By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Right off the bat, let’s point out that the Lexus flagship SUV, which adds a hybrid power train to the mix for 2025, isn’t everyone’s idea of a ride. Ask why? Well, it has a base price of $116,500, which with options is almost $121,105. Add tax, tag and you are looking at well over $130,000.
Now that price is settled for a few, but not for most of us, here’s what you get. Under the LX700h sits a 3.4-liter twin-turbo engine that develops a healthy 457 horsepower @ 5200 rpm and 583 pounds-feet of torque @ 2400 rpm. The hybrid variant consists of an electric motor assisted by a nickel-metal hydride battery. The all-wheel-drive luxury car is mated to a smooth and quick-to-respond 10-speed auto gearbox. Among the multi-terrain modes available are auto, dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock. Torsion limited-slip center differential, uniquely tuned front/rear dampers and a sport suspension ensure that this exhilarating ride has a firm trip, traction and cornering stability at every turn. Bringing the gigantic SUV to a slowdown/stop are 13.9 front and 13.2 rear ventilated disc brakes. Ready to haul that boat to the beach this weekend? Go for it since you can tow up to 8,000 pounds in the LX700h! Despite the 6,283-pound weight, 0 to 60 is possible in just 6.4 seconds with a top speed at 130 mph.
Surrounding the massive spindle mesh grille are triple-beam LED headlights, turn signals and daytime running lights. Step inside the lavish cabin and you will be in awe of rich-appearing red leather. Atop the dashboard sits a huge 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen with a 7-inch multi-terrain monitor underneath, as well as temperature controls. Forgot to charge the laptop? No worries, the 2400-watt inverter is at your disposal! Other niceties are F Sport power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum pedals and front-door scuff plates; four-zone a/c or the Climate Concierge, rear manual sunshades, power-fold flat third-row seat, Hadori aluminum trim, heated/cooled power front seats, cooled box (fridge!) in the center console, handily placed wireless phone charger and an adaptive variable air suspension.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, vehicle stability and traction controls, front/rear crumple zones, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, panoramic view and blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert, head-up display, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system come at no extra cost. Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 brings in a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane trace alert with steer assist and dynamic cruise control.
If in the market for a full-size rugged but indulgent SUV that can tackle the tough landscape (thanks to multi-terrain select and crawl control) with poise, the upscale LX700 F Sport edition fits the bill. And it is ultra luxury to the extreme! You won’t be disappointed as long as the steep price tab is within reach.
LX700 F SPORT
Tires: 265/50R22
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 200.5 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 74.6 inches
Suspension: double wishbone front, multilink rear
Steering: electronic power rack-and-pinion
Fuel capacity: 17.9 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 19/22/20 mpg
Web site: www.lexus.com
