Flagship LX700h Hybrid

Lexus Australia will expand its flagship LX luxury off-road SUV range in the first half of 2026 with the introduction of the LX 700h performance hybrid powertrain, offering customers an unprecedented level of choice and exceptional performance.

The introduction of the LX 700h performance hybrid will represent the first time that three distinct powertrain offerings have been available on the LX range alongside the LX 600 and LX 500d twin-turbocharged petrol and diesel variants, reflective of the Lexus luxury of choice.

Lexus customers will be able to select the LX 700h powertrain on either the dynamically focused F Sport or the opulent Sports Luxury grades, the latter available in both five- and seven-seat configuration.

The five-seat LX 700h Sports Luxury is priced from $196,000 plus on-road costs¹, while the three-row Sports Luxury offered from $199,8001. The F Sport, available in five-seat guise only at $202,000 plus on-road costs¹.

“The expertise that Lexus brings in hybrid powertrain technology is being applied to an ever-wider range of models, supporting our multi-pathway approach,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas.

The LX 700h represents the most powerful hybrid offered by Lexus to date, which teams the same 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine from the LX 600 with a front module comprising an integrated electric motor generator and clutch placed between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.

The LX 700h features a one-motor parallel hybrid arrangement similar to the RX 500h F Sport Performance, designed primarily to offer increased output via the electric motor during firm acceleration, while also providing EV-only propulsion at low speeds to aid fuel economy.

Using the instant torque made available by the electric motor, the LX 700h offers superior linear acceleration with highly responsive throttle inputs.

Alternatively, when the LX’s sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select off-road traction control system is set to Rock, Dirt or Deep Snow mode, the hybrid system provides smooth and precise throttle control and low-speed torque.

The placement of the electric motor between the engine and 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission allows for the LX 700h to retain the driveline strength and durability of its ICE counterparts, including its 3500kg braked towing capacity², full-time four-wheel drive and low-range gearing.

The LX parallel hybrid system also comprises a PCU, DC/DC converter, hybrid water pump, AC inverter and nickel-metal hydride battery, in addition to the existing 12V auxiliary battery, starter and alternator which allow the LX 700h to continue operating even if any of the hybrid system components fail.

To ensure the durability and off-road capability the LX is known for, both the hybrid battery and AC inverter are reinforced with additional waterproofing measures, bringing no compromise to water fording.

The AC inverter also brings a 1500W auxiliary power supply to LX 700h variants, capable of running small appliances through a standard power outlet in the cargo area.

Like a Lexus series-parallel hybrid, the LX 700h performance hybrid can run on either the electric motor, petrol engine or a combination of both, with the battery recharged via regenerative braking or from the petrol engine.

The 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 in the LX 700h produces 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque, while the permanent magnet synchronous motor contributes 36kW/250Nm.

Its combined 341kW output is the greatest of any Lexus hybrid vehicle to date, while 790Nm of makes the LX 700h the most torque-rich Lexus in the history of the luxury lifestyle brand, regardless of fuel type.

As well as being more responsive, the LX 700h offers greater output and torque in all speed ranges when compared to its petrol-only counterpart for true driver enjoyment.

Delivering enhanced performance with exceptional efficiency, the LX 700h achieves a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 10.0 litres per 100km³ — a 16 per cent improvement over the LX 600. Combined-cycle CO₂ emissions are also reduced by 17.5 per cent.

The LX 700h F Sport and Sports Luxury models offer similar specification as the equivalent LX 600, adding a shift-by-wire shift lever, 1500W inverter and further active safety features including vehicle approach notice and intelligent park assist⁴.

To accommodate the extra hybrid components and rear-mounted battery, cargo capacity on five-seat grades is reduced from 1109 litres to 889L, with 98 litres of fuel capacity split between a 68L main tank and 30L sub-tank. Sports Luxury seven-seat grades provide 833L of storage with the third-row seats folded and features a flexible deck board which can be laid down to provide a flat cargo floor, or folded up to maximise storage volume.

Customers can choose from five refined exterior colours, which may be paired with four shades of premium leather accented seats on Sports Luxury, and two on F Sport.⁵

Along with the addition of the LX 700h model grade, Lexus has introduced other updates to the flagship SUV range, increasing standard specification on the LX 500d and LX 600 Luxury by absorbing the previously optional Enhancement Pack into the entry variant.

The increase in specification sees Luxury grades gain stylish 22-inch alloy wheels with 265/50 R22 tyres, a moonroof and a hands-free tailgate with kick sensor.

The exclusive four-seat LX 600 Ultra Luxury will also be discontinued in Australia, making the LX 700h the new flagship of the luxury off-road SUV range.