Lexus LX 700h
When I first heard about the launch of the Lexus LX 700h in India, I was immediately intrigued. Lexus is a brand that represents luxury, performance, and attention to detail, so I was eager to experience it firsthand. As I walked up to the car, it became clear that this SUV commands attention. It’s huge, no doubt about that, but it’s the kind of size that exudes power and elegance, not bulkiness. The bold, iconic spindle grille, combined with sleek LED headlights, immediately captured my attention. This isn’t just an SUV; it’s a statement.
A Powerful Lexus LX 700h Hybrid HeartÂ
Under the hood of the Lexus LX 700h houses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine. That’s 409 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque at your disposal. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid powertrain seamlessly combines electric and petrol power. The electric motor kicks in when you need smooth, quiet driving at low speeds, especially in the city, while the petrol engine roars to life when you need that extra punch of acceleration.
The first time I hit the accelerator, the power was instantaneous. For a vehicle of this size, it’s surprising how quickly it moves. Lexus claims it does 0 to 100 km/h in just over 6.5 seconds, and I felt every bit of that capability during my drive. The 10-speed transmission is silky smooth, and shifting between gears is almost imperceptible. Whether you’re overtaking a slower vehicle or just enjoying an open stretch of highway, the power is always there when you need it.
Multiple Driving Personalities
One of the things I appreciated most was the variety of driving modes available. I could switch between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ with a flick of a dial. In Eco mode, the focus was on fuel efficiency—perfect for city driving, where the electric motor did most of the work. Comfort mode made sure that even the most uneven roads felt smooth. But when I switched to Sport+, the SUV transformed. The throttle response became sharper, the steering felt more direct, and the vehicle felt tighter and more agile. For a large SUV, it’s incredibly versatile.
The Multi-Terrain Select system is another standout feature. With settings like Mud, Sand, Rock, and Snow, this SUV is built to handle far more than just paved roads. Though I didn’t take it on any extreme off-road expeditions, I did get to try it on some rough trails and minor obstacles, and it managed them like a pro. Lexus really designed this SUV to be just as comfortable off the beaten path as it is cruising down a highway.
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Stepping Inside the Lap of Luxury
Entering the Lexus LX 700h is like stepping into a luxurious lounge. The semi-aniline leather seats are the first thing that grab your attention—they’re soft, plush, and feel like they could cradle you for hours. Both the front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, with memory functions for added convenience. The wood and aluminum accents sprinkled around the cabin give it a refined, premium feel.
The 14-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard is a tech lover’s dream. It’s loaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making smartphone integration a breeze. The layout of the infotainment system is clean, intuitive, and very user-friendly. Below it is a smaller 7-inch screen dedicated to climate control and vehicle settings, which keeps the cabin looking modern and uncluttered.
One of my favorite features is the Mark Levinson 25-speaker audio system. Whether I was listening to podcasts or blasting music, the sound was crystal clear with deep bass. It’s a level of audio quality that truly elevates the in-car experience.
Space for Everyone
The space inside the LX 700h is generous, to say the least. The second row offers tons of legroom, and the rear passengers get their own entertainment screens. With four-zone climate control, everyone can set their own temperature preferences, making long journeys comfortable for everyone. The third-row seats, though, are a bit tighter. While they’re perfect for kids or shorter adults, taller passengers may not find them as comfortable for long trips.
The seats in the third row are also electronically adjustable, which is a nice touch, but they don’t offer the same level of luxury as the front and middle rows.
Driving Dynamics: City, Highway, and Off-Road
In the City
Despite its size, I found the Lexus LX 700h surprisingly manageable in city traffic. The steering is light, and the visibility is excellent, which makes navigating tight streets and parking lots less stressful than I anticipated. The hybrid system also shines here, switching to electric power when driving at lower speeds. This not only makes the ride incredibly quiet but also helps with fuel efficiency.
When I drove it around in the city, it felt smooth and composed, thanks to the adaptive variable suspension. Even over bumps and uneven roads, the LX 700h seemed to glide effortlessly, maintaining its composure.
On the Highway
On the highway, the LX 700h is a beast. The V6 hybrid powertrain provides seamless power delivery, and cruising at higher speeds is a breeze. I was impressed by how stable and grounded it felt, even when overtaking other vehicles at speed. The active suspension system continuously adjusts to the road conditions, ensuring that passengers experience a smooth ride, no matter how fast you’re going.
The cabin remains impressively quiet, even at high speeds. Lexus has done an excellent job with noise insulation, and it really adds to the luxury experience. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just cruising around, the ride is serene and peaceful.
Off the Beaten Path
Of course, a luxury SUV like the LX 700h wouldn’t be complete without some serious off-road chops, and it didn’t disappoint. Equipped with permanent four-wheel drive and the Multi-Terrain Select system, I felt confident tackling rough terrain. I took it through some rocky paths and even muddy stretches, and it handled them all without breaking a sweat.
The crawl control feature is fantastic for those moments when you need to navigate tricky terrain at a controlled speed. You simply set the speed, and the SUV does the rest, allowing you to focus on steering through obstacles. The adjustable ride height is another useful feature, letting you increase ground clearance when necessary.
With a wading depth of 700mm, water crossings or monsoon-flooded streets won’t be a problem either.
Loaded with Tech and Safety
Lexus didn’t skimp on the safety features in the LX 700h. It’s packed with the Lexus Safety System+, which includes all the latest driver-assistance features. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are standard, which make long highway drives stress-free. The blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking add an extra layer of safety.
I particularly appreciated the 360-degree camera, especially when parking in tight spots or when driving off-road. It gives you a full view of the surroundings, making it easier to navigate in tricky conditions.
The head-up display projects key information—like speed and navigation—directly onto the windshield, which is incredibly convenient. It allowed me to keep my eyes on the road without having to glance down at the instrument cluster.
What I Loved About the Lexus LX 700h
– Luxurious Interiors: The level of detail and quality in the materials is incredible. It feels like a true luxury experience every time you step inside.
– Powerful Hybrid Engine: The combination of the twin-turbo V6 and electric motor delivers smooth yet exhilarating performance.
– Versatility: Whether it’s city driving, highway cruising, or off-road adventures, the LX 700h can handle it all with ease.
– Tech Features: The infotainment system, Mark Levinson sound system, and all the advanced driver aids are top-notch.
– Comfort: The ride is exceptionally smooth, and the cabin is so quiet and insulated from the outside world.
A Few Downsides
– Price: The LX 700h is a luxury vehicle, and it comes with a luxury price tag. It’s not for those on a budget.
– Size: It’s a large SUV, and while it handles well for its size, maneuvering in tight urban spaces can be a bit tricky.
– Third-Row Comfort: The third row is a bit cramped, especially for taller passengers, making it better suited for children or short trips.
– Fuel Economy in Sport Mode: As fun as it is to drive in Sport+, the fuel efficiency takes a noticeable hit when you do.
My Final Thoughts
The Lexus LX 700h is an SUV that offers the best of both worlds—luxury and rugged capability. Whether you’re driving around the city, taking a long road trip, or heading off-road for an adventure, this vehicle delivers. Its hybrid powertrain strikes a perfect balance between power and efficiency, while the luxurious interior ensures that every drive feels special.
Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but for those who can afford it, the LX 700h is an SUV that doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. If you’re looking for a premium SUV that can do it all while surrounding you in luxury, this is a strong contender.
