Lexus' flagship SUV offering, the LX range, has been with us for nearly two decades, offering up a spacious and luxurious product, wrapped in Lexus' renowned quality and reliability. From its humble beginnings as a Land Cruiser offshoot, the LX range has become synonymous with the luxury lifestyle. The Range Rover alternative appealed to the discerning consumer who appreciated the over-engineered nature of the machine and insisted on reliable motoring.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Lexus LX
In the name of innovation and sustainability, Lexus has streamlined their engine offerings with the most recent updates to the LX range to further their efforts in carbo-neutrality. This 4th-generation LX presents the pinnacle of Lexus' SUV development, and they haven't forgotten the point of the vehicle: fun!
Aside from a new 12.3-inch infotainment system, enhanced seats in VIP trim, wireless charging for front passengers, Lexus' new Safety Sense +3 system, and additional parking sensors, the drivetrain and lineup are also streamlined and enhanced.
Lexus LX Hybrid Engines
Initially offered with a 305kW 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, the Lexus LX 600 was joined, a year later, by the 500d employing a 3.3-litre twin-turbodiesel that produced 225kW. The engines were met with some hesitation as previous incarnations of the LX range offered up throaty V8 units. Times change, and regulations restrict what is feasible and what isn't. Lexus opted for smaller capacity engines but didn't skimp on power output.
For the 2025 model year range, the familiar 3.4-litre petrol engine configuration has been dropped from the lineup. Now, before you write a strongly-worded email to the Lexus head office, you'll be pleased to know that in its place, you will find another twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with a slightly larger 3.5-litre displacement. It is also now paired with an ingenious hybrid drive system.
The 500d will remain in active duty, but the only petrol-fueled option will be the self-charging hybrid. This combination unit is touted to be good for 341 kW combined with 650Nm available from the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) alone, the hybrid drivetrain supplementing that with an unofficial ±200 Nm. This makes the new 700h more potent than the 600 it replaces and brings the combined cycle fuel consumption claims down from 11.3 L/100km to a more palatable 10.0 l/100km.
The ingenious part comes in when the powertrain functions just like a series-parallel where no external charging is required, and the transition from EV (Electric Vehicle) to ICE is managed automatically by the LX's computer system but can work independently. This series arrangement allows the LX to function as intended even when the electric system is completely depleted, allowing the LX to start and run on ICE alone. This is thanks to an independent starter and alternator, which is more akin to a traditional ICE than the integrated systems we're accustomed to seeing in more familiar series-parallel configurations. It's worth noting that structural components have been altered to ensure that the approach, departure, and breakover angles were unaffected by adding the hybrid drivetrain.
New Overtrail Trim
It's not all bunny-hugging and veganism at Lexus, though. They still recognise an exciting world out there away from the urban jungle. For this very reason, Lexus has introduced the new Overtrail specification, which shows the LX is better suited for the rugged outdoors. Appealing to the younger buyer and those with a lust for adventure, the Overtrail specification sees the LX kitted out with functional items to assist in the overlapping experience.
The wheels of the F Sport and VIP trims are down from the 21—and 22-inch wheels to a more off-road-friendly 18-inch size and shod with Toyo All-Terrain tyres. The front grille and several other trim items are finished in gloss black for a sleek, understated look, while the interior also gets a darker, dirt-friendly colour scheme. Front and rear locking differentials also form part of the Overtrail trim package.
The Overtrail is also available in a bespoke Overtrail colour, DesertMoonlight, a metallic beige colour reminiscent of the Land Cruiser hues and beautifully suited to the Overtrail theme.
Pricing
All Lexus LX models are sold with a 7-year/100,000-km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan, while 700h models come with an additional 8-year/195 000-km hybrid battery warranty.
| Model | Price |
| Lexus LX 500d F Sport | R2 557 500 |
| Lexus LX 500d Overtrail | R2 577 400 |
| Lexus LX 700h F Sport | R2 666 500 |
| Lexus LX 700h Overtrail | R2 703 600 |
| Lexus LX 700h VIP | R3 092 100 |
