Lexus’ new LX has a waterproofed hybrid engine

Lexus is launching a new LX SUV with a “rugged” hybrid engine that’s capable of surviving some watery excursions. The LX 700h is equipped with a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo hybrid system with a waterproof battery and a divider that helps prevent water ingress to the engine, and a waterproof AC inverter that provides up to 2,400 watts of external power supply. If water gets into the system, you’ll be alerted on the new 12.3-inch full LCD meter screen.

Lexus says its newly designed parallel hybrid system integrates a motor generator with a clutch positioned in between the engine and transmission. The setup lets it maximize torque output and maintain full-time 4WD, which is good for efficiency. It’s also the automaker’s first system that includes both an alternator and a starter that can bypass the hybrid system in case of a failure and act as a regular gas engine.

If you take the LX into some standing water, it can go as deep as 700mm (27.56 inches) without worrying about ingress. Comparatively, a Jeep Wrangler 4xe, another SUV with a waterproofed hybrid system, is designed to go as deep as 31.5 inches.

The LX has a more Jeep-like “Overtrail” edition in the lineup, too, that includes a front and rear differential lock — and for the first time — you can configure an LX with all-terrain tires on 18-inch rims. It’s not clear when you’ll be able to buy an LX 700h, but Lexus says it will conduct a “phased rollout” for the LX across various regions starting in late 2024.