Written by | Fiesta ST
Edit | Ya Lan
Compared to its well-known quietness and high quality, Lexus was not a car brand known for its "big" models. However, recently there have been overseas media reports that Lexus will launch a larger SUV model , the Lexus TX, which is expected to be officially launched in 2023.
Foreign media imagination map
The Lexus TX is expected to be a larger SUV than the Lexus RX L, and its most important selling point is undoubtedly the third row of seats, the body size is expected to be comparable to bmw X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and other products, compared to the Lexus RX L will have more space - there have been rumors that Toyota will launch a three-row SUV model larger than the Hanlanda size, and may be named "Grand Highlander". According to people familiar with the matter, the Lexus TX is based on the Toyota Grand Highlander with the same platform. That said, the Lexus TX's chunks are likely to reach full-size SUV ratings. Judging from the current network rumors, Lexus TX may also launch an 8-seat version.
Foreign media imagination map
Earlier this year, Toyota applied for the registration of the trademark name of lexus TX models at the U.S. National Patent Office, including the TX350, TX500h and TX550h+. If you speculate according to the naming law of Lexus, the TX350 is expected to be a fuel version, the TX500h will be equipped with a gasoline-electric hybrid power system, and the TX550h+ is a plug-in hybrid model. According to foreign media estimates, the TX350 model will be equipped with a 2.4T in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the TX500h model may be equipped with a hybrid system composed of the same 2.4T engine, and the TX550h+ model may be equipped with a plug-in hybrid system composed of the same 2.4T engine, electric motor and battery pack.
Lexus RX L
In the Chinese market, the largest of Lexus' currently officially launched models is the RX L. Positioned as a medium-sized SUV, the RX L is 11 cm longer than the RX Standard Edition, with a body length of 5 meters, but the wheelbase is still the same as the RX, only 2790mm. In contrast, although the body length of the 4930mm Is slightly shorter than the RX L, the wheelbase reaches 2995mm, and the smaller wheelbase makes the space performance of the RX L significantly inferior to the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Compared with the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 of the same class, the RX L is also unable to occupy an advantage in body size and space performance.
Known as the "Deluxe Edition Land Ranger", the Lexus LX
The Lexus LX, which has a body size of 5070*1980*1910, is not currently in the official sales system of Lexus in China. Moreover, the LX belongs to the hardcore SUV that emphasizes off-road performance, with the same platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser, using a non-load-bearing body structure, although its off-road capability is not inferior to the BBA class, or even exceeded, but in terms of comfort and luxury, it is still inferior to competitors. On the other hand, the Lexus LX, which is equipped with a V8 engine and consumes a lot of fuel, is also a bit behind the times in today's market.
As far as the current market competitive situation of luxury SUV markets is concerned, Lexus urgently needs a model that can break the wrist with Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 in size, and also has better comfort and luxury. Today's luxury SUV consumers are increasingly leaning toward models with higher tech and more quiet interior space, rather than models with better off-road performance but relatively rugged ones. The rumored Lexus TX is clearly aiming at this segment.
Infiniti QX80
But even aside from opponents like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, and even the Range Rover, full-size SUVs have never been Lexus' strengths, or even Japanese SUVs. The maximum size of the Infiniti QX80 even reached 5303*2030*1927, and the wheelbase also reached 3075, but it has always been very marginal in the Chinese market. In fact, the Land Cruiser, which is more famous than the Lexus LX, has also seen a significant decline in sales in recent years. In the final analysis, toyota's iron fans can't resist the more luxurious, more comfortable and more faceful trident stars and blue sky and white clouds.
With TNGA's new architecture and hybrid technology, lexus TX may be able to achieve the same level of hardware as BBA. But at the brand level, although Lexus also has a considerable number of fans, it is still difficult to beat the BBA in the "Hi-End" full-size SUV field - Lexus's biggest advantage over other luxury brands is reliability, economy, and for owners who can consume this level of model, reliability and economy may be the most secondary consideration.
Lotus Eletre
Not to mention, under today's wave of electrification, in front of it is also an alternative opponent of Tesla Model X, and the recently launched Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, and even lotus Eletre (Geely Holdings and localization, which may bring it a huge price advantage), will also become a powerful player in this market segment.
It is worth mentioning that Lexus is also accelerating the electrification process, and its pioneering work RZ can be described as very eye-catching, and whether it can accelerate the launch of pure electric models on larger models may be the key to whether Lexus can achieve greater success in the field of large cars.
Big SUV has never been Lexus's strength, although Lexus TX has its own unique charm, to break through from this market surrounded by wolves, Lexus TX still has a long way to go, the future is still unknown.