Lexus is launching a new LX SUV with a “rugged” hybrid engine that’s capable of surviving some watery excursions. The LX 700h is equipped with a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo hybrid system with a waterproof battery and a divider that helps prevent water ingress to the engine, and a waterproof AC inverter that provides up to 2,400 watts of external power supply. If water gets into the system, you’ll be alerted on the new 12.3-inch full LCD meter screen.
Lexus’ new LX has a waterproofed hybrid engine
Just in case there’s 27.56 inches of water somewhere on your commute.
Just in case there’s 27.56 inches of water somewhere on your commute.
Lexus says its newly designed parallel hybrid system integrates a motor generator with a clutch positioned in between the engine and transmission. The setup lets it maximize torque output and maintain full-time 4WD, which is good for efficiency. It’s also the automaker’s first system that includes both an alternator and a starter that can bypass the hybrid system in case of a failure and act as a regular gas engine.
1/8Image: Lexus
If you take the LX into some standing water, it can go as deep as 700mm (27.56 inches) without worrying about ingress. Comparatively, a Jeep Wrangler 4xe, another SUV with a waterproofed hybrid system, is designed to go as deep as 31.5 inches.
The LX has a more Jeep-like “Overtrail” edition in the lineup, too, that includes a front and rear differential lock, and for the first time, you can configure an LX with all-terrain tires on 18-inch rims. It’s not clear when you’ll be able to buy an LX 700h, but Lexus says it will conduct a “phased rollout” for the LX across various regions starting in late 2024.
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