Rumours out of Japan have stated a high-performance variant of Lexus’s new three-row SUV is in the works
Lexus is reportedly working on developing a high-performance variant of the inbound three-row TX SUV, known as the TX500h.
Japanese outlet Magazine X has reported key details on the upcoming TX after a prototype was spotted in Japan shortly after arriving from North America where the SUV is due to be made.
The TX will serve as a successor to the long-wheelbase RX L and share a Toyota-badged sibling that will likely be known as the Grand Kluger if it comes to Australia.
The TX is said to be larger in all dimensions than the new-gen RX (pictured)
Sitting on the same GA-K platform as the new-generation RX, the TX is said to be slightly larger in all dimensions, with the three-row SUV measuring 5030mm long (+140mm), 1935mm wide (+15mm) and 1725mm high (+30mm).
The report also notes that the TX will be sold in fellow right-hand-drive market Japan, increasing the chances that the new three-row SUV will come to Australia.
Turbo-petrol and turbo-hybrid drivetrains available
Magazine X also reports there will be at least two powertrains available at launch, known as the TX350 and the high-performance TX500h.
Both will share the same 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine found in the RX, with the TX350 coupling the engine to an eight-speed automatic that can be paired with either a front- or mechanical all-wheel-drive setup.
The TX will likely share the same turbo-hybrid powertrain as the RX500h
As with the RX, the TX will also feature a flagship 500h grade available only in the most aggressive F Sport trim.
The TX500h will add an electric motor on the rear axle and feature a six-speed automatic transmission though, curiously, outputs appears to be down compared to the RX500h, with the report indicating 265kW/549Nm figures compared to 273kW/551Nm despite the TX’s larger dimensions.
In addition to this, it’s almost certain that Lexus will offer a non-performance-oriented version of the TX, as seen with the new-generation NX and RX models.
The prototypes suggest the TX will adopt a more boxy shape similar to the LX
What will the Lexus TX look like?
The camouflaged prototype seen traversing the streets of Japan seems to imply the TX will feature a more boxy appearance than the TX – indicating a design middle ground between the five-seat SUV and the seven-seat Toyota Land Cruiser-based LX SUV.
A sharp roofline, boxy rear end and a high bonnet line suggest that Lexus is aiming to make an SUV that will prioritize interior space – a key sticking point of the LX SUV, which is based on a ladder frame chassis.
Keyword: Lexus TX: high-performance AWD hybrid TX500h inbound