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Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid sneak peek? 2025 Lexus LX700h revealed with 'performance hybrid' powertrain and new Overtrail off-road grade

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2025 Lexus LX700h
2025 Lexus LX700h
Samuel Irvine
Cadet Journalist
10 Oct 2024
4 min read

Lexus has announced the first ever hybrid powertrain for its LX SUV model, providing a glimpse into the future of what to expect for a future hybrid-powered LandCruiser 300 Series.

The hybrid variant - to be called the LX700h - will launch as part of the updated LX range that will arrive in Australia next year, alongside a brand new off-road-focused Overtrail grade.

Lexus hasn’t revealed exact powertrain output figures, but it has confirmed that the hybrid system will integrate an electric motor with a clutch between the LX’s 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine and ten-speed automatic transmission pulled from the LandCruiser 300 Series.

It will of course maintain key features like full-time four-wheel drive and a low-range transfer case, while the addition of an electric motor could deliver a bump in power.

Power will likely exceed the petrol LX600’s 305kW/650Nm, and could be more comparable to Toyota’s Tundra pick-up which produces 325kW/790Nm from its iFORCE MAX 3.5-litre twin-turbo hybrid V6. The Tundra is slated to arrive in Australia next month.

Lexus says the electric motor can be used independently of the internal combustion engine for low-range driving, and when used in conjunction with Multi-Terrain Select, delivers precise throttle controls on rocky trails, dirt roads and snow.

The LX700h also gains a starter motor that enables ignition independently of the electric motor, which is powered by a 12V auxiliary battery to allow for ICE-only driving if required.

Off-road functions like ride height adjustment and active traction control will remain fully operational even when the electric motor is not in use.

2025 Lexus LX700h
2025 Lexus LX700h

Special waterproof casing for the main hybrid battery also means it maintains a water wading depth of 700mm.

A waterproof AC inverter is located under the centre console for an external supply of either 1500W or 2400W.

The new Overtrail grade will build on the LX’s off-road credentials with a suite of off-road features made available to petrol, diesel and hybrid variants.

It will be sold exclusively in five-seat guise, while adding features like front and rear locking differentials, exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres, a 30-litre auxiliary fuel tank that increases total capacity to 110 litres.

Additionally there will be a bespoke Overtrail black radiator grille, with front and rear bumpers, wheel arches, side mirrors, door handles and roof rails also in black, along with Overtrail grade seats and a brand new 'Moon Desert' exterior paint.

2025 Lexus LX700h
2025 Lexus LX700h

Across the range a larger 12.3-inch full LCD multimedia screen will replace the current eight-inch version, which will allow drivers to check hybrid battery charge status on Overtrail grades.

Lexus has made some improvements to the LX’s frame to accommodate the new hybrid system, which involves an additional steel crossmember with an optimised cross-section and thicker steel plates to support the added length and weight of the powertrain.

Rear engine mounts have also been upgraded, while the mounting cushions that attach the upper body to the chassis deliver greater strength and rigidity with the additional benefit of better cabin acoustics and reduced road noise.

Overall, the LX700h will likely match the dimensions of the LX600 F Sport, with Lexus proposing length of 5100mm, a width of 1990mm, a height of between 1885mm and 1895mm, and a wheelbase of 2850mm.

At this stage the LX700h is still in its development phase, and thus a detailed pricing and specifications list will follow in due course.

Samuel Irvine
Cadet Journalist
Since visiting car shows at Melbourne Exhibition Centre with his Dad and older brother as a little boy, Samuel knew that his love of cars would be unwavering. But it wasn’t until embarking on a journalism masters degree two years ago that he saw cars as a legitimate career path. Now, Samuel is CarsGuide’s first Cadet Journalist. He comes to CarsGuide with an eagerness to report on a rapidly advancing automotive industry, and a passion to communicate the stories car buyers need to know most.
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