Lexus LX 700h range here before mid-year

LEXUS Australia will expand its flagship LX luxury off-road range with the arrival of LX 700h performance hybrid variants in the first half of the year.

Priced from $196,000 plus on-road costs in Sport Luxury trim, the LX 700h will ask a $19,700 over a comparably specified diesel model, and more than $31,000 over the entry point to the LX range.

The Japanese importer says the introduction of the LX 700h powertrain will offer customers an “unprecedented level of choice and exceptional performance”, noting the availability of two grades – F sport and Sports Luxury – the availability of five- or seven-seat configurations, and the most powerful hybrid driveline to be offered by Lexus to date.

“The expertise that Lexus brings in hybrid powertrain technology is being applied to an ever-wider range of models, supporting our multi-pathway approach (to lowering CO2 emissions),” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.

The LX 700h teams the twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine from the LX 600 with a front module comprising an integrated electric motor-generator and clutch placed between the engine and the standard 10-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus says the arrangement features a one-motor parallel hybrid system similar to that offered in 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”.

The combination is said to deliver instant torque and “superior linear acceleration with highly responsive throttle inputs”.

Like other Lexus hybrid models, the LX 700h performance hybrid can run on either the electric motor, petrol engine, or a combination of both, with the battery recharged via the vehicle’s regenerative braking system or from the petrol engine.

The petrol engine produces 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque, while the permanent magnet synchronous motor contributes 36kW and 250Nm. Combined output is listed at 341kW and 790Nm making the LX 700h the most torque-rich Lexus in the history of the brand regardless of fuel type.

Lexus quotes a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 10.0 litres per 100km – a 16 per cent improvement over the petrol-only LX 600. Combined cycle CO2 emissions are reduced by 17.5 per cent.

The LX 700h continues to offer Lexus’ Multi-Terrain Select off-road traction system, ensuring capability away from the beaten path. The model retains the same 3500kg braked towing capabilities of the diesel and petrol range, alongside full-time four-wheel drive and low-range gearing.

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

Lexus says that both the hybrid battery and AC inverter are reinforced with additional waterproofing measure to ensure there is no compromise to the vehicle’s water fording capabilities. The 1500-watt AC inverter is said to be “capable of running small appliances through a standard (GPO) power outlet in the cargo area”.

To accommodate the additional hybrid components and rear-mounted battery, cargo capacity on five-seat LX 700h variants drops to 889 litres (down 220 litres). The seven-seat configuration offers 833 litres of stowage.

The 2026 Lexus LX 700h is offered in five exterior colours which may be paired with four shades of premium leather-accented seats on the Sports Luxury grade, and two on the F Sport.

Other enhancements to the LX range include the adoption of the previously optional Enhancement Pack into the entry variant, 22-inch wheels for the Luxury grade, and the standard fitment of a moonroof and handsfree tailgate with kick sensor.

These add $5500 to the entry price of the LX range.

Finally, we note the previously available four-seat LX 600 Ultra Luxury has now been dropped from the 2026 line-up, making the LX 700h the new flagship of the LX portfolio.

2026 Lexus LX pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.