The buzz around the Lexus Lx700h was considerable, fueled by expectations of a significant leap forward. Initial information suggested a powertrain evolution, particularly in torque figures. Many anticipated a surge to around 820N.m, leveraging the hybrid system and premium petrol tune. However, the reality is a carry-over of the 790N.m torque figure from the Tundra and Sequoia. This raises questions about the 10-speed automatic transmission’s torque capacity potentially being the limiting factor.
Adding to the lukewarm reception, the hybrid LX700h offers a mere 1 mpg improvement over the LX600. This marginal gain seems underwhelming for a hybrid variant, especially when considering the substantial 210kg weight increase (2780kg vs 2570kg) compared to the non-hybrid model. This weight disparity is even more pronounced than in the Tundra (145-175kg), suggesting additional reinforcement to elevate the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). Speculation points to a GVM increase from 3280kg to 3480kg, mirroring the Sequoia, presumably to maintain consistent payload capacity.
Lexus markets the LX700h as a three-row SUV, yet details regarding the third row and, crucially, cargo space with the battery pack remain shrouded in secrecy across all official releases. This lack of transparency is concerning for potential buyers needing practical details.
It’s not all negative. The LX finally adopts the more refined instrument panel from the Tundra and introduces flagship-level massage seats, a feature surprisingly absent at launch but available on Sequoia and Tundra. Furthermore, the inclusion of off-road features like a triple locker, while perhaps underutilized by most initial owners, caters to the enthusiast market seeking the overtrail aesthetic. However, omissions like a panoramic roof and unified center stack persist.
Ultimately, the Lexus LX700h appears to be a product of marketing trends rather than genuine customer-centric innovation. It reflects a product planning approach seemingly guided by social media buzzwords, potentially missing the mark for core Lexus enthusiasts seeking meaningful advancements. Whether the LX700h delivers on expectations beyond the initial specifications remains to be seen in real-world driving and ownership experiences.
