Lexus Australia has confirmed the new-generation GX off-road SUV will launch in the first half of 2024.
This marks the first time the Lexus GX has ever been offered locally, with the two previous generations being sold in North America and some Middle Eastern countries.
Lexus has said Australian pricing and specification of the third-generation GX will be announced closer to its launch. It appears the rugged Overtrail trim level will be offered locally.
At launch the Australian Lexus GX range will be powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In the US this powertrain produces 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque.
When the third-generation GX was revealed last month hybrid power was confirmed, but it won’t be offered at launch. It’s unclear if the hybrid powertrain will come to Australia.
Regardless of which model you opt for, the GX has a full-time four-wheel drive, a low-range transfer case, and a locking centre differential. The tougher Overtrail also picks up a locking rear differential.
The third-generation Lexus GX is based on a version of the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that underpins the likes of the Lexus LX, Toyota LandCruiser 300, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Tacoma.
Its 2850mm wheelbase mirrors that of the larger LX600, although at 5004mm long, 2114mm wide (inc. mirrors), and up to 1935mm tall; the GX is actually 96mm short in the body… but slightly taller.
The GX has double-wishbone front and four-link rigid axle rear suspension that’s supported by adaptive variable suspension.
The Overtrail variant uses an E-KDSS suspension system designed to improve wheel articulation and ground contact.
There’s also a Multi-Terrain Select system offering six off-road driving modes – Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock.
Inside, the new GX has taken a huge step forward on the luxury front.
The central touchscreen is a 14-inch unit is standard, backed by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Lexus says it has retained physical dials for all the key bits and pieces you need to poke and prod on the move.
Seven- and six-seat configurations are on offer, with improved legroom and toe room across all three rows. The second row tumbles and folds to provide access for rearmost passengers, and the third row is offered with either manual or power folding.
It’s worth noting the rugged Overtrail trim is only offered with five seats.
Six charging points are offered to keep devices fully charged, and there are 12 cupholders.
A 10-speaker sound system is standard in the USA, with a 21-speaker system optional on higher-end cars.
A full suite of driver assists will be offered, ranging from autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, to off-road assists such as crawl control and a surround-view monitor. There will also be Lexus Connected Services.
Lexus has previously confirmed it plans to launch three cars locally in “three new segments” by around the middle of 2024.
Given the Lexus GX off-roader and LM people mover are now confirmed, that leaves only the third car which is expected to be the Toyota Yaris Cross-based LBX small crossover.
