2025 Lexus LX 700h Ultra Luxury Grade - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

A one-in-a-thousand vehicle, with a price tag to match

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

So here's my report, dictated from the expansive rear lounge of Lexus' new hybrid SUV, the LX 700h. I think I finally understand what this company means when they claim "Experience Amazing." The LX 700h redefines the "S" in SUV from Sport to Super.

When I first climbed into the aft compartment, I was initially disappointed that there were no rear seat accessible controls to slide the front seat forward. But then I realized everything could be orchestrated from the large touchscreen separating the two back chairs.

Toggling the icon to recline my rear seat choreographed an electro-mechanical ballet that transformed the aft compartment into a drawing room. With its backrest partially folded, the front seat slid all the way forward. Simultaneously, my rear seat slid backward, flattening like a bed. A curved footrest swung into position to provide support for my legs. Touchpad icons prompted me to start a "Full Body Massage." Suddenly, I didn't care who was driving or where we were going. I just clipped up all four rear privacy screens, adjusted the XM Satellite radio to my station of choice (50's Gold), and blissed out.

Of course, there are a few more pertinent facts you might care to know about this three ton hybrid. The first pertains to its drivetrain, which features a 409hp, 479lb.-ft. twin turbocharged, 3.4 liter V6 coupled to a 48hp, 184lb.-ft. AC motor. These two powerplants drive all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission equipped with alloy paddle shifts. The hybrid system generates a combined 457hp and 583lb.-ft. of torque. The enormous torque output is responsible for the LX 700h's 8,000lb trailer tow rating. We found an anvil-weight receiver hitch in the rear storage area waiting to be unwrapped and locked into place with a chrome pin as big as your middle finger.

Given the size and weight of the LX 700h, it's also rather amazing to discover that this behemoth will sprint from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, cover the standing start quarter mile in 14.2 seconds, and top out at 110mph. What's less amazing is its penchant for swilling unleaded fuel at an overall rate of 20mpg. This mileage rating guarantees you will be spending $6,500 more in fuel costs over 5 years than the average new vehicle. It also guarantees you'll be filling the LX' 18 gallon tank with 91 octane premium quite regularly, since a full tank will only take you 360 miles.

However, if you've got the cash to finance a $140,000 SUV, you're probably not going to be too concerned about supporting its running costs. And one ride in the magnificent cab of the Ultra Luxury Grade will have you pining for this level of fit and finish every time you drive something else. In fact, I would go so far as to say you won't do better than Lexus level luxury even if you spend twice as much on a new Rolls Royce, Bentley, or S Class Mercedes. The needlework and leather crafting inside the LX 700h has to be felt and seen to be fully appreciated. The crafts people who build this rig at Toyota's assembly factory in Aichi, Japan show meticulous attention to detail in every facet of the construction process. Particularly noteworthy is the use of rust colored carbon fiber trim on the spokes of the steering wheel, and on the escutcheon plates of the door cards and center console. This light orange tint matches the cognac luster of the semi-aniline leather covering the seats. Every bin lid clicks into place with authority, every seam is perfectly matched with adjacent seams for visual continuity. Life in this environment will never get old, but it will pretty much ruin you for anything less.

While you could never label the LX 700h as nimble, it does show a surprising turn of sprightliness when coping with a twisting road. While I was ensconced in the aft apartment, my wife was having a bit of a go through a set of familiar twisties. I was hanging on for dear life as the LX transitioned from apex to apex with unexpected alacrity. Its stick should come as no surprise, since Lexus bolts a 12-Spoke, 22 x 8J forged alloy rim to each corner. The wheels are shod with 265/50/22 Dunlop Grandtrek H/T 31 radials carrying a super soft TW 360 rating. Given the 6,000lb. curb weight of the LX 700h, you can anticipate frequent trips to your Dunlop dealer for replacements that will run about $350 a corner.

The LX 700h is a one-in-a-thousand vehicle. It's so over-the-top in every department, from looks, to fit, to finish, to power, that you will become a very special motorist indeed if you can afford its purchase and upkeep.

2025 LEXUS LX 700h ULTRA LUXURY GRADE

• ENGINE: 3.4 liter V6, turbocharged and intercooled, DOHC, 24 valve, + AC Motor
• HORSEPOWER: 457hp (Combined)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19MPG City/22 MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $141,350

HYPES: Stellar Build Quality, Rhino Grunt On and Off Road

GRIPES: High Step-In, Minimal Rear Storage

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2025 David E Colman