Lexus LX 700h Trademark Filing Hints at Possible Hybrid Version of Luxury SUV
An electrified Lexus LX 700h makes far too much sense not to happen, as it would presumably be an easy build.
The Lexus LX 600 debuted for the 2022 model year as an all-new, redesigned version of the long-running flagship luxury SUV. The new LX rides on Toyota’s brand new GA-F platform and ditches the naturally-aspirated V8 power of its predecessor for a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, which was a bit shocking and somewhat disappointing for some, though the new powerplant is excellent in its own right, delivering plenty of power with improved economy. Regardless, some have openly wondered why the LX isn’t available with a hybrid powertrain, as is the case with the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. Now, a trademark filing for Lexus LX 700h might just indicate that such a combination is in the works.
The luxury brand filed a trademark for Lexus LX 700h with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) earlier this month, which is seemingly a pretty good sign that it will come to fruition. While some – many, in fact – trademark filings never actually amount to anything, a hybrid version of the big LX makes too much sense for it not to happen, and there are plenty of reasons why.
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For starters, with tightening fuel economy standards, it makes sense that Lexus may want to offer a more efficient version of its fuel-chugging full-size SUV, particularly as it works to electrify its entire lineup in the coming years. Secondly, installing Toyota’s hybrid i-Force Max powertrain – rated to produce 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque in the Tundra – would presumably be incredibly easy to do, immediately giving the LX an upgrade not only in terms of fuel efficiency, but also power, as the existing engine cranks out 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.
The only issue we can see with such a change lies in packaging – in the Sequoia, Toyota placed the hybrid powertrain’s battery pack in the third row, which limits space in that particular section of the vehicle. In the Tundra, that same battery is located behind the second row of the crew cab, impeding less in that regard. We can’t imagine that Lexus wants to give up much in the way of passenger space in its flagship SUV, but then again, customers may be willing to make that sacrifice in the name of performance and efficiency.
Photos: Lexus
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