LEXUS Australia is poised to launch its new-generation massive SUV, the GX, in Australia as early as the primary half of 2024 because it fills an important gross sales hole left by the departing seven-seat RX.
Formally, the corporate is coy about confirming the GX. It did say the section – a big SUV with seven seats, robust tow ranking, massive cargo space and splendid options – introduced alternatives.
A GX, which relies on the Toyota LandCruiser Prado however with totally different chassis and drivetrain specs, has beforehand solely been obtainable as a left-hand drive for the North American and Center East markets.
However in its new era mannequin, the full-frame GX is being provided for the primary time in right-hand drive making it a believable addition to Lexus in Australia.
Talking on the launch of the corporate’s second battery-electric automobile in Adelaide this week, Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas wouldn’t decide to confirming the GX’s addition to the Australian line up.
However he admitted {that a} automobile such because the GX would give Lexus a possibility to enter the massive seven-seat SUV sector which might enhance its market place.
Lexus Australia is known to be taking a look at constructing market share and is out there to contemplate new merchandise from Japan.
A seven-seat SUV is likely one of the merchandise thought of fascinating for Australia to spice up market share and appeal to a broader viewers.
The RX L, which had an prolonged physique permitting a 3rd row of ‘informal’ seats to be added, is now not obtainable.
A GX variant additionally pitches Lexus nearer to the European status SUV suppliers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, placing its spindle grille laborious up towards the rabbit’s enamel facade of the BMW X5.
The GX is out there in LHD markets with a 4.6-litre petrol V8 however in its third-gen variant, which is believed to be the one chosen for RHD and an Australian debut, is extra prone to include a spinoff of the LandCruiser LC300’s bi-turbo V6 petrol engine.
It’s unlikely to be provided with a diesel engine – certainly, no Lexus has ever been provided in Australia as a diesel – and as an alternative, use the V6 petrol as a foundation for hybrid variants.
The Lexus GX would sit under the flagship LX and the Lexus TX – a Kluger-based monocoque SUV that’s not anticipated to be produced in RHD.
Lexus has launched solely teaser photographs of components of the next-gen GX. Though it’s primarily based on the Prado, the bodywork is predicted to be distinctive and comply with the trail of the RZ BEV with a extra delicate spindle-grille design and extra athletic and angular physique panel designs.
It’s probably to enter manufacturing later this yr and beat its new-generation Toyota sibling, the Prado, to the market. It might beat Prado even to the Australian market.
Rumours of the GX haven’t been confirmed by Lexus however concurrently they circulated, Lexus Australia mentioned it was planning to launch the LM individuals mover on this nation.
