LQ Looks to Dominate Luxury SUV Market With 600 HP

Ranger Topper

The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept proved quite successful for the automaker when it debuted over two years ago at the Detroit Auto Show. But at the time, many simply expected the swoopy, futuristic-looking SUV to preview future styling changes to the LX. However, a recent report from Car & Driver reveals that the LF-1 might actually turn out to be a range-topping production vehicle dubbed the LQ with some pretty exciting specs.

Photos: Lexus

On Roader

Building a high-end luxury SUV seems to be the smart move for Lexus, as other brands already offer such a machine to high-end buyers. And a production version of the LF-1 looks like a great way to do it. According to C&D, the forthcoming LQ will be based largely on Lexus' current flagship, the LS sedan, so don't expect some sort of off-roader like the current LX, however.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming flagship LQ SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Power Options

That includes all the same underpinnings, as well as powertrains. The LQ would be available with the LS' 416 hp twin-turbo V6 and/or 354 hp hybrid setup. But C&D also notes that an F performance model might also be in the cards, with a 600+ horsepower twin-turbo V6 under the hood. Given the current popularity of high powered flagship SUVs, this would make all the sense in the world and give Lexus a serious weapon to use against the competition.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming flagship LQ SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Worth the Wait

Couple that with the sultry styling of the LF-1, and you've got a potential winner. Unfortunately, such a machine isn't going to debut any time soon. C&D estimates that the LQ will go on sale in the 2022 model year, and potentially later given the current climate. But it would most certainly be worth the wait.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming flagship LQ SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Pricing

And as you might imagine, it won't be cheap, either. C&D estimates the LQ will start out somewhere around $80,000, with options taking that price up past the six-digit mark. But that would still be a bit of a bargain compared to some of the competition, including from the likes of Porsche, who will happily sell you a Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid for well over $200k.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming flagship LQ SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Future of Luxury

Those waiting for an F performance model of the LQ would likely have to wait another model year as well. But if everything we're hearing turns out to be true, it should be a proper rival for the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and Audi RS Q8. Lexus has already trademarked the LQ nameplate, and previously stated that its LF-1 concept has the "potential to shape the future of a flagship luxury crossover."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming flagship LQ SUV right here in Club Lexus.

Buckle Up

Lexus also recently noted that the next-gen LX would represent a "huge departure" from the current model, and has a number of changes in the works in an obvious effort to modernize its lineup. So buckle up, Lexus fans, because it sure looks like the next couple of years are going to be pretty exciting.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the upcoming flagship LQ SUV right here in Club Lexus.

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