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Lexus LX 700h Overtrail Review: Overbuilt for the Road and That’s the Point

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PROS:


  • Highway composure rivals luxury sedans despite off-road tires

  • Seats built for hours, not just showroom impressions

  • Hybrid torque smooths every merge and grade effortlessly

  • Genuine off-road hardware never compromises daily driving

  • Restrained design reduces visual bulk without losing presence

CONS:


  • Dual-screen infotainment takes time to internalize

  • Third row remains tight for adult passengers

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The capability you'll never use shapes every mile you actually drive.

I spent a week with the 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail on a family road trip. Not crawling over rocks. Not testing approach angles. Just driving, for hours, across highways and through small towns with my family loaded in.

Designer: Lexus

The Overtrail package is engineered for terrain I never touched. Electronically locking front and rear differentials. A torsen center diff. 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. Multi-Terrain Select with crawl control and downhill assist. Lexus built this thing to climb, descend, and articulate through conditions that would strand most luxury SUVs.

I used it to pick up coffee and cover 400 miles of interstate.

That disconnect sounds like a waste. It isn’t. The Overtrail’s capability translates into something unexpected on pavement: confidence that borders on calm.

Design Intent: Restraint Over Spectacle

Most off-road trims exaggerate aggression. Overtrail does the opposite. It reads like industrial equipment that happens to be finished well.

My tester arrived in Desert Moon Beige, a color that does real design work. In overcast light, it leans neutral and slightly cool. In direct sun, it warms without becoming flashy. There’s no metallic sparkle, no high-contrast drama. The finish behaves like a muted architectural surface, and that restraint helps the LX feel calmer and less imposing despite its size. For a vehicle this large, color choice matters more than most buyers realize. Desert Moon Beige actively reduces perceived bulk.

The Overtrail-specific dark spindle grille anchors the front fascia with no chrome and no bright interruptions. Horizontal slat density visually lowers the nose and widens the stance. The black surround ties directly into lower cladding and wheel arch trim, creating a continuous dark band that grounds the vehicle from every angle. Headlights sit high and slim, emphasizing width rather than height. The LED signature reads clean and controlled, not aggressive.

Wheel choice plays a bigger role than it first appears. The 18-inch black wheels with tall all-terrain sidewalls visually compress the body and soften the stance. That extra tire volume signals off-road intent, but it also calms the design. Larger wheels would have sharpened the edges and made the LX feel top-heavy. Instead, Overtrail looks grounded and planted, even parked. Tire tread is visible but not visually loud. Capable at rest, quiet in motion.

My vehicle included two options worth noting. Black side steps visually lower the body line and materially improve daily usability, making entry and exit easier on a family road trip without making the vehicle look less capable. A roof rack subtly changes the silhouette and adds a hint of expedition intent, but it remains proportionally integrated and introduces no visual clutter or noticeable wind noise. Both are optional, not standard, and both reinforce the configured nature of this specific vehicle.

Nothing about Overtrail pretends to be lightweight or sporty. The surfaces are thick. Panel gaps look engineered for durability, not minimized for show. It feels designed to survive abrasion, dust, and neglect without losing its identity. In this exact configuration, the LX 700h Overtrail looks intentional, grounded, and restrained. It doesn’t read as an off-road costume. It reads as a long-distance vehicle that happens to be engineered far beyond what most daily driving demands. That material honesty carries into the cabin.

Cabin Design: Luxury Filtered Through Utility

Inside, Overtrail prioritizes clarity, durability, and spatial calm. These qualities become obvious after hours behind the wheel.

The seats deserve specific credit. Cushions are broad and upright, with a firmness that supports posture rather than sinking you in. On a road trip, this matters more than initial plushness. Hours in, fatigue stays low. Lexus tuned these seats for sustained comfort, not showroom softness.

Material choices reinforce that goal. Leather surfaces feel resilient rather than delicate. Trim finishes avoid gloss in favor of textures that diffuse light. In changing daylight conditions, the cabin stays visually quiet. No glare. No sparkle. That reduces cognitive load on long highway stretches.

The dual-screen layout finally makes sense in this context. The upper 12.3-inch display handles navigation and media without feeling crowded. The lower 7-inch screen anchors climate and vehicle functions in a fixed visual zone. This separation reduces hunting for controls. Muscle memory builds quickly when you’re driving for hours rather than minutes.

Physical controls deserve credit. Knobs and buttons for key functions feel deliberate and weighted. Lexus resisted the urge to bury everything in menus, and that restraint pays off when you’re adjusting climate or audio repeatedly during a 6-hour drive.

Powertrain: Hybrid Torque Without Drama

The 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid pairs with a high-torque electric motor and 10-speed automatic. Output reaches 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, significantly more twist than the non-hybrid LX600.

On paper, those numbers suggest performance ambitions. In practice, the hybrid system plays a subtler role. It smooths transitions and fills gaps rather than announcing itself.

Throttle response feels immediate without being jumpy. Low-speed acceleration is effortless, especially when merging or climbing grades. The electric assist masks turbo lag and prevents the drivetrain from feeling strained under load. At highway speeds, the LX settles into a relaxed cruising rhythm. Engine noise stays muted. Gear changes are unobtrusive.

The vehicle never feels confused about its identity. Power delivery remains linear and confident, reinforcing the sense that this is a long-distance machine. EPA ratings land at 19 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined. Real-world highway testing shows around 20 mpg on premium fuel. The roughly 22-gallon fuel tank helps offset the hybrid system’s modest efficiency gains, though range still trails some non-hybrid rivals due to weight and tire choice. Off-road tire fitment can drop economy nearer to 13 mpg in demanding conditions. For my highway-heavy week, fuel stops came more often than expected but never felt punishing.

Ride Quality: The Overtrail Surprise

This is where the experience becomes genuinely interesting.

Despite the aggressive tire and suspension setup, the LX 700h Overtrail rides with unexpected composure on the highway. No constant jiggle. No nervous vertical motion. Expansion joints and uneven pavement are absorbed with a controlled, damped response rather than sharp impacts.

The tall sidewalls do significant work here, but suspension tuning deserves equal credit. Lexus prioritized body control over stiffness. The vehicle settles quickly after bumps, maintaining a sense of mass without sluggishness. It doesn’t float, but it doesn’t punish either.

At highway speeds, the cabin remains impressively insulated. Tire noise is present but subdued, more of a distant texture than a distraction. Wind noise stays low, even around the mirrors and A-pillars. That achievement isn’t trivial given the LX’s frontal area.

Long stretches reveal another strength. The ride stays consistent over time. Some off-road oriented vehicles feel fine initially, then wear you down. Overtrail maintains its composure. After hours, it still feels predictable and settled.

Steering and Control: Calm Over Sharpness

Steering feel aligns with the rest of the design philosophy. It isn’t sporty, but it’s precise enough to inspire confidence.

On-center stability is strong, which reduces constant micro-corrections on the highway. The wheel weights up naturally at speed, reinforcing a sense of control rather than urgency.

In corners, the LX reminds you of its 6,000-plus pounds. But it manages weight transfer gracefully. No sudden lean. No delayed response. Everything happens predictably. That predictability becomes a form of comfort on long drives.

Driver assistance systems stay mostly out of the way. Lane keeping and adaptive cruise work quietly in the background without aggressive corrections. That restraint fits the Overtrail personality. The vehicle supports the driver rather than competing for attention.

The Off-Road Hardware You May Never Use

The Overtrail package isn’t cosmetic. The hardware is real.

Front and rear electronically locking differentials provide genuine capability. The torsen center diff, front skid plate, and 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels add articulation and low-speed control that matter on dirt and rock. Multi-Terrain Select, crawl control, and downhill assist mean Lexus built systems for conditions most owners will never encounter.

Physical buttons for drive modes make it both automatic point-and-shoot capable and manually configurable for serious terrain. Reviewers who have tested Overtrail in off-road conditions confirm it performs. I simply chose not to.

That choice reveals the real achievement. Lexus engineered an off-road package that doesn’t dominate the on-road experience. The hardware adds capability without injecting harshness, noise, or visual chaos into daily use.

What Lexus Got Right and What They Didn’t

The interior craftsmanship is excellent. High-end materials and supportive seats make long drives comfortable. Physical controls for essential functions feel deliberate and earned. Safety technology is plentiful.

The digital user experience is less cohesive. The dual-screen infotainment can feel disjointed and layered in ways that take time to internalize. Some competitors offer more advanced hands-free driver assistance. Cargo space is modest with the third row up, though it grows significantly when folded. The third row itself is tight for adults.

At six-figure pricing, starting around $114,500 to $119,000 before options, some buyers may expect interior richness that matches or exceeds European benchmarks. Lexus delivers refinement and durability, but the cabin doesn’t scream opulence. It whispers capability.

The Design Takeaway

The LX 700h Overtrail is not an off-road cosplay vehicle that sacrifices road comfort. It’s a long-distance luxury SUV that happens to be overbuilt for terrain you may never touch.

From a design perspective, that’s the real achievement. Ruggedness doesn’t need to announce itself loudly. Sometimes the most confident design choice is letting capability exist quietly beneath the surface.

I drove it across states with my family. The off-road hardware sat unused, but its presence shaped everything about how the vehicle behaved. The mass felt intentional. The composure felt earned. The confidence felt deserved.

For buyers who want genuine capability without the aesthetic compromise, Overtrail makes a compelling argument. You’re paying for engineering that may never be tested, but you feel it every mile anyway.

Price: Starting at $114,500 (Overtrail trim)

Powertrain: 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid, 457 hp, 583 lb-ft

Fuel Economy: 19 city / 22 highway / 20 combined (EPA)

Key Features: Electronically locking front/rear differentials, 33-inch all-terrain tires, Multi-Terrain Select, adaptive suspension, dual-screen infotainment with physical controls

The post Lexus LX 700h Overtrail Review: Overbuilt for the Road and That’s the Point first appeared on Yanko Design.

2025 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Review: Designing Space for a V8 in an Electrified World

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PROS:


  • Linear V8 response - Naturally aspirated powertrain delivers tactile throttle connection

  • Rear wheel drive architecture - Traditional chassis balance in an AWD-dominated segment

  • Cohesive visual identity - Flare Yellow package unifies exterior and interior design

  • Mechanical limited slip - Torsen differential enhances predictable corner exits

  • Daily performance tuning - Comfort-biased chassis suits real-world use

CONS:


  • Dated infotainment - Interface feels a generation behind modern rivals

  • Fuel economy penalty - Significant consumption costs for daily driving

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

An unapologetic design preserves mechanical joy while others chase efficiency.

Flare Yellow bodywork catches parking garage fluorescents like a warning flare. Quad exhaust tips broadcast displacement before you turn the key. The 2025 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium arrives unapologetic while most luxury sedans in 2025 spend their energy explaining away downsized engines and turbocharger compromises. In a market segment that has largely abandoned both of those choices, this combination reads less like a product strategy and more like a design philosophy made physical. The sedan occupies a strange position: compact luxury dimensions wrapped around powertrain architecture that most competitors retired years ago. That tension between contemporary shell and analog holdout defines every interaction with the car, from the first ignition cycle to the hundredth highway merge.

Designer: Lexus

Flare Yellow is not simply a paint option here. Lexus positions it as a complete appearance system, bundling 19 inch black forged alloy wheels, Ultrasuede interior inserts with yellow stitching, matching seatbelts, illuminated door sills, and coordinated floor mats. The color becomes a unifying thread that connects exterior surfacing to cabin touchpoints, transforming what could be a single aesthetic choice into an integrated material language. At $4,050 for the package, the investment purchases coherence rather than mere visibility.

Exterior Form Language

Aggression arrives through geometry rather than applied decoration. The spindle grille dominates the frontal view, its lattice pattern creating depth and shadow that shifts with viewing angle and ambient light. Triple beam LED headlamps flank the grille, their layered optical elements suggesting technical complexity even at rest. The overall stance sits low and wide, with wheel arches that fill their openings without the exaggerated flaring that characterizes some performance variants.

Moving rearward, the roofline descends in a continuous arc that terminates at a ducktail spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. Quad exhaust tips emerge from the rear diffuser, their stacked arrangement serving as the primary visual signal of the V8 beneath. The proportion relationship between greenhouse and body mass reads as deliberately compact, the cabin volume compressed relative to the sculptural surfaces surrounding it. This creates the impression of a machine built around its mechanical core rather than a passenger compartment with propulsion attached. The 19 inch wheels and aggressive fender surfacing work to visually manage nearly 4,000 pounds, making the car read lighter and wider than the scales suggest.

Interior Material Hierarchy

Inside, tactile engagement takes priority over digital spectacle. NuLuxe trimmed seats provide the primary contact surface, their bolstering firm enough to communicate sport intent without creating discomfort during extended use. The Ultrasuede inserts in the Flare Yellow package introduce texture variation that catches fingertips differently than the surrounding synthetic leather, establishing a sensory hierarchy across the seating surfaces.

The steering wheel arrives wrapped in leather with a heated element, its rim diameter and grip circumference calibrated for hands that expect direct mechanical feedback. Aluminum pedals replace the standard rubber units, their knurled surfaces providing positive purchase under aggressive inputs. Satin trim accents break up the interior darkness, creating visual rhythm without the reflective distraction of polished chrome.

The Mark Levinson audio system occupies the acoustic environment with authority. Its 17 speakers deliver the kind of spatial imaging that justifies the premium trim designation, filling the cabin with presence that matches the V8’s mechanical drama.

 

The interface through which that system operates represents the cabin’s most significant temporal artifact. A 10.3 inch touchscreen accepts finger input but also responds to a trackpad controller mounted on the center console, a legacy interface element that creates immediate friction. Reaching for the screen to tap a climate shortcut feels natural until you remember the trackpad exists; defaulting to the trackpad means dragging a cursor across a surface designed for touch. Two design eras compete on the same console, and neither fully wins.

Powertrain as Sensory Design

Numbers tell part of the story: 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm from a 5.0 liter V8. What matters more is how that power arrives. Natural aspiration means throttle response arrives without the intervention of turbocharger spool, creating a direct relationship between pedal position and acoustic output. The engine announces its presence through a broadband exhaust note that builds intensity with engine speed, the quad tips providing the exit path for a sound that functions as the car’s primary experiential feature.

The sprint to 60 arrives in the mid four second range, figures that place the IS 500 behind several turbocharged competitors on paper. The gap narrows in lived experience because the V8 delivers its power in a linear curve rather than a turbocharged surge, allowing the driver to modulate output with precision that boost dependent systems struggle to match. The eight speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly in sport mode, though it lacks the dual clutch immediacy that defines the segment’s sharper offerings.

Rear wheel drive completes the mechanical architecture, a configuration increasingly rare in this segment where all wheel drive has become the default assumption. The Torsen limited slip differential, a helical gear system that transfers torque mechanically rather than through electronic intervention, manages power distribution to the rear axle. Its purely mechanical operation provides predictable behavior at the adhesion limit, sending power to whichever wheel has grip without the response lag of clutch pack systems. Exiting a tight corner under throttle, the result is smooth, progressive traction rather than the sudden electronic clamp of stability nannies fighting for control. Adaptive suspension and upgraded brakes with enhanced cooling address the chassis requirements of the additional powertrain mass, though these systems tune toward comfort rather than track aggression.

Dynamic Compromise

Nearly 4,000 pounds announces itself the moment the road curves. The IS 500 weighs approximately 3,973 pounds in tested configuration, mass that reveals its presence during direction changes and hard braking. Push beyond street driving limits and understeer arrives predictably, the front tires reaching their grip threshold before the rear can rotate the chassis. The steering provides adequate weight but filters road texture in ways that prioritize refinement over information density. These are characteristics of a car tuned for daily use rather than weekend autocross, a calibration choice that aligns with the comfort of the seats and the isolation of the cabin.

The brake pedal requires calibration of expectations, its initial travel soft before building resistance. This tuning prioritizes smoothness during traffic deceleration but reduces confidence during aggressive threshold braking. Stability control intervention arrives earlier than competitors allow, limiting the exploration of chassis dynamics even when the driver seeks that engagement.

On a fast two lane road at seven tenths, the character clarifies. The V8 pulls cleanly out of corners while the chassis absorbs mid corner bumps that would unsettle lighter, stiffer competitors. Push harder and the front washes wide, but within the envelope of spirited street driving, the balance feels deliberate rather than deficient.

These compromises reflect a deliberate design decision: Lexus tuned for the commute, not the canyon. That calibration disappoints enthusiasts seeking sharper responses but serves the owner who wants to live with a V8 daily. The IS 500 prioritizes living with the V8 rather than extracting its maximum potential, a choice that makes the powertrain accessible across driving contexts rather than demanding specific conditions for enjoyment.

Value Positioning and Market Context

At $69,539 as tested, including destination and the Flare Yellow appearance package, the IS 500 positions itself against both four cylinder luxury sedans and more focused performance machinery. The competitive landscape has shifted around this car: BMW offers turbocharged inline sixes, Mercedes deploys electrified four cylinders, and Alfa Romeo provides sharper dynamics at similar price points. Against this field, the IS 500 competes on differentiation rather than specification superiority.

Fuel economy penalties are explicit and substantial. The EPA rates the powertrain at 17 mpg city, 25 highway, and 20 combined, figures that translate to approximately $3,200 in annual fuel costs. Over five years, that adds roughly $6,500 more than average. Environmental ratings land at 4 out of 10 for both fuel economy and smog, reflecting the consequences of maintaining natural aspiration while competitors optimize for regulatory compliance.

The value proposition depends on what the buyer prioritizes. Powertrain character over lap times. Exhaust note over efficiency. Mechanical simplicity over technological sophistication. For those criteria, the IS 500 delivers experiences its competitors have abandoned. The car exists because Lexus chose to preserve something rather than optimize everything.

Design Intent Realized

As a design object, the IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium prioritizes a specific experience over balanced capability. The naturally aspirated V8 in rear wheel drive configuration represents a powertrain topology that market forces are eliminating, preserved here in a package refined enough for daily use. Flare Yellow demonstrates how color can function as a design element rather than a decorative choice, unifying interior and exterior into a coherent material statement.

Limitations and character prove inseparable. The weight that softens handling also supports the sound deadening that makes the V8 a companion rather than an assault. The infotainment system that frustrates also maintains the physical controls and clear hierarchy that digital native interfaces have abandoned. Fuel consumption that punishes the wallet finances the displacement that creates the acoustic experience.

Assembled in Tahara, Japan, the IS 500 wears a five star safety rating from NHTSA across all categories. It arrives as a complete product rather than a work in progress. Its design intent is preservation: holding space for a powertrain philosophy while the industry accelerates toward electrification. Whether that intent justifies the compromises depends on what the buyer believes is worth keeping alive. That Flare Yellow paint catching light in a parking garage announces the same thing the V8 announces at redline: this machine refused to apologize. For the driver who values mechanical tactility over interface novelty, the IS 500 answers a question the rest of the segment stopped asking.

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This Armored Lexus Concept Borrows From Cybertruck and Rezvani, But Stays Premium

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Viewed in isolation, the LF TT could easily be mistaken for a Rezvani sketch or a videogame boss vehicle: slab sides, armored arches, and a stance that looks ready to drive through a building rather than around it. Only when you start tracing the lines does the Lexus in it emerge, from the long, graceful roof arc to the layered surfacing that sits underneath all the blocky geometry.

That tension between brutality and refinement is the core of the project. It borrows the visual grammar of Cybertruck‑style faceting and Rezvani‑style intimidation, then overlays it with Lexus’ obsession with crafted surfaces and precise lighting graphics. The LF TT is not trying to be a practical pickup; it is trying to answer a different question entirely: what would a Lexus halo truck look like if it had to share a stage with the loudest, most extreme machines in the segment.

Designer: Theo Flament

The front end is a masterclass in this translation. Instead of a literal spindle grille, the design uses a deeply recessed trapezoidal cavity to house three powerful light modules, creating the same pinched-waist effect through negative space and shadow. Above this, a razor-thin DRL stretches across the fascia, an aggressive evolution of the light blades seen on the current RX and RZ models. The hood itself features sharp, origami-like creases radiating from the central emblem, another nod to the L-Finesse philosophy of creating dynamic surfaces that catch the light. It’s a clever reinterpretation, translating a familiar brand identity into a language of hard-edged, functionalist aggression without losing the original logic or hierarchy of the face.

The comparison to the Cybertruck is unavoidable, but the execution of the surfacing is fundamentally different. Where Tesla’s design suggests raw, folded stainless steel, the LF TT’s body panels feel more like layered armor plating over a muscular, sculpted core. The main surfaces have subtle bulges and are broken by deep, intersecting feature lines that create a sense of tension and complexity, a hallmark of the L-Finesse language, just sharpened to a knife’s edge. Capping it all is a sleek, coupe-like glasshouse with a continuous arc from the A-pillar to the tail. This silhouette is much closer to a performance GT like the Lexus LC than any utility vehicle, reinforcing its road-biased, high-performance mission.

This theme of reinterpreted signatures continues at the rear. The full-width light bar, now a staple for Lexus, is rendered as a series of tightly packed vertical fins, adding a level of detail and precision that feels more like a high-end watch than a simple taillight. This intricate detail work reinforces the LF TT’s true purpose. It’s not a workhorse. The short rear overhang, fastback profile, and massive, stylized wheels on low-profile tires clearly position it as a high-performance halo product. It’s a rally-raid supercar for the road, a kind of “LF-A of trucks” meant to showcase technological prowess and design confidence rather than payload capacity or pure off-road practicality. It’s a statement piece, designed for presence above all else.

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Lexus LS Van Concept is a future-ready motorhome for digital nomads

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Lexus is retiring the LS sedan after 2026, marking more than three decades of trust and user convenience. The Japanese luxury brand has not, however, given up on the LS moniker as it debuts a trio of concepts at the Tokyo auto show that includes a six-wheeled van, a self-driving three-wheeled robotaxi concept for cities, a larger-than-life catamaran, and a more conventional coupe.

None of these concepts is slated for a production run anytime soon, and the idea here looks to preserve the legacy of the LS division, which has served the brand well all these years. Toyota’s luxury brand debuted these interesting creations at the mega auto show with positive response from automotive pundits and motorheads alike.

Designer: Lexus

LS Van Concept

Lexus sells vans in the Asian and European markets, but not yet in the American market. The LS Van Concept takes that idea to the next level with a design that reassures its usefulness for digital nomads. The LS here signifies the Large Space aesthetic of the van, complemented by the luxury amenities that’ll never leave anyone longing for more. The vehicle has six wheels courtesy of an extra axle, giving the van more room for increasing the interior space. That means the vehicle can easily accommodate four to six people on extended adventure trips. In the relaxed mode, the two front seats can be rotated to face the rear for a more socializing layout when parked.

Rather than being a four-door saloon, the van is stretched out to revive the charm of spacious vans. The sliding door opens to reveal the interior space that is unlike any Lexus before this one. The airy cabin has large windows and a couple of skylights that are adjacent to each other for a panoramic view outside and to enjoy the night sky in its full glory. The seating configuration inside can be done in multiple configurations, including the large captain-styled seats or the reclining bench layout that can double as a nighttime sleeper for an adult. Up front, the luxury van has a curved digital display behind the yoke steering, which shows all the vitals HUD elements.

LS Micro Concept

The LS Micro Concept is a single-seater, three-wheeled commuter tailored for tight spaces. To make the city travel a less stressful experience, the vehicle is self-driving and seems less likely to enter the production lines anytime in the future. The inside cabin can be opened up when there is more space freedom, but in the normal configuration, the vehicle seems quite claustrophobic.

It’s more like a moving pod that’s loaded with a business-class-seat layout, much like the other Lexus cars. Unlike the LS Van, this one has a very closed configuration, with blacked-out translucent windows that signify the privacy aesthetic of the car. The trike is more suited to individuals who like to move solo and prefer a private setup to not get disturbed by the bustle of the city.

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Custom Lexus GX bakes oven fresh pizzas in the boot, comes with luxe appliances and exclusive Monogram interiors

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2024 Lexus GX as a 7-seater off-road SUV has hit the right notes with the most critical reviewers after the official launch. The car carries forward the Japanese automaker’s promise of luxury with performance. To bring something unique to the world of a kitchen on wheels, Lexus has teamed up with GE’s Monogram (luxury appliance division) to fit a Smart Flush Heart Oven in the rear of the bossy car.

The luxury culinary experience on board this off-road SUV seems like an odd combination when we talk of practicality since the vehicle will tread inhospitable dirt tracks bouncing around. That though fades away quickly as soon as one lays eyes on the exquisite vehicle, inside out. The interiors are embellished with a stainless-steel, black, and brass color scheme, with gold badges, gold accents. That’s a good start for the adventure-oriented GX, but there’s a lot more, so read on.

Designer: Lexus and GE Monogam

The idea here is to convert the capable off-roader into a bespoke culinary experience on wheels” right from the moment you enter the vehicle, drive it and then take a break to eat some delicacies. Monogram doesn’t just stop at the rear, the whole interiors are done in the matching theme with dual-tone camel leather seats and door panel trims, complemented by the brass and titanium metal along with the Dekton slate stone accents. The interior has numerous luxury appliances and accessories to elevate the whole experience. According to Lexus, the one-off GX comes fitted with a rare heated ice press (between the rear seats) that makes spherical ice cubes.

What makes it a lip-smacking proposition is the boot having a Smart Flush Hearth Oven with a 30-inch display. The electric oven is custom-made to mimic the performance of a wood-fired brick oven to bake pizzas and other eatables. Of course, you’ll need something to drink along, so there are pressured fitted cutouts on the side panels to store wine, bourbon, glasses and bottle openers. To complement this, Monogram has fitted a bar complete with a bar kit, glassware, bitters and a folding cutting board. Other essentials like cutlery and trash bin are houses inside the truck for quick retrieval. Everything is finely trimmed with quilted leather and carpeting, with the addition of a Dekton slate stone countertop-like plating station.

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Lexus Brings Its Brand Of Luxury To The Seas With The LY 680 Yacht

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Looks like automobiles are yesterday’s news because Lexus is making waves (literally) in the world of luxury yachts with its newly unveiled luxury yacht – the LY 680. This new vessel builds upon the success of its predecessor, the LY 650, offering even more space and innovative features for those seeking the ultimate in on-water relaxation and entertainment.

Designer: Lexus

The LY 680 embodies Lexus’s “Crafted” design philosophy, seamlessly blending exquisite aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Built by the Horizon Group, a leader in crafting exceptional yachts, the LY 680 promises to be a luxurious sanctuary at sea. Think unparalleled comfort, signature Lexus performance, and a design language that echoes the brand’s renowned attention to detail.

One of the most striking enhancements is the expanded flybridge. Stretching over a meter and a half longer than the previous model, this space now boasts a spacious lounge sofa – perfect for lounging under the sun with a cool drink. But that’s not all. Imagine whipping up delicious meals for your guests on the integrated barbecue grill, all while taking in the breathtaking ocean views. For those who crave adventure on the water, the swimming platform has also been significantly extended by 700 millimeters. This translates to more space for launching water toys like jet skis or paddleboards, or simply relaxing closer to the water’s edge.

Twin Volvo Penta IPS engines, available in two configurations, ensure the yacht handles beautifully. Expect stable maneuvering, a smooth ride, and remarkably quiet operation – all contributing to a truly luxurious experience at sea. No matter the conditions, the LY 680 promises to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Clocking in at over 20 meters in length and nearly 6 meters wide, the LY 680 offers ample space for up to 15 passengers. Three luxurious cabins provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for six guests, making this yacht ideal for extended getaways with family and friends, or spontaneous weekend escapes. Imagine waking up to the gentle rocking of the waves and the sound of the ocean breeze – pure bliss.

Lexus has partnered with the Horizon Group, renowned for their advanced yacht-building expertise, to create the LY 680. This luxurious yacht, available for order in Japan through Toyota Marine starting March 21, 2024, promises to be a haven at sea. Deliveries are expected by spring 2026.

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Lexus concept car displayed as a light sculpture in Miami exhibition

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When you’re visiting car exhibit shows, you expect to see nothing but cars on display. The brands have to figure out how to make it a bit more exciting and innovative since looking at cars can become repetitive and if you’re not really a car enthusiast, it can get boring. But when you’re displaying a car at an art and design exhibition, then you can expect a more non-traditional way to look at the vehicle.

Designer: Marjan van Aubel

An installation to celebrate the Lexus LF-ZC Battery Electric Vehicle Concept Car is now on display at the Miami Art & Design Week. The “sculpture” is called “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” which is the time it takes for light to reach earth. So instead of the usual car display, what you get is a self-illuminating 3D skeleton of the concept car itself. It’s made from organic transparent photovoltaic (POV) sheets and is powered by solar energy. Each cell gives off a spectrum of color and movement and they are transparent to give off the maximum effect of light and patterns.

The EV Skateboard, which is where the engine will be located, is highlighted with an LED panel. It is the main feature of the car so this is where eyes will be drawn. Depending on where you’re standing, you’ll get a different perspective of the sculpture. There are also motion sensors which will let the car respond to those walking around, triggering a ripple through the LED light panels. You will also hear bamboo chimes since the concept car uses bamboo materials as well.

Every 10 minutes, you’ll get a crescendo of sound and light patterns. Since the sculpture is located in a garden setting, the color temperature also shifts along with the natural circadian rhythms of its surroundings. It’s a pretty interesting thing to see this in person and to experience a different kind of display for cars, even if it’s still just a concept car.

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This Lexus Showroom in Melbourne has over 1,000 native Australian plants on its facade

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Unveiled at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at the Flemington Racecourse in Australia, this new Lexus showroom/pavilion takes ‘Green Design’ to new heights! Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the three-floor modular structure is quite literally a living entity, adorned with over 1,000 native Australian plants and flowers on its façade, creating a breathtaking visual dialogue with the Australian landscape. Dubbed “LANDMARK by Lexus”, the pavilion is the result of an ongoing partnership with Victoria Racing Club, with this year’s theme being ‘Close to the Source’. The beauty of the pavilion lies in its modular, repurposable design that will alter from year to year as the themes change. While the building highlights Australian flora this year, its sustainably-built structure can entirely be disassembled and rearranged for next year’s theme, allowing the building to pretty much metamorphose each year with minimal impact.

Designer: Koichi Takada Architects

Koichi Takada, the visionary behind this project, views his architecture as a “living billboard,” a medium to demonstrate the potential of integrating nature into our built environments. His approach is a reminder of the joy and importance of reconnecting with nature, especially in urban settings. In his words, the pavilion is an opportunity to showcase what can be achieved when we blend architecture with the natural world, emphasizing the emotional and psychological benefits of this union.

Guests are encouraged to engage with the plantings that adorn its façade, which include edible native flora like native pepper, saltbush, and lemon myrtle. This interactive element is designed to stimulate the senses, inviting guests to touch, smell, and taste the vegetation, a feature that brilliantly encapsulates the essence of Australian bush tucker.

The design of the pavilion is a marvel of modern engineering, with a focus on sustainability and adaptability. Its modular nature allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and reuse, catering to a future where environmental consciousness is paramount. The integration of prefabricated awnings, which interlock with the modular framework, introduces natural curves that beautifully contrast with the gridded, man-made structure. These curves not only add an aesthetic softness but also play a crucial role in supporting the lush greenery that envelops the building.

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Lexus unveils the futuristic and functional LX 600 overlander for adventure junkies at SEMA 2023

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Lexus has once again captured the spotlight at the 2023 SEMA Show with the customized Lexus LX 600. This luxurious, full-size SUV is designed to redefine the boundaries of automotive innovation, showcasing cutting-edge features that make it a standout in the competitive world of SUVs.

One of the most attention-grabbing aspects of the Lexus LX 600 is its stunning color-shifting exterior, a design element that sets it apart from the crowd. This unique feature allows the Overlander SUV to change colors depending on the angle and lighting conditions, giving the vehicle an air of mystique and elegance. It’s a testament to Lexus’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and aesthetics.

Designer: Lexus

The LX 600’s interior is where the innovation truly shines. It’s not just an off-roading beast, it’s a mobile luxury kitchen on wheels. Lexus has seamlessly integrated a fully functional kitchen into the rear of the vehicle, making it the perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life. The kitchen boasts top-notch appliances, a spacious countertop, and ample storage space, ensuring that every journey is a culinary adventure waiting to unfurl.

This kitchen setup is an unprecedented addition catering to those who love to embark on road trips and enjoy fine dining while on the go. It transforms the LX 600 into a home away from home, allowing you to prepare gourmet meals without ever leaving the comfort of your vehicle. Under the hood, the Lexus LX 600 doesn’t disappoint either. It’s equipped with a powerful and efficient engine that delivers robust performance and a smooth, comfortable ride. Whether you’re driving on the highway or tackling off-road adventures, the LX 600 offers the versatility to handle any terrain with ease.

In addition to its luxurious features, the LX 600 also offers advanced safety and technology-laden features. It comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems that prioritize your safety and the safety of your passengers, making each journey as secure as it is enjoyable. Lexus has truly outdone itself with the LX 600, combining the brand’s renowned commitment to quality with innovative features that set it apart from the competition. The color-shifting exterior and the rear kitchen are not only conversation starters but also practical additions that make the LX 600 an exceptional choice for those seeking luxury and convenience.

The post Lexus unveils the futuristic and functional LX 600 overlander for adventure junkies at SEMA 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.