Lexus appears to be plotting a path to world automotive domination with recent new model activity including fresh versions of the NX and RX SUVs, the all-new RZ electric SUV and the LBX compact SUV, introduction of the LM luxury people mover, and updates of the UX small SUV and ES mid-size sedan.
But it doesn’t end there because earlier this year Lexus Australia confirmed three all-new models would be coming to this market over the following 18 months. The first was the LM, and although it hasn’t been stated officially, another is likely to be the seven-seat GX SUV.
To be based on the upcoming fifth-generation Toyota Prado, the new GX will be a fourth-generation model, the nameplate having been present in markets including the USA, China and the Middle East since the early 2000s.
Aimed squarely at off-road capable 4x4s like the Land Rover Defender, it’s set to fill the niche previously occupied by the largely unloved previous-gen Lexus RX L.
Here’s a rundown of everything we know so far about the upcoming luxury seven-seater.
Timing
The new Toyota Prado is due to be unveiled in early 2024, replacing one of Australia’s most enduring ‘new’ cars, the out-going fourth-generation (J150) model arriving way back in 2009.
Based on the Prado, the all-new Lexus GX will also bow next year, with a potential on sale locally late in 2024.
Although Lexus Australia Managing Director, John Pappas is reluctant to publicly lock the new model in for this market, it’s clear he’s a fan of the premium seven-seater, telling CarsGuide, “there’s no doubt (the) GX looks like an absolutely cracking car, and there’s no doubt it’s going to be a ripper no matter which market it goes to, but we haven’t confirmed it yet for Australia”.
But, why would Lexus Australia bother circulating carefully cropped ‘teaser’ images of the GX, beginning early this year, unless it intended to bring the car here?
Design
Speculation in Japan points to a more aggressive design for the Toyota Prado, particularly in line with US market tastes (think Tacoma pick-up).
And preview pics confirm the Lexus GX will carry over the theme with an upright, angular exterior, typically jagged multi-beam headlight units, a version of the signature ‘spindle’ grille and a large glasshouse area.
The bonnet is massaged into a tough, hard-edged form with a flat recess in the centre, the hipline under the modestly angled side glass (car designers call it the ‘tumblehome’) is pronounced, the bulging wheel arches are finished with bright metal accents and the LED tail-lights span the width of the car’s rear.
Engines
Speculation on powertrain choices for the new-generation Toyota Prado and Lexus GX has been rife here and in Japan. And there are several possibilities, the most likely being a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, in one of two forms: a 205kW/430Nm unit borrowed from the Toyota Kluger, or the ‘Hybrid Max’ package (from the US-spec Toyota Crown) which adds an electric motor on each axle for combined outputs of 253kW/542Nm.
The current, RX500h large luxury SUV already uses a version of the latter set-up here, where it produces 202kW/460Nm.
To add diesel to the mix, likely options are: An updated, 48-volt electrified version of the Toyota Prado’s 2.8-litre turbo four, currently producing 150kW/500Nm. Alternatively, a detuned variant of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series’ 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6, which delivers a sizeable 227kW/700Nm.
The second diesel option would bring a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and sophisticated 4×4 tech also available in the Lexus LX flagship SUV released in Australia last year.
Then, the long-shot possibilities: one is that the LX people mover’s 305kW/650Nm 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6. Also possible is an upgraded version of the 4.6-litre, naturally aspirated petrol V8 used in the out-going fourth-gen GX, currently producing 224kW/446Nm (in US spec).
Safety
As with the Toyota 300/Lexus LX the GX’s switch to the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform will enable the full suite of ‘Safety Sense’ features including AEB, road sign assist, ‘Lane Departure Alert’ and ‘Lane Trace Assist’ as well as active cruise control, auto high beam and back-to-base emergency alert.
And in a fundamental sense, the lower frame will lower the car’s centre of gravity for better active safety through improved dynamic response.
Expect front, front side, second-row side, full-length curtain and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as a front centre bag.
Dynamics
A substantially stronger yet lighter body, as well as redesigned drivetrain and suspension systems promise better off-road capability as well as more civilised on-road manners.
It’s likely the proven double-wishbone front, upper and lower trailing arm rear set-up, with coil springs all around will continue in revised form, including variable adaptive damping.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Lexus GX as its launch timing draws closer.
Keyword: 2024 Lexus GX: What we know so far about the soon-to-arrive Toyota Prado-based luxury seven-seat SUV