As the vehicle approached large rocks, it moved forward step by step, almost as if walking. It easily crossed a 70 cm-deep water puddle, climbed inclines steeper than 30 degrees, and smoothly tackled hilly terrain. But it’s not just the off-road capability that stands out. On regular roads, it offered a smooth ride that felt like gliding on clouds, fully embodying the appeal of a flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV). This is the story of the Lexus LX700h.
The fourth-generation model of the all-new Lexus LX700h, the brand’s flagship SUV, has been released in South Korea for the first time. Last Thursday, the test drive event took place at the LX Off-road Park in Inje, Gangwon Province. Lexus prepared this special venue to showcase the LX700’s off-road capabilities, which included 11 off-road sections and approximately 100 kilometers of regular road driving.
Crossing Water up to 70 cm Deep… Rock Navigation with Automatic Crawl Control
The LX700h has various off-road driving features, including differential lock, adaptive height-adjustable suspension, Multi-Terrain Select, Transfer Range Select, and Crawl Control.
The drive began by activating the adaptive height-adjustable suspension and adjusting the vehicle’s height. Low-range gearing was also engaged for rough terrain. The monitor displayed the entire underbody of the car, helping to assess the terrain. Multi-Terrain Select was also activated, optimizing performance for off-road conditions like auto, sand, and mud.
In auto mode, the LX700h easily conquered muddy paths and water crossings. It’s capable of fording water up to 70 cm deep.
Crawl Control was used for the rocky course with large stones. Once engaged, this system allowed the large vehicle to move forward cautiously as if carefully stepping from one rock to another after assessing the terrain.
Crawl control allows for ultra-low-speed maneuvering using only the steering wheel, eliminating the need for accelerator or brake inputs. This reduces the risk of accidents caused by unintended acceleration or braking in tricky situations.
Inclines exceeding 30 degrees were easily overcome. The maximum climbable gradient is 44 degrees. While traversing these slopes, the monitor displayed the vehicle’s tilt, and the seatbelt held the passengers securely to maintain balance.
Uphill drives were also smooth. The Downhill Assist Control system automatically adjusts brake pressure on each wheel, enabling safe and steady descents without accelerator input.
The differential lock system stood out on the bumpy mogul course. When a wheel lifted off the ground and started spinning, the system manually distributed power to compensate for any torque gap, helping the vehicle continue moving forward.
On-Road Performance: A Floating Sensation… Comfortable Ride in Rear Luxury Mode
On public roads, the LX700h delivers the refined ride quality expected from a luxury SUV. The model is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a motor-generator (MG) hybrid system that includes a clutch, delivering smooth driving and powerful performance.
The test drive was conducted in a 4-seater VIP model. The second-row seats recline into a gravity-free position, offering a level of comfort comparable to first-class airplane seating.
The design balances strength and urban sophistication, with a bold, frameless spindle grille—symbolic of Lexus—dominating the front. The large air intakes on the side radiator grille and the aerodynamic shapes enhance cooling efficiency and overall style.
Pricing for the Lexus LX700h in the South Korean market starts at 194.57 million KRW ($132,700) for the four-seater VIP model, 165.87 million KRW ($113,000) for the five-seater Overtrail variant, and 167.97 million KRW ($114,400) for the seven-seater Luxury trim.