Lexus has finally confirmed the GX large SUV for the Australian market, with the body-on-frame luxury off-roader set to arrive in the first half of 2024.
Not available in Australia for the first two generations, the new GX is based on the same TNGA-F platform as the flagship Lexus LX and is expected to share a great deal with the inbound 2024 Toyota Prado.
Lexus has confirmed the GX is coming to Australia in 2024
Lexus has confirmed the third-generation GX will be available locally with up to seven seats, with the second row able to be configured to offer a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row, as opposed to a regular three-seat bench.
Adaptive variant suspension will also be included on GX models sold locally, with the flexible suspension setup paired with double-wishbone suspension and a four-link solid axle setup front and rear respectively.
Twin-turbo V6 locked in, hybrid may follow
Lexus has also confirmed the GX will be offered “initially” with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. This unit is paired with the brand’s 10-speed automatic transmission with a low-range transfer case and full-time four-wheel drive.
Outputs have not yet been confirmed for this setup in Australia however in the US it offers 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque.
The keyword “initially” is likely a reference to the fact a hybrid drivetrain is expected to follow for the GX globally, and potentially for the model in Australia.
A twin-turbo V6 has been confirmed for Australia
Parent company Toyota currently offers a likely option in the I-Force Max system offered with the US-market Tacoma ute, which utilises a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder that houses an electric motor within its transmission and still features low-range capability.
GX Overtrail confirmed for Australia
The top-spec ‘Overtrail’ grade, previously unveiled in North America, will also be offered locally in a five-seat configuration.’
The Overtrail grade adds key upgrades such as Lexus’s E-KDSS suspension system to offer greater body control and articulation on and off road, along with Multi-Terrain Select which offers six different off road drive models.
The top-spec Overtrail grade has also been confirmed
As an off-road centric grade, the Overtrail also has an increased approach, breakover and departure angle of 26, 24, and 22 degrees respectively.
Lexus has completely updated the interior when compared to the outgoing GX, with the cabin now featuring a large 14.0-inch touchscreen in the centre, which should also bring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
To read more about the GX, check out our full reveal coverage of the model in our separate article.