2021 Lexus LQ the good news that we got in 2021 Lexus LQ is rumored to be a beautiful luxury crossover intended to reclaim the magic that the company has with its original RX SUV more than two decades ago.
The progressive Lexus is special because it helps set new expectations for what a premium sports vehicle will be, and LQ seeks to rebuild that precedent with an even more luxurious experience.
Although we can only speculate on specifics, we think the styling will be bold and elegant, and we hope to ride on the rear-drive platform.
Along with traditional gasoline powertrain and mandatory all-wheel-drive options, upcoming crossovers may also be available with hybrid technology.
Much remains to be learned about 2021 Lexus LQ, but this is what we know so far.
LQ will be all-new for 2022. This is expected to replace the outdated Lexus LX as the company’s flagship SUV.
While the design looks inspired by the LC sports car, it’s expected to share platforms and powertrains with LS sedans.
2021 Lexus LQ News
Remember the LF-1 Limitless concept which is rather striking? Lexus launched Luxobarge more than two years ago at the Detroit Auto Show where many people watched secretly seeing the next-generation LX.
It seems that the Toyota premium division has something else in mind for the riding giant as a new report from Car and Driver shows the production version will be positioned above the aging LX.
The report says it will share many of its foundations with the luxury LS full-size sedan, but with an F twist because there may be a high-performance version equipped with a good twin-turbo V8 engine for more than 600 horsepower.
The lower version will take powertrain from Japanese S-Class rivals, the twin-turbo V6 which is rated 416 hp and a hybrid powertrain with 354 hp.
LQ will be available for 2022MY, which means it will not be sold until next year. The base version is estimated to cost somewhere in the region of $ 80,000 and go up to around $ 100,000 for its flagship variant.
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Lexus is unlikely to launch the F model from day one, so it might arrive a year later to sit on top of the range with a six-figure price tag to rival the likes of Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and Audi RS Q8.
It is worth mentioning that Lexus has gained the right to use the “LQ” moniker, and with a press release for the concept that says it has “the potential to shape the future of superior luxury crossovers,” that is possible.
That can’t come soon considering that the LX feels old compared to its much more modern rivals.
Our Toyota / Lexus insider told us a while ago that the 2021 Lexus LQ will switch to a completely new model by 2022 and will represent a “big departure” compared to the current vehicle launched a few months ago.
It will be interesting to see if he refers to the new LX or LQ. Either way, it would seem that Lexus is working hard to develop a new large SUV.
2021 Lexus LQ Interior
The interior of the Lexus consistently produces high-quality interiors that are covered with soft-touch surfaces and high-class materials.
However, the company has also shown a tendency to step on the polarization area with its design. We hope the LQ cabin will be more inclined towards the luxury found in LC than the busy layout found in the current RX medium size crossover.
Either way, there is no doubt that this Lexus SUV will be filled with luxury amenities. Each model will come with leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats.
We also hope to offer premium options such as richer skin, fine grain, heated rear seats, massaging front seats, and touch screens with individual controls mounted on the rear seat center console.
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Of course, LQ must provide plenty of passenger space in both lines. It is also safe to assume that it will boast of sufficient cargo volume to at least hold several luggage with a seat on top.
If LQ is ultimately influenced by newer Lexus models (such as the LS sedan) it can share infotainment systems and connectivity features. It shows a 12.3-inch center screen with a touchpad controller and a handful of other physical buttons.
Hopefully, the screen on LQ will respond to touch input because the settings on the LS are not, which means the user has to manipulate the infotainment system mainly through an intuitive touchpad.
However, we hope that the crossover will also have the desired content which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, built-in navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
2021 Lexus LQ Engine
Many rumors over the years have obscured our view of what was planned for the peak of the Lexus crossover.
In late 2018, a whisper from Japan claimed Lexus was working on a twin-turbo V8 with 660 horsepower for the production version of the LF-1 concept to be launched this year, with a lighter V6-powered trim to produce 424 hp. Part V8 came true, at least.
The side of the engine can be transported directly from the LS stable to the standard LQ model, which means – for now – a 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 with 416 horsepower and 442-pound feet of torque, and a 3.5 liter V6 which is assisted by two electric motors to produce 354 hp combined.
The LQ F or F Sport models can drive the upcoming twin-turbo V8 and cross the 600 hp limit.
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We believe LQ will inherit the powertrain from LS, which means there may be a traditional gasoline engine as well as a hybrid variant.
The first might be a 416-hp twin-turbocharged 3.4 liter V-6 paired with a 10-speed automatic.
The latter combination can be a 3.5 liter V-6 and two electric motors that produce 354 horsepower; continuous variable automatic transmission (CVT) will manage hybrid power.
Both of these settings are expected to be available with rear-wheel drive or all.
While we hope that Lexus offers the F Sport model, which traditionally encompasses unique performance hardware and chassis settings, LQ will largely focus on luxury.
It must have a creamy journey and a relaxed driving character.
2021 Lexus LQ EPA
Neither the EPA nor Lexus released a fuel economy forecast for 2022 LQ. Because we think crossovers can share powertrain with LS, the government’s rating can approach sedans.
Gas-powered LS is currently expected to produce up to 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
This hybrid is rated for up to 25 mpg city and 33 highways. Once we have official figures for LQ, and we have the opportunity to test both powertrains on our 200-mile highway route, we can evaluate real-world mpg.
2021 Lexus LQ Safety
The 2022 LQ has not been tested for accidents by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
However, we hope that Lexus will package its flagship crossover with every driver assistance technology offered by the company.
Although that can mean some level of self-driving ability, it will at least include safety features such as adaptive roaming control, automatic emergency braking, and lane maintenance assistance.
2021 Lexus LQ Price
Toyota has taken the time to trademark LQ names in the US, Canada, France, and China, so many dealers have to clear the mystery in the end. C / D thinks that entry-level LQ can start around $ 80,000, and because Lexus will not put its V8 into anything under $ 90,000, the top LQ trim can demand around $ 100,000.
In comparison, LS starts at $ 80,010 before destination, LX at $ 86,480.