The LX700h’s global debut just over a year ago marked a first for the nameplate, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Although still powered by the same twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the addition of the electric motor and battery pack offsets emissions and improves consumption compared with the LX600.
We drove the LX700h Overtrail, and it doesn’t hold back. Compared with the sportier and more luxurious F Sport, it looks the rugged part as, apart from the black 18” alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, it gains black cladding around the wheel arches, a matte black Spindle Grille, and fixed side steps.
Very posh inside
The interior design remains ergonomically sound, as most of the functions haven’t been incorporated entirely into the top-mounted 12,3” infotainment display. Instead, physical buttons feature throughout, as does a supplementary 7” display for the climate control and off-road menus, chunky switchgear on the steering wheel, and a customisable 12,3” digital instrument cluster.
The premium cabin features heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, quad-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, refrigerated centre console, a wireless smartphone charger, and a glass sunroof.
Along with a 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, adaptive cruise control, and a heated second row, the test unit also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 12,3” displays and wireless headphones.
Strangely, Lexus South Africa hasn’t made any official figures known, though measurements from Australia show 204ℓ with all seven seats up and 878ℓ in five-seat configuration.
Petrol and electricity unite
Although seemingly as straightforward as any other hybrid, the LX700h’s new heart is also its strangest addition. In combined form, it puts out 341kW of power and 790Nm of torque, an increase of 36kW/140Nm over the LX600 and 140kW/90Nm more than the LX500d.
Matched to a hybrid-specific 10-speed automatic gearbox, with drive going to all four wheels permanently, the V6 emits a sonorous growl but is seemingly aided by the electric hardware at low speeds.
With its self-charging hybrid powertrain, the batteries rely on the petrol engine to charge them. However, the transition is on the rough side, not helped by the otherwise smooth transmission emitting a shuddering sensation when the petrol engine kicks in.
Serious overland credentials
Being off-road focused, the Overtrail is as capable as anything, with not only a low-range transfer case but also a transparent underbody camera, the multi-terrain select system with five modes – auto, sand, dirt, mud, and snow – crawl control, and a low-range-only rock mode.
The Overtrail has a rated ground clearance of 205mm, an approach angle of 23°, departure angle of 21°, and a wading depth of 700mm.
Aside from the off-road modes, the standard drive selector comes with six modes: eco, normal, comfort, sport, sport+, and custom.
What’s the verdict?
While it’s easy to see why the LX700h has replaced the LX600, the execution still needs refining. Worth its luxury positioning over the Land Cruiser 300, the hybrid’s modest gains over the petrol model contrast with the diesel engine most buyers are still likely to favour.
Against its immediate rivals, the LX700h offers incredible value; yet, at R2 757 700, the 500d Overtrail remains the pick for anyone seeking uncompromised luxury off-roading.
Vehicle fast facts
Price: R2 757 700
Engine: 3,5ℓ turbo-petrol and electric
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 341kW
Torque: 790Nm
Fuel consumption (tested): 14,7ℓ/100km
Licensing mass: 2 840kg
Towing capacity: 3 500kg
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