There’s a new peak in Lexus poise and prestige, and it just happens to be a hybrid that can blow away almost every other member of its interconnected family. The new LX 700h builds on the super-capable, luxury-soaked, full-size Lexus SUV and adds a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 that’s juiced up with an electric battery and motor to produce 457 total horsepower.
Like other large Toyota trucks and SUVs using a similar hybrid system, the emphasis here is not on fuel savings—you can expect 20 mpg total, just a bit higher than the 409-hp, gasoline-powered LX 600, but not bad considering some 6,000 pounds of total weight. The drivetrain also allows confident cruising and the ability to tow up to 8,000 pounds.
The LX 700h offers a broad array of luxury and performance builds, plus a unique, off-road-focused, $115,950 Overtrail edition that’s been bolstered with 33-inch mud tires on 18-inch wheels, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and an adjustable suspension system that can give it 10 inches of clearance. A bevy of automatic terrain modes, an automatic crawl control, and even an on-trail turn assist feature can all make you the most posh machine above treeline.
Three-row comfort is standard, but both the Overtrail and the executive-oriented, $141,950 Ultra Luxury models delete the far-back seats to provide almost 31 cubic feet of cargo space, plus a swank pair of reclining captain’s chairs and a powered ottoman for the right-side passenger in that luxe rendition. Hardwood finishes, a double-stacked touchscreen control system, and even a console cooler box are mixed into the LX 700h’s range of models.
For more stats about the Lexus LX 700h, pick up the print issue of Denver Life Magazine at local newsstands or subscribe to the digital version.
