The all-new Lexus GX has been unveiled and while its availability in South Africa is yet to be confirmed, there’s a good chance the brand-new Toyota Prado will resemble this.
What you see here is the third-generation 7-seater Lexus GX, which was recently unveiled in North America. We’ve had no confirmation from Lexus SA on its availability, but we understand that it will be built in right-hand drive, so it’s not off the cards yet.
Underpinned by the Toyota TNGA-F platform (which also underpins the Toyota Land Cruiser 300), the Lexus GX has two engine options. Customers will be able to go for the muscular 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 or the frugal 2.4-litre hybrid turbo 4-cylinder petrol.
If the looks didn’t give it away, Lexus Chief Engineer for the GX says the vehicle is a true offroader. “One of the many joys of owning this car is that it performs like a diver’s watch,” he said. “Even if its full functionality isn’t always needed, it’s great to know it’s always capable,” said Koji Tsukasaki.
The vehicle you see here is left-hand drive, but the Japanese luxury brand did confirm the Lexus GX will be released in different markets from the end of 2023.
Of far more important to the South African market is the links between the Lexus GX and the Toyota Prado. SA motoring fans will be well aware that the Prado is not the spring chicken it used to be. In fact, the model’s current iteration was first launched back in 2010, making it 13 years old.
The all-new Prado is expected to be revealed in 2023 and will be sharing the TNGA-F platform, as well as engines from the Land Cruiser / Lexus range. As far as styling cues go, you can bet that what you see here in the GX will resembled the forthcoming Prado.
