The effects of Typhoon Gaemi caused border river levels to rise between North Korea and China, leaving 5,000 people stranded in the North Korean city of Sinuiju and the town of Uiju in the country’s northwest. The North Korean government swiftly mobilized a team, including 10 military helicopters, to evacuate those affected by the floods.
Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, personally oversaw the rescue and evacuation operations at the scene. International media outlets were quick to capture and circulate images of Kim Jong-un’s black SUV navigating through the floodwaters. This was the first time this particular vehicle had been spotted transporting the leader.
In the photos, Kim Jong-un can be seen with the rear window rolled down, surveying the flood situation. Another image shows the black SUV partially submerged, with floodwaters reaching the wheel height. Although the logo on the rear of the vehicle has been removed, the design and LED taillights confirm it as a Lexus LX600, but it is unclear if it is the VIP 4-seater or 5-seater version.
This is the first time it has been revealed that Kim Jong-un owns a Lexus LX600—a luxury SUV dubbed the “Land Jet,” which was first introduced in 2021. Despite North Korea’s isolation, high-end vehicles like this one continue to make an appearance.
Previously, the North Korean leader was seen using a Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman convertible to host both Putin and Xi Jinping during their visits. Additionally, during his trip to Vietnam, Kim Jong-un’s motorcade included another Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman and a Maybach 62S. He has also been spotted traveling in a luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The highest-end Lexus LX600 SUVs, the VIP and Luxury versions, feature a four-seat configuration with two independent rear seats. These vehicles are equipped with a host of executive-level amenities, including a separate control panel for the rear passengers to adjust the sunshades, seat heating and cooling, reading lights, entertainment screens, air conditioning, and various other VIP functions.
The Lexus LX600 VIP also boasts unique seat upholstery, setting it apart from the other models. Notable features in the cockpit include a pair of screens—a 7-inch display below and a 12.3-inch screen on the central control panel. The vehicle is fitted with a 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
In terms of design, the fourth-generation Lexus LX600 retains the large, spindle-shaped grille at the front, but with a new horizontal bar design for a more rugged appearance. The Lexus LX600 VIP SUV is 200 kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to its new frame and aluminum doors.
Under the hood, the Lexus LX600 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 409 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers driving modes such as Normal, ECO, Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+, and Customize.
[CAR REVIEW] Lexus LX600: The epitome of power and luxury
The all-new generation of Lexus LX600 has undergone comprehensive improvements: from interior and exterior design, chassis-suspension-engine system, to the addition of modern technologies to ensure both safety and comfort while still maintaining optimal off-road capabilities; worthy of the iconic status that a luxury SUV model possesses.
[LUXURY CAR REVIEW] Discover the Unmatched Power and Sophistication of the Lexus LX600
The brand new Lexus LX600 has been completely enhanced in every aspect: from its interior and exterior design, chassis-suspension-engine system, to the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies to provide utmost safety and comfort, all while preserving its exceptional off-road capabilities. This luxury SUV model truly lives up to its iconic status.