The third generation of the three-row Lexus GX has finally been revealed in North America, with the model expected to eventually make its way to Australia after it goes on sale globally late this year.
Set to be powered by either a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 or a 2.4-litre hybrid-assisted turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the GX is built on the GA-F platform – effectively Toyota’s TNGA-F platform which also underpins the Toyota LandCruiser LC300.
As such, Lexus’ Chief Engineer for the GX Koji Tsukasaki says the SUV is “a true off-roader” despite its luxury focus as a Lexus model.
“One of the many joys of owning this car is that it performs like a diver’s watch,” he said. “Even if its full functionality isn’t always needed, it’s great to know it’s always capable.”
While there’s carryover of some proven elements from the Toyota and Lexus stable in terms of features, some of them have been fettled to be brought up to scratch for 2023, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) becoming e-KDSS for better independent control of the SUV’s electric stabilisers for off-roading.
The model’s two drivetrain options haven’t had specifications confirmed, though it’s likely there will be similar outputs to their appearances in other Lexus and Toyota models on the same platform.
Lexus’ Chief Engineer for the GX Koji Tsukasaki says the SUV is “a true off-roader” despite its luxury focus as a Lexus model.The hybrid turbo four-cylinder appears in the Toyota Tacoma in the US – built on the TNGA-F platform also – with 243kW and 630Nm, while a slightly smaller 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is available in the LC300 or Toyota Tundra in the US offering as much as 300kW and 650Nm.
The GX’s interior follows recent models from the brand in offering a 14-inch multimedia screen as the central point for a relatively minimalistic but familiar layout – owners of previous Lexus models won’t be confused.
While the GX’s debut took place in Texas, the brand confirmed in its global announcement that it will be “gradually released in different regions, starting from the end of 2023”.
While the GX’s debut took place in Texas, the brand confirmed in its global announcement that it will be “gradually released in different regions, starting from the end of 2023”.Further solidifying the likelihood that it’ll arrive here is the fact Lexus Australia continues to publish press releases about the model – something the brand doesn’t historically do for vehicles not destined for Australia.
The brand says it will decide on the GX’s suitability for Australia “at a later stage”.
“Lexus Australia continues to assess models that may be suitable for the needs of local customers, with the GX no exception.”
The GX’s interior follows recent models from the brand in offering a 14-inch multimedia screen as the central point for a relatively minimalistic but familiar layout.Previously, Lexus Australia boss John Pappas told CarsGuide the GX looks “cracking” but isn’t confirmed as one of three new cars the brand is bringing to Australia in the near future.
“We’ve announced three new cars for Australia in the next 18 months,” he said.
“The GX is not confirmed to be one of the three that we have been talking about. The LM [people mover] is one of those three, the other two we haven’t announced yet.”
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