New Lexus LX 700h for SA: What to expect

The new Lexus LX 700h will soon launch in South Africa, headlining a raft of changes to the Japanese firm’s luxury SUV range. Here’s what we know so far…

The new Lexus LX 700h is scheduled to launch in South Africa in February 2025, bringing hybrid power to the LX line-up – which will furthermore benefit from a raft of updates, including the debut of an Overtrail grade – for the very first time.

Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed the imminent arrival of the new LX 700h as well as a broader update for the overall LX range (which, you’ll remember, is closely related to the Land Cruiser 300) at the recent 2025 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address in Gauteng.

The LX 700h on stage at SOMI 2025

As a reminder, the current LX portfolio – orders for which opened locally back in May 2022 – comprises 5 derivatives, presently running from R2 517 500 to R2 997 400. Pricing for the LX 700h has yet to be announced but this new hybrid version will likely arrive as the most expensive Lexus SUV yet.

From what we understand, the new LX 700h will effectively replace the petrol-powered LX 600, with the diesel-driven LX 500d (225 kW and 700 Nm) expected to remain. While the outgoing LX 600’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 petrol motor generates 305 kW and 650 Nm, the hybrid derivative predictably offers more oomph.

The LX 700h is seen here in Overtrail guise. According to Toyota SA Motors, the LX 700h’s newly developed “1MT-HEV” powertrain —which integrates a motor generator with a clutch positioned between the twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 petrol unit and the 10-speed automatic transmission – offers peak system power of 341 Nm. While the petrol engine alone generates 650 Nm, it’s our understanding that total system torque comes in at around 790 Nm.

Claimed fuel consumption figures have yet to be announced. The hybrid battery is located in the rear floor within a “waterproof tray” divided into upper and lower sections. This design, says the automaker, “effectively prevents water ingress during deep water crossings, ensuring a fording capability of 700 mm”.

A look at the newly developed hybrid system for the LX 700h.

What about the rest of the LX range? Well, while the “F Sport” and “VIP” trim levels look set to carry over, the “Urban” grade will seemingly fall away in favour of a new “Overtrail” specification (as applied to the incoming Lexus GX).

This fresh Overtrail grade is set apart by a dark grille and matte-grey alloy wheels, while various other exterior components — from the fog-lamp surrounds, roof rails, wheel-arch mouldings, door handles, side-mirror caps and rear-bumper garnish — likewise feature darkened tones.

The new 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster.

A new “Moon Desert” paint colour will also be exclusive to the Overtrail trim level. In addition, Overtrail derivatives will ship standard with front — and rear differential locks (in additional to the centre diff lock), likely along with all-terrain tyres.

Other updates to the LX line-up include various revised driver-assistance systems, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an upgraded wireless smartphone charging pad and an “Advanced Park” system (complete with remote function) exclusive to the hybrid.

Check back soon for more details, including local pricing. — Motoring News & Reviews