Lexus RX300 revealed

THIS is the face of the new off-roader that will enable Lexus to take on BMW's X5 3.0i and Mercedes-Benz's ML 320.

The new RX300 is due for international release in 2002 but we won't get it until 2003, according to Lexus Australia.

There is no official word on pricing but - based on where its rivals are positioned - expect it to cost around $70,000 in today's money.

Lexus's only four-wheel drive combatant at present is the super-luxurious LX470, which at $131,690 is priced well above the X5 4.4i ($107,850) and ML 430 ($95,500). The opulent, leather-lined mud-raker earned just 335 sales last year - or less than 30 a month.

The arrival of the RX300 should significantly boost Lexus's share of the potentially lucrative premium off-roader segment.

Mercedes-Benz has been reaping the dividends of being the first luxury brand to wade into the off-roader segment.

Its M-class racked up 2734 sales last year, accounting for almost a third of its passenger car sales.

BMW has followed suit with its X5, which is also proving a strong seller - particularly since the launch of the 3.0-litre variant in March.

Lexus Australia actually put its hand up for the existing RX300 a couple of years ago, but the local subsidiary was unable to convince Japan of the wisdom of selling the vehicle here. It was subsequently forced to sit and watch as its German rivals cashed in on the lucrative segment.

Several grey-import RX300s can be seen on Australian roads but the vehicle Lexus will offer is the next generation model, which shares its platform with the all-new Camry - the international version, not ours. Australia's next Camry will continue to use the same platform as the existing Altona-built car.

The new RX300 will also share its 3.0-litre V6 engine with the new Camry and imminent Lexus ES300.

This powerplant features variable valve timing and cranks out 157kW and 298Nm.

The engine will be mated to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission.

US-spec versions of the RX300 are available in four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive configurations, but we will get only the former.

Equipment levels should be generous with Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), traction control, anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist among the standard features.