Flagship 450kW Lexus LQ SUV on the way

An all-new flagship SUV from Lexus will carry the LQ nameplate and come equipped with a mighty 450kW twin-turbo V8 powertrain, claims US mag

Heavily inspired by the LF-1 Limitless concept unveiled back in 2018 at the Detroit motor show, the upcoming Lexus LQ will reportedly be based on the large LS platform and released globally in 2022.

As well as the top-shelf twin-turbo V8 variant, which is likely to be badged the LQ F, the LQ will also come with the same 310kW/600Nm twin-turbo V6 that drives the LS 500, plus the 264kW 3.5-litre V6 hybrid system that's capable of averaging a respectable 6.7L/100km under the bonnet of the LS 500h.

These powertrains will include the car-maker's 10-speed auto and, for the hybrid, its novel four-speed CVT auto hybrid, but all versions will apparently come with all-wheel drive and air suspension.

Inside, the Range Rover-rivalling Lexus SUV could bring the Japanese brand's most luxurious interior yet, with the dramatic four-seat configuration shown off by the concept thought to be close to the production model's.

When it arrives, the Lexus LQ could introduce Toyota's latest Level 3 autonomous driving aids, which would make the large SUV capable of driving itself on the highway.

What isn't likely to make it to production is the concept's pure-electric powertrain, although it is technically feasible.

The Lexus LQ will be based on Toyota's versatile TNGA platform that, in its e-TNGA guise, has already been confirmed by the car-making giant as destined to underpin a larger SUV in the near future.