Built for the wild: Lexus LX700h tackles Korean terrain in style
Toyota's premium brand, Lexus, launched its LX700h sport utility vehicle in Korea on March 17.
This is the first time an LX model has been introduced to Korea since the flagship SUV lineup's debut in 1996.
The LX 700h is equipped with advanced technology to handle outdoor conditions, featuring a gasoline-hybrid powertrain and a refined interior designed for in-car comfort. On March 19, The Korea Herald test-drove the SUV on both off-road and 120-kilometer on-road sections.
The 5,095-millimeter-long SUV has a solid and commanding presence, accentuated by a large frameless grille and tall, chunky front end.
Inheriting the legacy of the LX series since its debut in 1996, the LX 700h has a 2,850 mm wheelbase based on Toyota's GA-F platform, which offers a low center of gravity for stable off-road driving.
The off-road test took place on a custom-built driving course created by Lexus Korea in Inje, Gangwon Province, to showcase the vehicle's adaptability across 11 types of dynamic terrain.
The course became even muddier after heavy snowfall the previous day, but the vehicle showed no signs of slipping or losing control.
The car's height can be adjusted manually or automatically to suit the terrain using its hydraulic height control suspension system. Offering four height levels with a 76-millimeter range, the system helped prevent the underbody from striking protruding objects during the test.
Additionally, it features a multi-terrain select system with modes for auto, dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock, which adjusts the drivetrain to suit the driving environment.
In rock mode, the LX 700h was stable while climbing uneven rocks, even as they shifted as the car drove over them. The car's differential lock function enabled the 2.8-ton SUV to navigate the bumpy road by a locking mechanism that ensures both wheels on an axel rotate at the same speed, giving better traction on rough terrain and preventing wheel spin.
Its crawl function allows the driver to focus on controling the steering wheel, while the car automatically adjusts the torque to climb rocks.
The SUV's height adjustment system was helpful when driving through water, preventing crucial parts of the vehicle from being submerged. While the water reached the bottom part of the car's doors, the vehicle navigated the stream without letting any water in. A Lexus official said the vehicle can handle water depths of up to 700 mm.
One of the standout features for off-road driving is its dual monitor system. One display, placed lower down, shows the car parts affected by each mode for different terrains, while the other displays a simulated image of the terrain ahead, including the vehicle's wheel position.
This was particularly helpful for safe driving when the car was navigating steep inclines, narrow paths, or situations where it was positioned between flat ground and a slope, making it difficult for the driver to see the terrain through the windshield.
The cockpit consists of buttons, in contrast to many recently launched cars that feature expansive center displays, giving it an old-school feel. A Lexus official explained that this design ensures accurate function selection during off-road driving, as opposed to a touch screen, where drivers are more likely to mistakenly tap an app.
During on-road driving, the LX700h offers a quiet and smooth experience, thanks to its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, as well as efforts to insulate exterior noise, including thicker glass for the windows.
However, the car had relatively low fuel efficiency due to its heavy weight. The official fuel efficiency is rated at up to 8.5 kilometers per liter and it achieved around 7 kilometers per liter during the two-hour highway drive.
Positioning itself as a choice for high-income leisure enthusiasts, estimated to number around 300,000 in Korea, the top-tier VIP trim is priced at 194 million won ($132,766), while the mid-tier Luxury version starts at 168 million won. The base Overtrail is priced at 166 million won.
forestjs@heraldcorp.com
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