Lexus locks in prices for LBX, GX SUVs
This prestige brand is set to undercut existing cars with a pair of keenly priced SUVs ready to deliver for Aussie motorists.
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Lexus will gun for new customers with a pair of SUVs set to reach showrooms this year.
The new Lexus LBX and Lexus GX will appeal to wildly different buyers.
Based on the compact Toyota Yaris Cross, the new Lexus LBX – or Lexus Breakthrough Crossover – targets customers new to luxury cars with a sub-$50,000 price tag.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Lexus GX shapes up as a more powerful and luxurious version of the Toyota Prado for folks with a six-figure budget.
Lexus says the cars will push its sales beyond 10,000 vehicles per year.
The new LBX will reach showrooms in March priced from $47,550 plus on-road costs in entry-level two-wheel-drive trim.
All-wheel-drive traction takes the price to $52,990 plus on-roads, while the top-end Sports Luxury version costs $56,990 plus on-roads.
Power comes from a three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid motor that makes 100kW.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the LBX was a game-changer.
“The LBX is the first car in its class to combine hybrid efficiency with big-car luxury, making it a small car that is truly premium in every respect,” he said.
“It has all the luxury, craftsmanship, high quality and signature driving experience you will find in any car wearing the Lexus badge – at a remarkably tempting price.
“The LBX will attract affluent younger customers to the brand as well as provide another option for existing Lexus customers wanting to either downsize or have a second Lexus vehicle for casual weekend fun.”
The bigger GX four-wheel-drive costs more than twice as much.
The rugged Lexus GX starts from $116,000 plus on-road costs in basic “Luxury” trim, and runs to $128,200 plus on-roads for the range-topping “Sports Luxury” version with premium features.
Full specs have not been confirmed, though you can expect the Sports Luxury to deliver niceties such as massaging seats, multi-mode suspension and a premium stereo.
Those models are split by a rugged “Overtrail” version available for $122,250 plus on-roads, promising to deliver adventure with the help of 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres – at the cost of seven-seat versatility.
Those prices put it in the same territory as the latest Land Rover Defender while undercutting the utilitarian Ineos Grenadier four-wheel-drive.
Lexus’ premium version of the upcoming Toyota Prado sits within the price band for the larger LandCruiser 300 Series, a car that starts at about $98,000 plus on-roads, running to about $147,000 plus on-roads for the top end Sahara ZX.
It undercuts the larger Lexus LX four-wheel-drive by a handy margin.
Power comes from a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque.
Pappas said the response to the new model had been encouraging.
“It has genuine appeal in the way it delivers trademark Lexus luxury and craftsmanship with rugged off-road performance suited to tough Australian conditions,” he said.
“The GX in Luxury and Sports Luxury grades also provides customers with the flexibility of a third row of seats for urban family adventures.”
The brand has not published a release date for the GX.
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