Lexus has sent out some preview images of its upcoming 2024 Lexus GX luxury SUV, and it is believed, for the first time, it will be introduced in Australia.
For those unaware, the Lexus GX has been around now for some time overseas. It is essentially the luxury version of the Toyota Prado, borrowing much of the fundamental underpinnings and some components.
The current second-generation model, codenamed the J150, has been around since 2009-2010. It is in desperate need of a major overhaul, even just in terms of the styling. There have been various updates along the way, including in 2021 and 2022, but these mainly contained technology replenishment.
Far from just a styling change, the 2024 model is expected to jump to Toyota’s TNGA platform. Specifically, the TNGA-F platform. This layout was first introduced on vehicles such as the 300 Series LandCruiser and Toyota Tundra.
With the new platform we can expect big advancements in on-board safety tech, as well as improved driving dynamics, weight distribution, and strength and rigidity. It’ll no doubt support the latest tech in terms of efficiency and perhaps even introduce a hybrid option for the first time.
If we take a quick look at the Australian Intellectual Property database, Toyota registered a trademark for the name ‘Lexus GX550’ in 2021. Now, there isn’t actually a ‘550’ model on the market in any model range from Lexus, but we think it does provide some potential clues.
Lexus launched its new NX 350 last year featuring a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder. It then introduced the LX 600 featuring the ‘V35A-FTS’ 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 (actually 3444cc). If we were to strike a line somewhere between these, we’d guess the GX 550 will either get a detuned version of the twin-turbo V6, or an enhanced version of the 2.4 turbo.
The obvious choice would be the 300 Series LandCruiser’s new 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel. However, Lexus would put a ‘d’ on the name, like the LX 500d. For reference, the outgoing GX has been available as a GX 400 with the 1GR petrol V6, and GX 460 with the 1UR-FE V8 petrol.
Since the GX is sold in markets such as the United States and Russia, and parts of the Middle East, these countries are known for enjoying big V8s and petrol V6s. So, our best bet is the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 in some form, especially since the LX also uses the TNGA-F platform, unlike the NX and its 2.4 turbo. In the LX 600 the V6 petrol currently generates 305kW.
Toyota Australia did offer the Prado with a petrol V6 for years, so such a configuration wouldn’t be completely out of the ordinary, even in Australia. Unfortunately, Lexus is yet to confirm any specific details.
The images show a defined body design with a muscular front corner, sophisticated headlights, and the new-look full-width taillight trim at the back that we have since seen on the latest NX, LX, and more recently the RX.
Seen as though Lexus Australia has put out a short press release on the new GX, we think it might be about to drop confirmation that this model will be offered locally. It recently did something similar with the LM. It was never previously available here but earlier this year the local arm sent out a teaser, and then, boom, it was confirmed.
We’ll have to wait and see to know for sure. All is expected to be revealed in the very near future. Stay tuned.
