2024 Lexus GX initial features confirmed, due mid-year

The 2024 Lexus GX four-wheel-drive large SUV – heavily based on the all-new Toyota Prado – is due in Australia mid-year.

Lexus Australia has confirmed the new GX 550 will be offered in Luxury, Overtrail and Sports Luxury variants, with all models powered by a 260kW/650Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol.

The powertrain, borrowed from the related Lexus LX 600 flagship SUV and overseas versions of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, is matched to a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, a second-start function, and full-time four-wheel-drive with low-range and a locking centre differential.

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Braked towing capacity for the Luxury and Overtrail is listed at 3500 kilograms, while the flagship Sports Luxury will be limited to 3130kg.

A petrol-electric hybrid Lexus GX with a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder could arrive later but a diesel version seems unlikely.

The Lexus GX 550 Luxury and Sports Luxury will offer seven seats, while the off-road-focused Overtrail variant will be limited to five seats – like a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GR Sport.

Individual second-row captain’s chairs will not be offered in the Lexus GX for the Australian market.

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Standard equipment for the GX 550 Luxury includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare wheel, dark grey or black leather-accented upholstery, dynamic auto-levelling LED headlights, rear privacy glass, and an electric tailgate with a fold-out glass hatch.

Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar and memory functions, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer second-row seats, three-zone climate control, and power-folding third-row seats are also standard for the GX 550 Luxury.

Inside, all variants will be fitted with a 14-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, five USB-C ports, a wireless phone charger, a windscreen-projected colour head-up display, and a 220-volt rear power outlet.

A “full suite of Lexus Safety Suite active safety technologies” will be standard, along with nine airbags, a 360-degree camera system, and tyre pressure monitoring.

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The GX 550 Sports Luxury adds 22-inch alloy wheels, “high-grade” headlights with adaptive high-beam, auto-extending side steps, a fixed panoramic roof, semi-aniline leather-accented trim, “unique ornamentation and instrument panel finish”, and a digital rear-view mirror.

It also features multi-colour interior ambient lighting, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage function, a refrigerated centre console storage unit, a heated steering wheel, adaptive variable suspension, and five configurable drive modes (up from three).

The Luxury and Overtrail feature an unbranded 10-speaker sound system, while the Sports Luxury adds 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio.

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Aimed to “tackle the toughest Aussie terrain”, the five-seat GX 550 Overtrail sports different exterior styling with black 18-inch alloy wheels (down from 20 or 22 inches), 33-inch all-terrain tyres, extended wheel arch mouldings, aluminium skid plates, unique bumpers, blacked-out trim, and bridge-type roof rails

Under the skin, the GX 550 Overtrail has adaptive variable suspension, a locking rear differential, and the electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System – which debuted in the LandCruiser 300 GR Sport – for “increased wheel articulation and improved tyre grip over uneven surfaces”.

It also has a multi-terrain select off-road traction control system, a multi-terrain monitor, downhill assist control, multi-stage crawl control, and a larger alternator to run ancillaries.

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Inside, the Overtrail has olive green stitching and Ultrasuede accents, “stiffer seat bases with softer side bolsters”, different door ornamentation, an additional card-shaped smart key, and a refrigerated centre console storage unit.

Lexus Australia has confirmed seven exterior colours will be offered for the GX Luxury and Sports Luxury, while the Overtrail will have two single-colour or four two-tone finishes for the Overtrail

Full Australian details – including pricing and detailed specifications – are due to be announced closer to the launch of the 2024 Lexus GX around June or July.