Until the company officially confirms the next-gen GX550, we’ll stick to the old nameplate and badge. But, it seems like engineers will test some novelties on this SUV. The 2024 Lexus GX 460 Hybrid is just a small piece of the puzzle that will be completed with the arrival of the GX 550.
What do we know so far? Lexus filed for a new trademark. That finally means the new generation of the GX is coming out, after 15 years. But, it won’t happen before 2025. Nevertheless, the development of the vehicle has started, and the appearance is just a matter of date.
Meanwhile, some novelties can be put to test for the 2024 YM. That is the hybrid unit. There are no doubts that the third series of luxury SUVs will use such a system, eventually, drop a petrol configuration. But, that is not happening so soon. Meanwhile, a V8 stays the main power source, a hybrid joins the lineup next season, and a V6 will probably arrive as a replacement for the 2025 YM.
2024 Lexus GX 460 Hybrid Specs
This is not a big surprise, but we expected the company to wait until they obtain rights for the new nameplate and launch the next-gen SUV. Since the competition is growing stronger, Lexus had to speed up the entire process. So, the 2024 Lexus GX 460 Hybrid is coming out a little bit earlier than planned.
Another question is – what kind of engine the new system is going to use? There are a few options in the rest of the Toyota and Lexus lineup. But, none fits so well to the GX. For example, a larger LX SUV introduced the I Force Max configuration. But, 439 hp and 580 lb-ft of torque is suitable for the full-size segment. It would be too much for the 2024 Lexus GX 460 Hybrid. Basic I Force is not a hybrid. A lighter battery could fix that.
A mid-size SUV with a hybrid engine is RX. But, a downgrade from a V8 to a four-cylinder unit is too much. Even the RX500h with 366 horsepower wouldn’t make fans of the GX happy. It is still a turbo-four mill. So, we must look for a solution somewhere between, which probably means a new configuration. A small V6 block with electric support with 300-350 hp and excellent off-road capabilities is the goal.
When Will 2024 Lexus GX 460 Hybrid Be Available?
Bosses don’t want to wait for the USPTO to allow them to use the GX550 badge. The new generation, with all the styling and interior tech upgrades, can wait. But, the 2024 Lexus GX 460 Hybrid won’t. So, fans can expect the announcement of this vehicle by the end of this year, probably in the final months. The price is totally unpredictable since there are no details available and we can’t find any suitable system in the current lineup. But, be sure that luxury SUV is going out at a premium price.
GX550: Expectations, Fresh Look, New Engines
Of course, as soon as fans spotted the new nameplate in the USPTO, they knew what is going on. The next-gen GX is finally coming out, after years of waiting and tons of speculations. But, besides the badge, we don’t know too much more about the upcoming SUV.
One thing is sure – the number in the name is not indicating the displacement anymore. A V8 is dropped from the Lexus LX lineup and replaced with a turbo-six. Plus, the I Force Max is a hybrid alternative with more power and torque. The main goal was to reduce fuel consumption. The LX is not returning some stunning mileage but has a big improvement compared to the previous version and a V8 setup.
We expect the same from the GX550. A 4.6-liter unit is providing exceptional performance, especially off the road. But it is also very thirsty. The 2024 Lexus GX 460 Hybrid will fix that. But, fans of old-school systems won’t transfer to new technology so easily. So, a smaller and more efficient block is needed to cover that up. When the hybrid shows up, it might unveil what to expect from the standard setup.
Also, the upcoming SUV is going to introduce a fresh design for the GX. Again, details are unavailable. From what we can find out from various sources – the GX550 should be slightly larger, the interior is all-new with all the advanced options and technologies Lexus is offering, and a special F Sport is the top-of-the-line version.
Verdict
The SUV was always one of the high-rated models. Now, with the redesign and more efficient ride, it is hard to see what other companies can rival Lexus and the GX550. The GX460 hybrid will test some of the new technologies on the old model, which is stepping down in 2025.