The AWD GX sits between the RX and LX, and the GX, a small cross-over style SUV, has both 2 and AWD versions. Just as LX is a luxury version of Toyota Land Cruiser, GX is a luxury Toyota Prado. LBX is related to Yaris Cross.

GX:

GX Chief Engineer Koji Tsukasaki said the all-new GX allows urban families the opportunity to expand their active outdoor lifestyles more than ever before.

“The aim of the new GX is to create a Lexus off-roader that symbolises the central core of authentic Lexus off-roading. It is not just a model change, but a game changer that turns a new page for Lexus.

“It has been thoroughly developed for driving on all kinds of terrains, from winding roads to rocky, dirt roads all over the world. However, you don’t have to push the limits all the time with this vehicle,” Mr. Tsukasaki said.

GX has been in the North American market since 2002, aimed at those wanting a off-road experience that Prado gives, but the luxury atmosphere that comes with LEXUS.

There is a clear-cut aim to give GX the same off-road credentials as the LX, with looks that are similar to other brands in the same segment but that are not considered “luxury” vehicles. Think Jeep, and even Toyota, LEXUS’ big daddy. It is, after all, a Prado with nicer bits glued on.

Further cementing the LX link is the 2,850mm wheelbase, matching the LX.

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ABOVE: All New LEXUS GX and LBX, but will they come to Australia?

Like other Lexus SUVs, a single LED light strip runs across the width of the tailgate, accompanied by ‘LEXUS’ lettering and compact combination tail lamps. The tailgate also features an opening for the upper glass compartment, allowing easy access to the cargo area.

GX scores a nicer interior using the Lexus Tazuna concept of human-centered design. There is a digital driver display, a head-up display, and a 14-inch centre display which uses a combination of touchscreen and buttons for the multimedia system.

Seats come with a second-row option of a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with a third row that folds into the floor at the touch of a button.

The all-new GX uses LX’s GA-F ladder-frame and high-mount double-wishbone at the front, with a four-link rigid axle for greater wheel articulation off road.

Adaptive variable suspension allows for decent ride both on and off-road. It is aided by the E-KDSS suspension system for the first time on a Lexus. Like her big sister, GX uses the Multi-Terrain Select system with six drive modes (Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock) with a mode for every occassion.

Also found on LEXUS LX, GX has Crawl control with five low-speed settings operating low ultra-low-speed cruise control for uneven. Downhill Assist Control senses and adjusts each wheel brake going down steep slopes.

GX has either a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, or 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol hybrid with a brand new eight-speed automatic transmission. Both options have full-time all-wheel with a low-range transfer case and locking centre differential.

Lexus will assess GX for Australia, but to date this model has not been sold here.

LEXUS LBX

Like the Toyota Yaris Cross cousin, LBX is built on Toyota’s GA-B compact platform, modified for Lexus.

Dimensions are L 4190mm, W 1825mm, H 1560mm, with a 2580mm wheelbase. Tyres are 225mm with 17 or 18-inch wheels.

Drivetrains come from Yaris cross in the form off a1.5-litre inline three-cylinder hybrid with lightweight transaxle motor and a high-output Nickle Metal Hydride battery. This is the only option, and powers  front-drive and all-wheel drive models.

Suspension is MacPherson strut at the front, and a Torsion beam at the back.

LBX has a sexy flowing exterior, eschewing the spindle grille for something more befitting the LEXUS buyer. There are no jarring lines and angles, with the look being smooth and altogether more pleasing.

The same goes for the cabin, with its Tazuna concept of “human-centred” interior design. Not only are superior materials used, but the LEXUS has a 12.3” driver display, a large HUD, and a 9.8” centre tablet, augmented with physical button and controls. The cabin looks and feels properly LEXUS.

LEXUS has extra cabin sound deadening, and the full suite of safety and driver aids such as:  Proactive Driving Assist, Pre-Crash Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist.

Like the GX, LBX will be “assessed” by LEXUS to see whether or not the boutique player can support these extra models on the Australian lineup.

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