2026 Lexus LX 700h Launch: Hybrid Flagship Replaces the V8 at AED 449,000
Hamza Khan·13 May 2026·8 min read
Lexus replaces the LX 600's V8 with a turbocharged hybrid system producing 459 hp and a claimed 10.2 L/100 km. The new LX 700h launches across the GCC this quarter.
The Lexus LX has used a V8 since 1998. That changes in 2026. The LX 700h introduces a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid that produces more power, more torque and significantly less fuel consumption than the engine it replaces — while retaining every aspect of the LX's legendary off-road capability.
Quick-Take Overview
Design & Exterior
The LX 700h maintains the LX 600's exterior design — Lexus has made no exterior changes for the hybrid launch. The spindle grille, L-shaped LED headlights and three-dimensional rear light treatment are all carried over.
The key change visible from outside: the hybrid badge on the front doors and a new Liquid Platinum metallic exterior colour — light grey with an overtone that changes from silver to champagne in different lighting.
Interior & Technology
The LX 700h receives an interior update alongside the powertrain. The 12.3-inch touchscreen — previously criticised for slow response — receives a faster processor and a revised Lexus Interface 3.0 software update that reduces infotainment navigation steps by 40%.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are added as standard for the first time on the LX — previously they required a wired connection. The Mark Levinson 25-speaker audio system (1,800W) remains unchanged — and remains exceptional.
Off-Road Technology
Multi-Terrain Select retains all five modes: Sand, Rock, Snow, Mud & Snow, and Loose Rock. Crawl Control is standard. The Downhill Assist Control and the Multi-Terrain Monitor (360-degree cameras with terrain overlay) are both standard on all LX 700h variants.
New for 700h: the rear electric motor provides instantaneous torque in sand mode — replacing the V8's low-end torque advantage with electric-motor immediacy.
Powertrain & Performance
| Spec | LX 600 V8 (outgoing) | LX 700h (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L NA V6 | 3.4L TT V6 |
| System | Petrol | Hybrid (petrol + electric) |
| System power | 415 hp | 459 hp |
| System torque | 650 Nm | 750 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.7 sec | 5.9 sec |
| Fuel economy | 14.2 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km |
Pricing & Trim Guide
| Trim | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| LX 700h | 449,000 |
| LX 700h F Sport | 489,000 |
| LX 700h Three Row | 469,000 |
The Three Row adds a third-row configuration (870 mm legroom) — the first LX with usable third-row seating.
Verdict
The LX 700h is the best Lexus ever offered in the UAE. The hybrid system's combination of performance improvement (459 vs 415 hp), fuel economy improvement (10.2 vs 14.2 L/100 km) and torque improvement (750 vs 650 Nm) is a comprehensive upgrade.
The AED 54,000 premium over the LX 600 is recovered in approximately 4.5 years of fuel savings at 20,000 km/year — making the LX 700h a financially rational as well as technically superior choice.
Recommended: LX 700h Three Row in Liquid Platinum — the complete package.