The LX 700h arrives in three variants for the Philippines:

• LX 700h Premier – P 11,218,000
• LX 700h F Sport – P 11,548,000
• LX 700h VIP – P 13,008,000

All variants pack Lexus’ first parallel hybrid system. The decision to go to a purely parallel setup (as opposed to a series-parallel found in other Lexus models) is down to the LX’s required off-road gear and credentials. Despite its move to electrification, it packs a full-time 4WD, low-speed transfer case, and of course, a 10-speed torque converter automatic.

Basically, the LX 700h switches between gas- and electric power depending on the situation with the switchover handled by a clutch-enabled motor generator sandwiched between the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and the gearbox. If the hybrid system fails, the engine can still start and operate thanks to its conventional starter, alternator, and 12-volt battery. Even the LX’s electronics, including its active height control can be operated.

The combined output is rated at 457 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque—412 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque from the V6. Top speed is rated at 210 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in just 7 seconds.

With the nickel metal hydride hybrid battery encased in a waterproof structure located in the rear floor, it ensures that the Lexus LX 700h has impressive water fording capability—up to 700 mm—which makes it the same as the conventional LX. In the unlikely event that water does enter the tray, a water sensor positioned inside will detect it and alert the driver through the meter display.

The LX 700h Premier starts off the line-up and this 7-seater SUV already comes with a long list of standard features including:

• All around acoustic glass with UV-cut function
• Moonroof
• 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with heating/ventilation, memory
• 8-way power adjustable front driver’s seat with heating/ventilation
• Multi-Seat bench second row with power folding and sliding function
• Power folding third row
• Power tilt/telescopic steering column
• Lexus Climate Concierge with four-zone climate control
• 8-inch multi-information display
• Heads-Up display
• Wood/leather steering wheel
• Wireless charger
• Ambient lighting
• 360-degree Camera
• Front & Rear parking sensors
• Power tailgate
• 12.3-inch infotainment touch display
• 7-inch climate control touch display
• Premium sound system with 10 speakers
• 11.6 x 2 rear seat entertainment system with headphone jack

Moving up to the LX 700h F Sport, it gets a unique mesh spindle grille, forged 22-inch black alloy wheel, an exclusive F Sport exterior color called White Nova. Inside, it has Dark Spin aluminum ornamentation, a Flare Red interior, special meters, and a dimpled leather steering wheel and shift knob. It also receives a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.

Finally, there’s the LX 700h VIP which trades the three rows of seats for just two. The resulting four-seater configuration means the second row can recline up to 48 degrees offering unparalleled go-anywhere comfort. At the same time, a mechanism in the front passenger seat means it can be tilted to give the rear passenger an unobstructed view of the road ahead. Adding to the levels of comfort, there’s the “Shower” air conditioning vents. Outside, it receives exclusive 22-inch wheels with a premium metallic coating.