Upcoming Toyota Prado-based luxury off-road SUV rendered by Russian outlet ahead of reveal and like Aussie launch
The new 2024 Lexus GX has been rendered by digital designer Nikita Chuiko for Russian website Kolesa.ru, following the release of official teaser images last week.
Using the bigger Toyota LandCruiser-based Lexus LX as a starting point, Chuiko has swapped out the flagship’s more traditional front-end design for the clamshell bonnet seen in the GX teaser, and lowered its overall height to produce a marginally more reserved look.
The spacing of the bonnet’s raised elements has also been widened as per the teaser, and the LX’s bold grille trim has been replaced by more traditional black mesh. It’s a similar story at the back, where there are slimmer tail-light clusters and subtly tweaked bumper elements.
There’s been no official word from Lexus about when the new GX will be revealed, but its previous launch timelines suggest the global debut will probably happen within the next month or so.
Digital image: Kolesa.ru
When that happens it will give us a preview of the next-generation 2024 Toyota Prado, given the GX is the Lexus version of the Prado, just as the LX is based on the LandCruiser.
As we’ve reported, the new GX is almost certain to come to Australia, where it’s expected to be one of three all-new Lexus models released in three new segments for the Japanese luxury brand by the end of next year.
Lexus Australia boss John Pappas has previously stated his enthusiasm for the new luxury off-roader, but remained coy about revealing any local market plans for the GX when questioned at the recent Lexus RZ launch.
According to Pappas, Lexus Australia is “very excited” about the new GX, but its local market introduction ultimately depends on “how it’s all packaged up and whether” Australia will have access to it from the factory (ie: right-hand drive production).
However, we understand the new GX will be a global model for the first time, and with the seven-seat Lexus RX L no longer available in Australia, the GX would provide local Lexus buyers with a second genuine three-row SUV and a smaller, cheaper alternative to the flagship LX off-roader.
Pappas stopped short of confirming the GX for our market, but confessed it would be a good fit Down Under, where it would bring new customers to the Lexus brand.
Overseas reports have claimed the GX will be powered by a detuned version of the LX’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6 – as alluded to by the Lexus GX 550 trademark filed locally in October 2021 – and a version of the new Lexus RX’s 2.4-litre turbo-petrol/electric hybrid system.
Whether or not a diesel powertrain is made available remains to be seen, but an oil-burner should continue to power the new Prado, which is expected to replace Australia’s top-selling large SUV within about 12 months.
Digital images: Kolesa.ru
Current Lexus GX
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Keyword: 2024 Lexus GX rendered ahead of imminent reveal