A Deep Dive Into Lexus And Its Line-up As IT Goes Electric

Twenty years ago, Lexus began its journey into electrification with what is now regarded as one of the marque’s most influential models: the second-generation RX. Widely recognised as the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV, the 2006 RX 400h marked a defining inflexion point not only for Lexus, but also for the automotive industry at large, redefining perceptions of what a hybrid vehicle could be.

Since then, Lexus has made significant strides in diversifying its portfolio with an expanding range of hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). By 2030, Lexus aims to offer a full line-up of BEVs across every segment and showroom globally. In that same year, the brand targets annual sales of one million BEVs worldwide, with electric vehicles accounting for 100 per cent of sales in Europe, North America, and China, before expanding that ambition worldwide by 2035.

As Lexus advances towards full electrification, the marque continues to refine the hybrid systems that first underpinned the RX 400h, evolving them into a sophisticated suite of electrified powertrains. Beyond efficiency, these systems are engineered to preserve the refined, reliable, and engaging driving experience synonymous with Lexus.

Staying true to this mission, Lexus Malaysia is set to introduce the all-new LX 700h, the first hybrid variant in the LX lineage, this year. Designed to uphold the nameplate’s reputation for reliability, durability, and rough-road capability, the flagship SUV represents the culmination of decades of technical innovation. Its newly developed 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain produces 457 bhp and 790 Nm of torque, delivering strong and instant acceleration aided by the immediate torque of its electric components and responsive turbochargers. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the system delivers smooth and precise shifts while keeping the engine within its optimal power band.

Inside, the LX 700h further embodies Lexus’s philosophy of intuitive luxury through its tazuna cockpit, which positions key driving controls around the steering wheel to minimise distractions and to keep the driver focused on the road ahead. Structural enhancements also contribute to a more planted and confident driving feel, while the SUV’s commanding spindle grille and sculpted hood reinforce its imposing presence.

Elsewhere in the Lexus hybrid range, electrification takes on different forms. The fourth-generation hybrid system pairing a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with a high-output motor within the NX 350h prioritises fuel economy without sacrificing responsiveness, while the brand’s E-Four all-wheel-drive technology intelligently distributes power between the front and rear motors for improved traction and efficiency. Meanwhile, the DIRECT4 technology within the performance-forward RX 500h F Sport enhances handling stability and traction across varying road conditions by precisely controlling drive force distribution between the axles.

Comfort and refinement remain central to the Lexus experience as well. Features such as Active Noise Control reduce unwanted engine booming noise, while advanced vibration-absorbing materials and adaptive suspension systems contribute to a smoother, quieter ride. Premium audio technologies, engineered for precise stereophonic sound reproduction, further elevate the in-cabin experience into something akin to a live concert setting.

For more information, please visit Lexus Malaysia’s website.