn assist showcases a magical ability by applying braking force only to the rear inside wheel, allowing the car to virtually pivot in place.
However, the almost obsessive survivability demonstrated off-road can sometimes come off as excessive stubbornness on-road. The full-time AWD system based on a 'body-on-frame' construction can feel awkward, as if the city dweller left their fondness for off-road behind.
The all-new LX 700h follows the exterior design theme of 'dignified sophistication.' The front features a large frameless spindle grille emblematic of Lexus, which captures attention. To express a new spindle grille suited for the LX, it creates a three-dimensional shape using a floating bar structure to form a seamless, frame-less design. The side radiator grille also serves to secure cooling performance, rooted in functionality and featuring an aerodynamically styled opening.
The sides express a strong unity and texture with a thick horizontal body shape that extends from the front to the rear, a quarter pillar that narrows from the roof to the rear window, and the flow of the vehicle’s lower section that goes from the rocker panel to the rear tires. The balanced proportions emphasize the Lexus driving experience (Lexus Driving Experience). Additionally, an easy closer is included on the sides, allowing for the vehicle door to be closed with minimal effort when getting in and out.
The largest 22-inch tires in the Lexus lineup create a dynamic and smart appearance. The new 22-inch forged alloy wheels are applied to the VIP and LUXURY grades. The high-gloss paint expresses deep three-dimensionality, giving the wheels a presence befitting the vehicle's size, whilst the high contrast with black and polished surfaces emphasizes their maximum size within the Lexus brand.
The Lexus brand badge at the center of the rear is engraved in a new 'LEXUS' lettering type, symbolizing the next generation of Lexus. The straight rear combination lamp, characteristic of the Lexus SUV family look, highlights the sharp rear design while enhancing a more modern and simple impression.
The 12.3-inch instrument panel inside displays relevant information clearly so the driver can focus on speed and driving. It includes the battery voltage and engine oil pressure gauge, along with options to display the boost meter and hybrid battery charging status. The vehicle animation display during drive mode select and multi-terrain select mode transitions has also been updated.
The center display adopts a dual display method designed for off-road driving, featuring a 12.3-inch touch display on top for navigation and audio control, which serves as a multi-terrain monitor during off-road driving. The lower 7-inch touch display shows the heater control screen and serves as the driving support screen for multi-terrain select and drive mode selection. This allows drivers to monitor the situation during off-road driving without screen transitions.
Frequently used climate control and driving-related functions are operable through separate physical buttons and dials, allowing intuitive control to reduce accidental operations by the driver during off-road driving and supporting intentional selections for driving modes and temperature adjustments. The wireless charging pad in the center console supports fast charging.
The price of the top trim, LX 700h VIP, is 194.57 million won, while the entry-level LX 700h OVERTRAIL trim costs 165.87 million won.
최고 트림인 LX 700h VIP의 가격은 1억 9457만 원이고 엔트리인 LX 700h OVERTRAIL 트림은 1억 6587만 원이다.
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