New Lexus models coming: GX, LBX, LF-ZC, and more

Lexus Australia smashed its sales record in 2023, surpassing 10,000 new-vehicle registrations for the first time in the process.

The Japanese brand's growth was driven by new-generation versions of the NX midsized SUV and RX large SUV, and it's not done there with luxury sports utility vehicles.

Its smallest SUV yet arrives in 2024, along with another large SUV in the form of the Prado-based GX.

We provide the lowdown on those models and others below, as well as looking a bit further into the future with the vehicles that will help carry Lexus towards a fully electrified showroom by 2035.

JUMP AHEAD

• LBX compact SUV
• GX large 4X4 SUV
• LM luxury people-mover
• UX small SUV updated
• LF-ZC electric sedan concept
• LF-ZL electric SUV concept

LBX – H1 2024

Set to be the most affordable Lexus model offered, the LBX will arrive in the first half of 2024 as the posh spin-off of the Toyota Yaris Cross baby SUV.

The LBX may share a platform and similar, 4.2-metre length with the Toyota but it features different styling treatment for its exterior and interior.

And while it utilises the same three-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, the Lexus adopts a bigger battery for its version of the hybrid set-up.

A twin-model range comprises a front-wheel-drive Luxury and an all-wheel-drive Sports Luxury. In addition to an extra (rear) electric motor, the more expensive variant also features a more sophisticated multilink rear suspension and a higher equipment level that includes a Mark Levinson audio system.

Pricing is yet to be announced, though expect a starting price in the mid-$40K region.

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GX – Q2 2024

The second quarter of 2024 will see the first GX 4WD in 14 years – and a debut for the badge in Australia.

The GX is essentially Lexus’s upmarket sibling to the Toyota Prado (and the relationship is obvious from the A-pillar backwards).

Set to take on competitors such as the new Ineos Grenadier, Land Rover Defender 110, and Mercedes-Benz GLE, the GX will come with a seven-seater layout – or five seats with the Overtrail model that gains additional features for enhanced off-roading ability.

A 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and 10-speed auto is the only confirmed drivetrain so far, with a hybrid variant possible down the track.

In the now-extensive Lexus SUV line-up, the GX will sit above the RX and below the LX (with which it shares its LandCruiser 300 architecture).

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LM500h – Early 2024

Lexus released its first ever people-mover in late 2023 with its exuberantly styled LM.

It launched initially with the LM350h entry model, which costs from $165,888 before on-road costs, comes with either front- or all-wheel drive, and features a seven-seater (2-2-3) layout.

Early 2024 sees the addition of a $220,888 LM500h Ultra Luxury flagship fit for Succession’s Roy family.

Not only does it bring a more powerful hybrid drivetrain, but there’s a four-seater, first-class-style layout that features two rear ‘VIP thrones’, a 48-inch widescreen display with 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and a glass barrier that can block out the chauffeur for absolute privacy.

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UX300h – TBC

Lexus Australia added an upgraded version of its UX300e electric compact SUV in late 2023, though will 2024 also bring an updated hybrid UX?

The brand is tight-lipped for now, but a UX300h model has been confirmed for the US market for early 2024.

Replacing the UX250h, the UX300h switches its battery chemical from nickel-metal-hydride to lithium-ion in a debut for Lexus’s fifth-generation hybrid system.

Power improves from 131 to 146kW, while Lexus USA says the updated UX hybrid also brings fuel-efficiency improvements.

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LF-ZC – 2026

An electric grand tourer confirmed for 2026 was previewed by the LF-ZC concept at the 2023 Tokyo motor show.

With initials representing Lexus Future Zero-emissions Catalyst, the production model is promising to bring a range in excess of 1000km.

The ultra-sleek, four-door GT – which has a height of just 1390mm, and a body length of 4.75 metres - has an ultra-aerodynamic, coefficient of drag target of 0.2.

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LF-ZL – TBC

The Lexus Future Zero-emissions Luxury is a "flagship future model" that was showcased in Tokyo alongside the LF-ZC.

Sharing a new modular architecture with the ZC GT, the ZL concept is a limo-style SUV with a 5.3-metre length and enourmous 3.35-metre wheelbase.

Just don't expect the B-pillar-omitting sliding electric rear doors for the production version.

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We'll also have to wait to see how much of the concept's interior carries over into reality. The LF-ZL features a yoke steering wheel flanked by smartphone-sized control/display pads.

Larger screens dominate the rest of the dash, including one for the front passenger.

Most fascinating, arguably, is the Arene operating system that Lexus says will bring AI voice command, OTA (over the air) updates, and the ability to connect Lexuses with the outside world.

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