Lexus has unveiled the new-generation GX body-on-frame, seven-seat large SUV and for the first time ever it looks very likely to come to Australia.
Serving as a luxury twin to the Toyota Prado in the same way the Lexus LX does to the Land Cruiser 300 Series, the new GX will go on sale in North America in 2024 and is expected to land on our shores soon after.
Lexus has unveiled the new-generation GX and a lot has changed
Lexus Australia has been coy with any confirmation of the GX, with its official response being the new 4WD wagon is under study.
However, the local arm has repeatedly teased images of the model on its Australian press website, a strategy recently seen with the LM people mover prior to its confirmation for our market.
With some 14 years between drinks, you could imagine the third-generation GX would offer quite a few upgrades to bring the model up to par with the competition, and you would be right.
So from the powerful new hybrid drivetrain, the Land Cruiser chassis, vastly upgraded technology, the new tailgate design and more; here is all you need to know about the new GX.
No V8 to be seen but plenty of grunt to be found
Hybrid and turbocharged V6 engines on offer
As was widely predicted, Lexus has introduced a hybrid option to the GX, though sadly the 4.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 will not be returning.
At launch, a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 will be the only offering and will be known as the ‘GX550’. This configuration produces 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
However, a hybrid option will come later and uses a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This petrol-electric format is likely similar to the I-Force Max power system recently unveiled in the Tacoma, which pairs an electric motor directly with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Regardless of if you pick the V6 or the turbo-hybrid, both come with a proper 4WD system
Power and torque figures have not yet been released, but in the Tacoma, this hybrid system produces 243kW and 630Nm.
Naturally, both options are paired with a low-range transfer case as part of the full-time four-wheel-drive system. Some grades will also be available with a locking rear differential.
GX to share chassis with Tundra, 300 Series
Lexus has confirmed that it will be utilising an adapted version of the body-on-frame GA-F chassis on the GX that currently underpins the LX and Land Cruiser 300 Series along with the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma pick-up trucks and Sequoia 4WD wagon in the US.
Like a house, a good car is built on a solid foundation
The manufacturer claims the new platform brings increased body rigidity and better handling both on and off-road.
As for suspension, the GX features double wishbones up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. On some higher grades, the 4WD wagon is equipped with adaptive variable suspension that changes damping settling on the fly to suit the conditions.
E-KDSS to boost off-road performance
As was the case with the new-generation LX, the GX has adopted the so-called Electronic – Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System or E-KDSS.
Replacing the old hydrologic system with an electric one, E-KDSS aims to provide better on-road driving dynamics without compromising articulation off road just likes it predecessor but the new system is said to be a notable improvement.
E-KDSS should provide better improved road holding
In the new ‘Overtrail grade’ the GX has an increased approach, breakover and departure angle to 26, 24, and 22 degrees respectively.
So far, Lexus America has confirmed the Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+ and new off-road-focused Overtrail and Overtrail+ grades, with the latter pair scoring huge 33-inch tyres over 18-inch wheels, plus black wheel arches and a standard-fit skid plate.
How much can the 2024 Lexus GX tow?
Lexus quotes a braked towing capacity of up to 8000 lbs in the US which translates to 3628kg when converted directly, but it’s likely this would be rounded down to 3500kg in Australia – a marketed improvement over the current Prado, which is capped at 3000kg.
Lexus has opted for a more square design with the GX
Boxy design outside, luxurious inside
The GX has grown in almost all dimensions, with the new-generation sharing an identical 2850mm wheelbase with the LX but featuring a shorter 5005mm length, though it’s actually taller (at 1930mm) in Overtrail trim. Width is quoted at 2110mm without mirrors.
Lexus has opted for a more boxy stance for the new GX, drawing back the A-pillars for increased forward visibility and adopting a swing-open tailgate with lift-up glass at the rear.
The rear glass can open separately from the main tailgate
In America, the GX is offered with a seven-seat option with a traditional three-seat bench in the second row or a six-seater setup with captain’s chairs.
The front seats benefit from both heating and ventilation, while heating can be added to the second row in some grades. The third also benefits from a one-touch tumble system to make things easier when loading up the boot.
The interior has been modernised and features a 14.0-inch touchscreen
Up front, Lexus has completely redesigned the dash layout with a huge 14.0-inch touchscreen sitting in the centre with Lexus’s new operating system. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless.
Off-roaders will be pleased to note that Lexus has retained some physical dials for critical functions such as climate control, rather than programming everything into the touchscreen.
An additional 12.3-inch display sits in front of the driver and acts as a digital gauge cluster and works in conjunction with the heads-up display. As standard, the GX comes with a 10-speaker setup which can be upgraded to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system.
Lexus will offer a variety of material choices
Lexus offers a multitude of material choices of the GX, including semi-aniline leather and synthetic leather in black and dapple grey colouring, or our favourite: saddle tan with black and dark grey accents.
The question remains is this: will Lexus confirm the GX for Australia? Stay tuned to find out.
