The UAE’s luxury car market has long been defined by opulence, performance, and a commitment to technological innovation. Al-Futtaim Toyota’s Lexus division has been at the forefront of this evolution, shaping the premium automotive landscape with a distinct blend of heritage and modernity.
The latest chapter in this journey was unveiled at Marsa Boulevard, Festival City, where the much-anticipated Lexus LX700h made its debut, marking a milestone in the decarbonisation of the luxury segment.
The launch event, attended by industry leaders and automotive enthusiasts, signified more than just a product introduction—it was a statement of intent. Al-Futtaim Lexus aims to redefine luxury by aligning it with sustainability, a theme that was reinforced by Jacques Brent, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota and Lexus UAE, who noted, “The 2025 Lexus LX700h is a revolution in sustainable luxury. This is luxury redefined—optimised efficiency without compromising on performance.”
The LX700h is Lexus’ first electrified LX, blending the raw power of a hybrid V6 with a refined driving experience tailored for the region’s high-end consumers. As the premium SUV segment in the UAE continues to expand, Lexus is leveraging this model to maintain its position among the top four luxury brands in the market. Brent highlighted the brand’s strategic positioning by stating, “Every SUV in our line-up now offers a hybrid powertrain. That’s true leadership.”
Decarbonising the Premium Segment
The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, with sustainability becoming a crucial element in defining modern luxury. Electrification is no longer a niche feature but a key differentiator among high-end brands. Al-Futtaim Lexus’ investment in hybrid and electric vehicle technology reflects its commitment to reducing carbon footprints while maintaining the performance and prestige that luxury consumers expect.
The LX700h, with its hybrid powertrain, represents a strategic step towards aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals. While the traditional LX models have been synonymous with power and off-road capability, the hybrid iteration introduces a new dimension—balancing efficiency with luxury. Brent described this shift as “Lexus reimagining what is possible,” underscoring the brand’s forward-thinking vision.
Brent also reinforced Lexus’ leadership in hybrid technology, revealing that hybrid models now make up 40% of Lexus sales in the UAE. “When others talked about hybrid technology, we pioneered it,” he stated.
Leasing on the Rise
Beyond individual buyers, the LX700h presents a compelling case for fleet operators and corporate leasing, an area where Al-Futtaim Lexus is seeing increasing demand. Brent acknowledged this growing trend: “We do tend to pick up interest from the management level within organisations. That’s our first entry point. But what we’ve started to see a lot more interest in, given the country’s rising wealth, is from people who don’t want to buy but prefer to lease.”
Leasing has traditionally been a smaller segment in the UAE, with ownership being the preferred model. However, Brent noted that this is changing: “Leasing has never been big here, but it’s definitely picking up. A luxury car is ideal for a lease business.” This shift positions the LX700h as a strong contender for companies looking to offer executive-level vehicles with lower emissions and reduced fuel costs.
The LX700h wasn’t the only showstopper at the event. The unveiling of the Lexus LX600 Overtrail demonstrated the brand’s commitment to off-road enthusiasts with a sizeable budget. The Overtrail variant is tailored for adventure seekers who demand ruggedness without sacrificing the refinement Lexus is known for. “Luxury shouldn’t stop where the road ends,” Brent remarked, emphasising the versatility of the new models.
With an extensive range of premium vehicles, Al-Futtaim Lexus continues to cater to diverse consumer preferences. The hybrid technology in the LX700h adds to the brand’s growing portfolio of electrified options, reinforcing Lexus’ position as a leader in the luxury hybrid segment in the UAE.
What’s Next for Lexus in the UAE?
Al-Futtaim Lexus’ journey is one of evolution, blending innovation with customer expectations. The launch of the LX700h signals a broader push towards integrating sustainable luxury across its lineup. Given the strong response at the Marsa Boulevard event, it is clear that the market is ready for this transition.
As the UAE continues to champion sustainability in the automotive sector, Al-Futtaim Lexus is well-positioned to lead the luxury segment into a future where performance and environmental responsibility coexist seamlessly. Brent articulated this vision succinctly: “Lexus’ vision reflects the UAE’s bold march towards 2050, towards net zero, towards a future where luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand.”
With packed test drive slots and growing consumer interest, Al-Futtaim Lexus has set the tone for the next generation of luxury mobility in the UAE.
