, author: Быстрова А.

Lexus LX is about to get a hybrid version

The legendary SUV takes on a new life: a hybrid version of the Lexus LX is on its way to world markets.

A fascinating journey into a world of innovative technology - get ready for a new level of fuel economy and capability in the Lexus LX with Hybrid.

Chasing power

In the Lexus range of crossovers and SUVs, it is the LX that is the flagship model. Completely redesigned for 2021, the full-size SUV has ditched the beefy 5.7-litre V8 engine in favour of a smaller 3.5-litre V6 engine. Mind you, it's bolted on a pair of turbochargers, so it's more powerful and far more efficient than the voracious V8.

But the LX won't win any awards for efficiency with its twin-turbocharged V6. Yes, it's more fuel-efficient than the V8, but you'll be lucky if you get up to six kilometres per litre of fuel when sitting in heavy traffic. Nevertheless, it seems that Lexus wants to improve the environmental performance of the giant SUV. A recent trademark application suggests an electrified version could be on the way.

We found the trademark application in the World Intellectual Property Office's database, which confirms the possibility of an updated car. Lexus has registered the LX 700h name with various intellectual property offices, including the Philippines. If you're familiar with the Lexus naming convention, the "h" suffix stands for hybrid drivetrain. It was filed on March 7, 2023, and at the time of this writing, the trademark is pending. Interestingly, the LX 700h was filed just days before the Toyota Tamaraw.

Power or still eco-friendliness?

So, what could the hybrid LX be if it goes into production? A possible answer is suggested by the updated Toyota Sequioa. Like the LX, the Sequioa has replaced the V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged V6. However, the Sequioa also has a single electric motor built into the drivetrain. This brings the system's total output to 437bhp and 790Nm of torque.

If the LX 700h is to have this powertrain architecture, power and torque figures should be more or less the same. The hybrid could also be a more powerful powertrain option for the LX in terms of numbers. By comparison, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 in the LX 600 produces 409bhp and 600Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds

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If the hybrid version of the LX 700h has a more powerful electric motor and a higher-capacity battery, it can deliver even more impressive performance, both in terms of acceleration and top speed. In addition, the hybrid drivetrain could deliver better fuel economy and lower emissions, important for today's cars and the environment in general.

Overall, if Lexus launches a hybrid version of the LX 700h, it would be a great option for those looking for a more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient car, but who don't want to lose out on power and performance.

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