Lexus LBX and GX priced for Australia

LEXUS Australia has announced pricing for its LBX compact SUV and off-road-ready GX range this week, the pair scheduled for launch within the coming months.

Pricing for the duo kicks off at $47,550 and $116,000 plus on-road costs respectively.

Lexus Australia says the LBX range will arrive in local showrooms from March 18, and that two- and all-wheel drive versions of the model will be available from launch.

“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,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.

“It has all the luxury, craftsmanship, high quality and signature driving experience you will find in any car wearing a Lexus badge – at a remarkably tempting price.”

The Lexus LBX is based on the Toyota Yaris Cross and will serve as something of a spiritual successor to the Lexus CT200h.

According to Lexus designers, the LBX was engineered with a lightweight body that is highly rigid and boasts a low centre of gravity to improve safety and dynamics. The model is powered by an efficient 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and electric motor combination coupled with a lightweight transaxle and nickel-metal hydride battery.

Total system power is rated at 100kW and 185Nm to provide a claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds. Fuel consumption details are still to be advised.

The combination is used in both front- and all-wheel drive variants. Both ride on strut front suspension with FWD models featuring a torsion beam rear setup and AWD models a double wishbone arrangement. The turning circle is listed at 10.4m.

It is likely the model will compete against high-grade versions of Light SUV segment competitors, including soon-to-be-defunct Ford’s Puma ST-Line V (at $36,390 plus on-road costs) and Volkswagen’s T-Cross 85TSI Style (at $33,490 +ORC).

“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,” Mr Pappas continued.

The Lexus LBX will be joined in mid-2024 by the arrival of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado-based GX off-roader. It will be the ninth all-new, or new-generation Lexus to be launched Down Under in just over two and a half years.

Mr Pappas says he expects the GX to sell upwards of 10,000 units per annum for “the foreseeable future” and is pleased with the strong level of interest shown in the model to date.

“We are delighted with the response to GX so far,” he said.

“It has genuine appeal in the way it delivers trademark Lexus luxury and craftsmanship with rugged off-road performance suited to tough Australian conditions.

“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 Lexus GX line-up opens with the GX550 Luxury priced from $116,000 + ORC. The grade is topped by the mid-tier GX550 Overtrail from $122,250 + ORC – designed, Lexus says, specifically for the great outdoors – and top shelf GX550 Sports Luxury from $128,200 + ORC.

All Lexus GX variants are powered by the same 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 260kW from 4800-5200rpm, and a strong 650Nm of torque from 2000-3600rpm.

Power is channelled through a 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and second gear start function, driving all four wheels though a full-time 4WD system with low-range gearing and a locking centre differential.

Braked towing for Luxury and Overtrail grades is listed at 3500kg (braked) while the Sports Luxury grade drops to 3130kg (braked).

In addition to Vehicle Owner Benefits of free Lexus service loan cars, vehicle collection and drop-off and capped price servicing, Lexus GX and LBX customers are gifted complimentary three-year membership to the Lexus Encore program.

Encore adds what Lexus says is a thoughtful touch of personal luxury with VIP offers through Lexus partner hotels and restaurants, invitations to exclusive events, movie and Ampol fuel offers, and DriveCare 24/7 roadside assistance^.

The on-sale date for the Lexus GX will be announced closer to its launch.

2024 Lexus LBX pricing*:

2024 Lexus GX 550 pricing: