Lexus LM 350H Reviews

The Lexus RZ, the brand’s first dedicated EV, disappointed with very low sales and arguably very high prices. Now, a big update and massive price drop could mean broader appeal for Lexus’ electric SUV.

Thousands of Toyota Prado large SUVs have been subject to an urgent recall in Australia due to a digital driver display software error as per a notice from the Department of Infrastructure. It affects 13,042 Prado 4WDs from the 2024 to 2025 model years. “Due to a software error, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual engine oil pressure light, engine coolant temperature, electrical charge, and other critical safety information,” the notice read.“Failure of the instrument cluster to display critical safety information or warning indicators may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.”Toyota Australia said the recall was part of a global campaign, but there have been a small number of reported occurrences in Australia. The notice went on to say affected owners will be contacted by Toyota to make an appointment at a dealership, where the issue will be rectified free of charge. The software update will also be available via an over-the-air (OTA) update, which can be completed through the multimedia head unit.This issue also affects nearly 2600 Lexus SUVs models, which are the GX 550 and UX 300h.The Prado remains one of Toyota’s best-selling models in Australia, trailing only the HiLux ute and RAV4 SUV. 

Yet another about face on a new electric vehicle program has come courtesy of Toyota’s decision to discontinue development of the Lexus LF-ZC sedan.Unveiling the LF-ZC Concept in 2023 Lexus positioned it as “a symbol of Lexus' electrification journey, characterized by its sleek proportions, low center of gravity, spacious cabin, and an emotionally charged design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics.”But three years later the automotive world has changed thanks to a slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) globally and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.At the same time, a combination of political factors including high US import tariffs and President Donald Trump's elimination of tax incentives for EV purchases, as well as the European Union’s revision of its ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 have also thrown a big spanner in the EV development works.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Subaru, have also shelved multiple EV model programs. Volume Lexus LF-ZC production was scheduled to begin late this year at Toyota’s Tahara plant south-east of Nagoya, using large section ‘gigacasting’ techniques to split the vehicle’s alloy body into front, centre and rear sections for reduced complexity and cost as well as lighter weight and increased rigidity.Recently postponed to mid-2027, Nikkei Asia has reported Lexus will now discontinue development, to “instead focus on developing SUVs and other vehicles amid a global slump in EV sales.” Despite the cancellation Toyota and Lexus will continue research and development into gigacasting and battery technology as the LF-ZC was set to feature “advanced high-performance batteries made with a prismatic structure engineered to achieve approximately twice the range of conventional BEVs through improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction.” A “compact powertrain” also helped deliver an ultra-low Cd (Coefficient of drag) value of approximately 0.20 for the car.

The Toyota-owned Lexus brand has given the motoring world some truly desirable sports cars, and even a legendary supercar.Yamaha-tuned naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engines have graced the engine bays of sedans, coupes and tourers, and a similarly developed 4.8-litre V10 found under the long bonnet of the Lexus LFA supercar is often cited as one of the world's best-sounding.More accessible, the still-available (for now) Lexus LC500 sounds like a NASCAR on the limiter, and the back-to-basics dynamics of cars like the relatively recent RC F were a far cry from the ‘retirement-spec’ Lexus SUVs that make up the bulk of the brand’s sales (and, at times, image).At the Australian launch of the updated 2026 Lexus RZ electric SUV, CarsGuide asked the brand’s local top brass where the next desirable halo model is coming from.Lexus Australia Chief Executive Jack Hobbs said, for now, the F Sport models available in the line-up and cars like the LBX Morizo have enough pep to fill customer demand for performance.“Certainly you know we'd love to have those sorts of products in our suite,” he told CarsGuide.“At the same time I think we've got enough offerings through the F Sport grades across the model range, and offerings like the LBX Morizo to, I guess, extend the range enough at this point in time.”While Lexus doesn’t quite have a high-performance aspirational model like the LFA - not even the limited-run RZ 600e F Sport Performance seems to fit the bill - the Lexus LFA Concept unveiled in stages as the Lexus Sport Concept in 2025 is starting to become more concrete.It’s just that it’s a battery electric vehicle.Strategic Communications Manager Nam Luong added some context around what the brand sees as its future direction, focussing on mobility and luxury rather than outright performance.“Yes, I think what you saw at the Japan Mobility Show in the Discover concepts, what we're looking at is broadening the expansion of the model range to encompass multiple forms of mobility, in terms of land, sea and air.”Other concepts that joined the LFA under the ‘Discover’ banner included a high-end people mover, the LS Concept, and a high-riding LS Coupe Concept sedan. Autonomous personal pods and even water-faring luxury yachts are part of the vision.“From a land perspective, the LFA concept has a role to play from that performance point of view, but what we're trying to identify is, well, how do we create a Lexus experience ecosystem beyond just the land element, seeing where and what Lexus Australia can continue to deliver on is also ‘what is that lifestyle experience’ that we can provide to our customers as well.”

Lexus has added hybrid power to its hulking LX range. With fuel costing so much, is this the perfect solution for the big Japanese off-roader?

A new luxury electric family SUV has broken cover, and it could be on the cards for AustraliaThe new Lexus TZ remains a possibility for Australia as the brand is currently considering its prospects Down Under. “Lexus Australia continually reviews opportunities to enhance our local line up and is currently assessing the TZ for potential introduction,” a spokesperson said. This contrasts the statement from Toyota Australia following the announcement of the Highlander three-row SUV, which the TZ is based on.The brand has already ruled out the Highlander for now, which would have been expected to wear a Kluger badge Down Under.The TZ is a luxury version of the Highlander, with it likely to be targeted at the North American market, before launching globally. The TZ will launch in Japan around winter 2026, although the exact timing is still to be confirmed, according to Lexus.This adds further fuel it'll come to Australia, as Japan is another right-hand drive market.The TZ shapes up as a competitor to Korean three-row EVs such as the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Both have price tags around the $100K+ mark, so expect something similar from the TZ if it gets here. It will have a dual electric motor set-up, producing a total system output of 300kW, with a sprightly 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds. The car will come with an all-wheel drive system as standard. It has also been given a monster 96kWh battery, offering a driving range of 530km (WLTP).DC charging from 10-80 per cent at 150kW takes roughly 35 minutes.Measuring at 5100mm long, it is noticeably longer than the current Kluger on sale in Australia. The TZ comes with plenty of luxury features as standard, such as a panoramic glass sunroof. Seats are configured in what looks to be a 2-2-3 layout, with captain’s chairs in the second row and three-abreast seating in the back row, but there is also expected to be a six-seater option.Pictures also show the car has a large tablet-like central touchscreen, with a digital driver display as well.This could be the same 14.0-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display as on the new Highlander.

Lexus has filed a patent overseas for a new variant of its boxy LandCruiser Prado-based GX off-roader, dubbed the GX550h.Currently, the GX sold in Australia is distinct from the LandCruiser Prado, offering a 3.4-litre turbocharged petrol V6 instead of the Prado’s HiLux-soruced 2.4-litre diesel engine.As a result, the Lexus has a clear power advantage, putting out 250kW/650Nm as opposed to the Prado’s 150kW/500Nm. Despite its distinct gearbox (the GX scores a 10-speed automatic compared to the Prado’s eight-speed unit), the GX is a thirsty vehicle, consuming a combined 12.3L/100km of minimum 95RON unleaded.This new patent filing over in the USA reveals the brand is considering a new hybrid variant of the GX, the GX550h. It is hard to say what this powertrain could be, as a ‘550h’ doesn’t currently exist in the Lexus line-up.The closest engine is the hybrid LC 500h GT car, which is equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol (8GR-FXS - 220kW/350Nm) paired to a hybrid system, producing a combined 264kW, or the RX500h that uses the same naming convention, but has a different set-up, pairing a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed hybrid automatic transmission, producing a combined 273kW.However, it’s possible the 550h could be a hybrid version of its turbocharged V6 petrol engine which has yet to be seen. US media points out a version of this set-up already exists in the left-hand drive LandCruiser 300 Series based LX700h, while locally a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol hybrid (V35A-FTS 290kW/649Nm) exists in the US-built Tundra with a combined 326kW mated to a 10-speed automatic.A similar powertrain will soon join the LandCruiser 300-Series line-up for the flagship hybrid GR Sport and Sahara ZX variants. It is due in the first half of 2026 - but will only be offered in a five-seat layout. Figures like towing capacity, payload, and even fuel consumption are yet to be revealed for the larger LandCruiser.It’s worth noting that our trademark search did not bring up a current trademark for GX500h in Australia, suggesting it may be a left-hand drive only proposition focused on the US market - at least for the time being.The Lexus GX has moved 241 units in the first few months of 2026 - down 15.4 per cent year-on-year, and paling in comparison to the more pragmatic Prado’s 4515 units. Even the Prado is down 46 per cent for the year, however.Lexus as a brand is down 14.6 per cent year-on-year and is facing fresh competition from new more premium players from China, like the increasingly popular Zeekr, which is up 768.2 per cent from a low base, and Denza, which has already moved 627 units in 2026 despite not existing in Australia last year.In the case of the GX, many Chinese players will also be muscling in on what was once the turf of Japanese brands, Jeep and Land Rover, with hybrid offerings like the Denza B5 which will be followed-up by hybrid off-roaders from Geely, Chery, and GAC.

Lexus has released the pricing and specifications for its RZ electric SUV in Australia, ahead of its official launch next month.The lineup starts from $84,500 (before on-road costs) for the 500e, which is substantially cheaper than the outgoing 450e variant that had a retail price of more than $120,000 before on-roads.This is a serious price drop that brings it closer to the price of many of its key rivals in the electric SUV segment.It is now cheaper than the Genesis GV60, which starts from more than $100,000 in Australia, while remaining a little more expensive than the Polestar 4.This updated RZ will also take on the incoming Volvo EX60, scheduled to launch in late 2026.The RZ has been given a boost in power of 50kW up to 280kW as standard from its dual motor set-up, with the higher spec model offering 300kW.The RZ lineup gets an upgraded 75kWh and 77kWh battery depending on the variant, which Lexus has said boosts charging times.DC charging on the RZ from 10-80 per cent takes around 28 minutes at 150kW, while AC charging from 0-100 per cent takes 3.5 hours at 22kW.Lexus also revealed more details about its incoming performance variant of the RZ called the 600e F Sport Performance. Pricing will be revealed closer to its launch in late 2026, but expect it to sit some way above the $100K price point.We know it has dual electric motors, with the front motor offering 167kW and the rear motor adding 268kW to provide a total system output of 313kW.Adding to the performance feel is the car sitting 20mm lower to give it a more poised centre of gravity.On the exterior there are 21-inch matte black alloy wheels along with enhancements such as a vented hood and a two-tiered rear wing spoiler.Other changes include a sharper front lip spoiler, rear lower bumper and lower rocker panels.It has also been given beefed up ventilated brake disks at 400mm x 28mm, which have larger six-piston blue calipers.2026 Lexus RZ pricing Australia 2026 Lexus RZ engine and efficiency  2026 Lexus RZ standard features Other standard features include: Heated front seatsElectrically adjustable steering wheelDual-zone climate controlPowered tailgate Sports Luxury grade adds20-inch two-tone machined alloy wheelsPremium fabric seatsWoodgrain interior elementsHeated and ventilated front seatsMemory drivers seatHeated rear outward seatsHeated steering wheelPanoramic roof13 speaker audio systemDigital rearview mirrorHead-up displayPremium digital driver displayAuto-levelling headlights F Sport grade addsYoke-style steering wheelGloss black alloy wheelsSimulated gear changesFront lip spoilerRear spoilerRear diffuserPainted brake callipersSuede sport-style front seatsAluminium pedals 2026 Lexus RZ safetyThe Lexus RZ received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2023.  Lexus said the RZ has a full suite of its ‘Safety Sense+’ features as standard. Standard safety features: Blind spot monitorRoad sign assistAuto emergency brakingAuto emergency steer assistRear cross traffic alertLane keep assistAdaptive cruise control 

The new-generation Lexus ES sedan has been approved for sale in Australia ahead of its launch later this year.According to the Australian Government filing, only electric versions of the new 2026 Lexus ES have been approved for local sale thus far.Lexus has previously noted that the ES will initially launch in Australia with the ES500e flagship electric variant. It's powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 252kW.However, the Japanese carmaker has confirmed both electric and hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered in Australia.The only other ES variant that has been approved for local sale thus far is the ES350e which is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor with 170kW of power.Hybrid versions of the ES will likely be approved for local sale at a later point, indicating that they may launch after the electric versions.Globally there are two hybrid versions of the ES, the ES300h and ES350h. They are powered by either a 2.0-litre hybrid or 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain, respectively. Both are offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.Little other information about the ES is confirmed in the local approval filing.It measures in at 5145mm long, 1920mm wide and 1560mm tall, with a 2950mm wheelbase. This makes it around 170mm longer than the outgoing model and slightly larger than a BMW 5 Series.The tare mass is 2180kg in the single-motor version and 2280kg for the dual-motor version. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 2635kg or 2735kg, respectively.Either 19- or 21-inch alloy wheels will be offered. At this stage no other specification details have been confirmed, but there is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.0-inch multimedia touchscreen.This eighth generation of the Lexus ES was previewed by the 2023 LF-ZC concept and features an angular design with a fastback silhouette.

Fuel prices are soaring across the board whether it is petrol or diesel. Some drivers are being more affected than others as lower fuel efficiency contributes to higher refuelling costs. Here are the most expensive cars to run currently in Australia based on fuel efficiency. Other contributing factors to the high fuel costs on this list include the fact many of the cars have big fuel tanks and require premium fuel.Fuel prices have been calculated using the average prices for fuel in New South Wales and at an average of 15,000km driven per year. Among the heaviest guzzlers is the Nissan Patrol four-wheel drive, with its 5.6-litre V8 drinking fuel at a rate of 14.4L/100km. Its 140-litre fuel tank and requirement for premium unleaded petrol means it costs $364 per fill-up and a total yearly cost of $5617.28. The Patrol will move to a more efficient 3.5-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol, which is expected to reduce fuel costs. The Ford Mustang sports car is another V8 on this list, with its 5.0-litre unit registering average fuel efficiency at 13.6L/100km and a yearly cost of $5310.27.Ford’s other representative is the Ranger Raptor high-end ute, powered by a twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine costing $4482.76 per year. The Ineos Grenadier off-roader is the most expensive model to run and costs $5618.50 a year to run, in part due to it being diesel, which has been the fuel type that has increased the most. The Lexus GX550 has refuelling costs of $208 per fill-up currently, costing $4800 for the year, along with nearly $3000 for the Jeep Gladiator, which unlike many on this list can run off E10 fuel.The 6.2-litre petrol V8 found in the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pick-up has an economy of more than 12 litres per 100km, costing $4,356.30 over the year.  Genesis’ GV70 luxury SUV costs more $4400 per year in fuel, a similar figure to the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 variants of the Land Rover Defender. Highest fuel efficiency new vehicles on sale under $150,000