Lexus GX locked in for Oz, here mid-year

LEXUS will add the LandCruiser Prado-based GX SUV to its range from the middle of 2024, the four-wheel drive model here for the first time promising buyers a “potent mix of rugged capability, torque-rich turbocharged performance and practical luxury”.

The seven-seat model will include GX550 Luxury and Sport Luxury grades, as well as a more serious off-road contender dubbed the GX550 Overtrail.

With dark grey or black leather-accented upholstery across three rows, the 2024 Lexus GX range is opulently finished, and includes features such as 20-inch alloy wheels (with matching spare), LED lighting, dynamic levelling headlights, rear privacy glass, a rear spoiler, and flush-style roof rails.

Inside both front seats feature eight-way adjustment with lumbar and memory functions along with three-stage heating and ventilation. The outboard second-row seats are also heated, the centre pews offering 60:40 split-fold functionality for added versatility.

The rear of the cabin is also equipped with its own climate zone for “precise temperature adjustment”.

In the third row of seats, the GX features push-button folding, while the tailgate is equipped with electric opening and closing and a separate fold-out glass hatch.

Across the grade walk we find the GX550 Luxury equipped with a 14.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 10-speaker audio system, a 12.3-inch digital multi-information display and colour head-up display.

Lexus says the grade offers ample charging options with five USB-C ports, a 12-volt front port and 220-volt rear socket in addition to a Qi wireless charging pad.

Stepping up to the GX550 Sports Luxury grade we find 22-inch alloy wheels, high-grade headlights with the Adaptive High-Beam System, auto-extending side steps and a fixed panoramic roof.

The Sports Luxury grade further includes semi-aniline leather-accented upholstery, unique ornamentation and instrument panel finish, a digital rear-view mirror, multi-colour LED ambient interior illumination, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

Drivers gain a 10-way power adjustable seat with massage function given to both front occupants, as well as a refrigerated centre storage unit and heated steering wheel.

The grade is further specified with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to help improve on-road handling while “simultaneously enhancing ride comfort”.

Finally, the GX550 Overtrail adds a number of mechanical and specification enhancements to help customers tackle the toughest Aussie terrain, including AVS, a rear locking differential, and electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS).

A multi-terrain monitor, downhill assist control and multi-stage crawl control are also added, as is a higher capacity alternator to support add-on ancillaries.

Visually the LX550 Overtail is characterised by more rugged exterior styling including black 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, extended wheel arch mouldings, unique bumpers, black trim elements, and bridge-type roof rails.

The variant is available in five-seat configuration only and features olive green Ultrasuede accents and stitching on the front seats, stiffer seat bases with softer side bolsters, unique door ornamentation, garnish and finish, an additional card-shaped smart key and a refrigerated cool box.

All Lexus GX variants are powered by the same 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 260kW from 4800-5200rpm, and a strong 650Nm of torque from 2000-3600rpm.

Power is channelled through a 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and second-gear start function, driving all four wheels though a full-time 4WD system with low-range gearing and a locking centre differential.

Braked towing for Luxury and Overtrail grades is listed at 3500kg (braked) while the Sports Luxury grade drops to 3130kg (braked).

Seven exterior colours are available for the Luxury and Sports Luxury, while Overtrail is offered with two single-colour finishes and four two-tone colours featuring a black roof.

A full suite of Lexus Safety Sense active safety technologies is included across the GX range for maximum occupant protection, along with a panoramic view monitor, tyre pressure monitor, and nine SRS airbags.

“Lexus is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our customers, and the GX provides a seven-seat solution for families while offering fantastic turbocharged off-road performance,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.

“We are also delighted to offer the unique Overtrail grade for those wanting rugged off-road capability as the number one priority.”

More details on the all-new Lexus GX range including Australian pricing will be shared closer the vehicle’s mid-year launch.